Week 1 Fantasy Preview: Vikings Vs Saints

Thursday marks the kickoff for this years NFL season. It also means fantasy football is here. After all the fantasy drafts and smack talk, it's time to put the teams on the field. Here is a preview of what players you should use, and which ones to stay away from, in the Thursday night game. Minnesota is matched against the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Playing at home, the Saints will be favored to win. The Vikings are looking for revenge. Here is a breakdown of fantasy players in the game.

Brett Favre had a great season last year. Nobody expects another season like the previous one, except me. Look for Favre to amaze everyone one more year. Starting out against the Super Bowl champs will be no easy task. I expect Favre to have a decent opening week, but nothing great in fantasy numbers. Look for Favre to throw for 250 yards with only one touchdown. He is missing Sydney Rice at wide-out. For week one I would look elsewhere for a fantasy quarterback. Playing on the road against the defending champs, using Favre could put your fantasy team in an early hole. Be safe, and use a different QB for week one.

Drew Brees on the other hand has everything going for him. He returns with his receivers. The Saints will throw the ball often against Minnesota. Look for Brees to challenge the Vikes secondary. Minnesota will however put much pressure on the Saints QB. If Brees is your QB, you have to play him. Expect Brees to throw for 300 yards, and at least two touchdowns. I would worry about the Minnesota pass rush taking Brees out. Jared Allen and company have waited all summer for their chance at revenge. If Brees avoids the rush, he will put up big fantasy football numbers in week one.

Adrian Peterson may have cost the Vikings the NFC championship last year. His fumbles were very costly against the Saints. Peterson will be out to prove that he can be trusted to hold on to the ball. Look for Peterson to carry the load for the Vikes against the Saints. If you have Peterson, play him this week, and every other week that he is available. For the Vikings to win this game, Peterson must carry the ball like the elite runner he is. Peterson will have well over 100 yards rushing. Look for Peterson to keep Minnesota in the game by scoring at least two touchdowns. My only concern would be the heat in the Superdome zapping Peterson's stamina. Other than that, I see Peterson being the star of the game for Minnesota. He is one of the top backs in fantasy football.

Stay away from the Saints runners in fantasy football for week one. It is a terrible match-up, pure and simple. The Saints will only use the run to keep the Vikes pass rush honest. Pierre Thomas will only have 60 or so yards rushing. Reggie Bush will be used as a change of pace, and may score on a pass reception. If you have to play a fantasy football runner for the Saints, go with Bush. Most of you will have backs that have much easier match-ups this week.

Minnesota will probably score only once by air. With the wide-outs in shambles, look for the tight end to score. Favre to Shiancoe seems to be their best red zone passing option. Other than Shiancoe, stay away from the Viking pass catchers. Use some other wide-outs for your fantasy football team this week.

The Saints receivers are all decent fantasy football plays this week. The Viking secondary will have their hands full trying to cover everyone. Colston and Jeremy Shockey are both good bets to have big games. Brees will spread the wealth, but Colston should have a 100 yard game receiving. Play him for your fantasy football team against Minnesota's suspect secondary.

Both kicking teams should be used if you have them. Both teams will move the ball, Minnesota on the ground, and the Saints by air. Playing indoors will help the kickers as well. No reason not to use either place kicker for your fantasy football team.

Both clubs have solid special teams and defenses. Unless you have the Jets special team/defense, you will want to use one of these for your fantasy football team. I am looking for a close game, to be decided by a big play on defense. Whatever team causes more turnovers will win. That point was proved in last seasons NFC championship game.

Resources: Bleacherreport.com