Monday Night Football Fantasy Value: Decision-Maker

You've waited all week long to see the "game of the week" pitting the undefeated New Orleans Saints (10-0) against the New England Patriots, and now it's finally here .

While I'm sure the NFL world is collectively holding it's breath as it waits to see if the Patriots are a serious match for the Saints (as many do believe), we also can't help but think of the fantasy implications this game could provide us.

By now, we are all well aware of what Drew Brees and Tom Brady are capable of, so from a fantasy stand-point, there is no reason for any analysis for them, nor for several of their other "stud" counter-parts.

Actively, and freely, drop the following into your line-up tonight, and then read on for the other lesser played guys that could have some fantasy potential :

These players should own a starting spot on your team if you have them: Brady, Brees, Marques Colston, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Pierre Thomas, Laurence Maroney.

New Orleans Saints

RB Mike Bell

Bell looks to be back to form after scoring two touchdowns last week, and while the Patriots are no easy task as far as run defenses are concerned, Bell should still get the rock 10-plus times, enough of a role to fill-in as a solid Flex play this week.

If you're debating between him and Reggie Bush, go with Bell.

Prediction: 12 att, 44 yds, 1 TD, 2 rec, 9 yds, 0 TD

RB Reggie Bush

Bush sat out last week, one week after breaking out with 80-plus rushing yards and two total scores in Week 10. Bush has the explosiveness many had begun to think was fading, but his recent injury, as well as his inconsistent role, should leave him on the bench in favor of Thomas and Bell, and even New England's Laurence Maroney. We'll give him the nod over Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris, but only by a hair over Faulk.

Prediction: 5 att, 28 yds, 0 TD, 3 rec, 22 yds, 0 TD

WR Devery Henderson

Henderson hasn't done jack in three weeks now, and garnered a woeful -2 yards on one catch last week. The Patriots can definitely be beat deep, and considering they're likely to limit Marques Colston as much as possible, the potential is still there. He's a decent WR3 if you're desperate.

Prediction: 3 rec, 22 yds, 0 TD

WR Robert Meachem

We listed Meachem below Henderson because we like to save the best for last when it comes to Saints receivers. Lance Moore is riddled with injuries and inconsistency this year, giving Meachem the leg up even when Moore is healthy, while we even lie Meachem above Henderson lately. He's scored at least one touchdown in four straight, and has just as much deep-threat potential as Henderson does. He's a WR3 this week as well, and we're grading him a notch higher.

Prediction: 4 rec, 76 yds, 1 TD

TE Jeremy Shockey

Shockey hasn't been living up to his name or role lately, grabbing just eight passes for 80-plus yards in his past three games. New England's linebackers are fairly decent against tight ends, as well, with very skilled and athletic backers covering the opponent's tight ends. We like Shockey to get off the schneid a bit this week, as it's very likely Drew Brees is very busy all of Monday night.

Prediction: 6 rec, 70 yds, 1 TD

New England Patriots

WR Julian Edelman

Edelman hasn't registered more than three catches in a game since his return from injury, but his touchdown reception two weeks ago leaves the door open to some strong optimism. The Saints can and will be run on tonight, but Edelman can do some solid damage if the Patriots even have to throw a little. He projects as a low-end WR3, but if the passes start flying, he could go off.

Prediction: 6 rec, 45 yds, 0 TD

RB Kevin Faulk

Faulk saw his role diminish from an impressive 12 carries for 79 yards to just two carries and four yards in just one week, officially rendering him as a spot play, and leaving his overall role in the offense very unreliable. He is very useful when the Patriots are passing the ball a lot, especially on third downs, but with Laurence Maroney playing so well, expect his touches to continue to be fairly limited.

Prediction: 5 att, 17 yds, 0 TD, 4 rec, 24 yds, 1 TD

RB Sammy Morris

Morris was a game-time decision last week and ended up among the inactives, and is facing the same fate heading into the game with New Orleans. Regardless of his status, Morris cannot be safely deployed on any fantasy roster until we know his role in the rushing attack. Considering how well Maroney has been playing, Morris figures to be brought back rather slowly.

Prediction: Inactive

TE Benjamin Watson

Watson continues to be a "shot in the dark" tight end, as he simply is not a major target in the Patriots passing offense, and is almost strictly valuable near the goal-line. Considering New England has been pounding the rock once they get inside the red-zone, all hands should be off Watson this week, unless you had an injury and have no better options.

Prediction: 2 rec, 16 yds, 0 TD