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Written by Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Many people think that 2010 will finally be the year that Pierre Thomas fully breaks out and explodes onto the scene.  My question for those people is…  Why?

Don’t get me wrong, Thomas is a solid running back and could emerge as a Top 10-15 RB, but that’s about his upper limit in my mind.  However, he’s currently the 16th running back being drafted (with an ADP of 29.00 according to Mock Draft Central).

Basically, he’s being drafted about where I think his best-case scenario is.  I know, he’s likely to finally be the #1 running back in New Orleans, but there are a few reasons that I’m skeptical heading into the season.

First of all, the presence of Reggie Bush.  While Thomas may get the bulk of the carries, Bush has proven to be a dynamic third down/change of pace back.  He’s going to be in the game as a receiving option and a playmaker, but don’t discount his ability to run the ball as well.

Granted, the team is not likely to hand the ball off to him time and time again, in order to keep him healthy.  Still, this past weekend he proved just how dangerous he could be on the ground rushing seven times for 49 yards and a touchdown.

The Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints are a fantasy friendly bunch. Big things should be in store for them in 2010 as well.

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule: Moderate
On paper they have a cakewalk (Rams in Week 14), a dogfight (Ravens in Week 15), and a tough divisional match-up (Falcons in Week 16). The Baltimore game is in the road, and they could possibly run into some tough weather.

Five Star Fantasy Options
Drew Brees – Brees is easily one of the premier QBs (fantasy and reality) in the league. Throwing for 4000+ yards and 30+ TDs has become commonplace. He’s as consistent as they come.

Marques Colston – He has more weapons to share with Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson’s development, but he is still the go-to-guy.

Four Star Fantasy Options
Pierre Thomas – Staying healthy is the key, but PT is one of the most versatile backs in the league. He could approach 1500 total yards and double-digit scores.

Three Star Fantasy Options
Reggie Bush – Bush is obviously more valued in PPR leagues, but he has some value in standard leagues as well. He could easily approach 1000 total yards and 8-10 TDs.

Two Star Fantasy Options
Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson – I like both of these young WRs, but I value Meachem a little more. Meachem had 722 yards and 9 TDs. Henderson had 804 yards and 2 scores.

Jeremy Shockey – His mouth could lead you to believe he’s better than he actually is. He will get some yards, but he’s just as likely to injure himself.

Saints Defense/Special Teams – Their D isn’t great, but they are well coached. Darren Sharper is a perfect fit for this defense racking up INTs.

One Star Fantasy Options
Lynell Hamilton – Hamilton will take over for Mike Bell. He’ll need a PT injury to have consistent value.

Lance Moore – Injuries cost him last year, and given the success Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem shared, he could see few opportunities in 2010.

Click here for additional 2010 NFL Team Previews.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Marques Colston’s impressive young NFL career took a little bit of a break last year as he was limited with injuries.  He still managed 47 receptions for 760 yards and 5 TDs in 11 games.  It just doesn’t compare to the 84 receptions, 1120 yards, an 9.5 TDs he averaged in his first two years.  His 16.2 yards per catch was a career high for those of you looking for consolation on a failed draft pick last year.  Of course if you were able to make the fantasy football playoffs with him, you enjoyed the 183 yards and 2 TDs he got in Weeks 15 & 16.

His 2008 troubles should get you Colston at a discounted rate.  You can get him in the third round and possibly even stretch him out into the 4th round.  When I have WRs on the same plane, I tend to look at their QB and their environment.  Colston has Drew Brees at QB, which helps put him at the top of the next tier for me.  Plus, he plays his home games in a dome.  Those factors put him in the top ten of WRs for me.  I’m expecting a 90 reception, 1200 yard, 9 TD season from Colston.

Written by Eric Stashin the Rotoprofessor

The Saints were equal parts bad Defense and injuries on Offense.  They have Drew Brees coming back though, so there should be no worries on Offense.  At least not in the passing game.  Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush form a pretty dynamic RB pair.  Obviously Bush will need to be more durable next year.  Deuce McAllister will be released if he doesn’t restructure his contract and take a pay cut.  Lance Moore was a pleasant surprise and a fantasy hero last year.  He’s a Restricte Free Agent, but the Saints are most likely going to sign him.  He’ll team up with Marques Colston.  Unrestricted Free Agent Devery Henderson has likely played his last downs in a Saints uniform.  Robert Meachem will get an opportunity to step up.  Jeremy Shockey and Billy Miller form a solid TE duo.  Shockey needs to prove he can stay healthy.  They have some Free Agents on the O-Line (Jon Stinchcomb, Jahri Evans, Zach Strief, and Matt Lehr).  It’s highly unlikely they keep all four so they could look to add depth on their line. 

Defensively, the Saints need to address Free Agent Jonathan Vilma, who led the team with 132 tackles last year.  S Josh Bullocks is also an Unrestricted Free Agent.  He had 41 tackles last year.  The Saints need to improve their pass rush as they recorded just 28 Sacks last year.  Once again the Defense is a more pressing need than their Offense.

**UPDATE:  Deuce McAlliser was cut**

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