Week 1: Vikings @ Saints Preview

Overview: Obviously the big storyline in this matchup will be the rematch of the NFC Championship game and the return of Brett Favre. The Vikings are in a rough spot right now with Favre rusty after missing most of training camp, an injured receiving corp, and an offensive line that has not played well as of late. The Saints will be similar to their 2009 team, with a few changes on the defensive side of the ball.

Matchups To Watch:

- Vikings OLT Bryant McKinnie vs. Saints DRE Will Smith: McKinnie looked awful at times in the preseason, and it is clear that Favre does not play well under heavy pressure. If the vikings want a chance at winning this game, McKinnie has to play well.

- Vikings RCB Chris Cook vs. Saints WR Devery Henderson: With Cedric Griffin coming off a torn ACL, rookie second round pick Chris Cook will start at cornerback. His first NFL test will be against the most pass-happy team in the NFL.

- Vikings DRE Jared Allen vs. Saints OLT Jermon Bushrod: Everyone knows how good Jared Allen is, but not too many people realize how well Jermon Bushrod played last season. This will be a good matchup.

Fantasy Outlook:

Quarterbacks: Brett Favre will have a lot of trouble throwing against the solid Saints secondary, and the Saints front seven will pressure him all day. In addition Favre will be without Sidney Rice and maybe even Percy Harvin. If you have a solid second option at quarterback, it would be a good time to start him. As for Drew Brees, he will be playing in his dome, with all his weapons and a young cornerback and sketchy safety play for the Vikings. Brees should be starting on your fantasy team.

Running Backs: I expect a heavy dosage of Adrian Peterson for the Vikings. The Saints front seven had some trouble stopping the run last season, and Peterson will be a huge task for the New Orleans linebackers. Peterson is a must start. I could see him getting over 150 yards. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush should get some opportunities to run the ball, but both would only be flex options. If you have a solid bench there are better options out there.

Receivers: Marques Colston will be matched up against Antoine Winfield, who should give him troubles, but colston has a height advantage that will be hard for any cover-2 cornerback to deal with. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem could have some solid production working against the Vikings secondary that is missing Cedric Griffin. Henderson could be a person to start in the flex. Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas are both solid starting options at tight end. Bernard Berrian and Greg Camarillo should see a lot of passes thrown their way, both could start in the flex. Visanthe Shiancoe is a must start at tight end.

Prediction

The Saints put up big numbers off of Favre turnovers and Adrian Peterson's efforts are not enough to put the Vikings past the Saints.

Final Score: Saints: 31, Vikings: 14

Top Fantasy Performer: Adrian Peterson (27-151-2)