The anticipated showdown between the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots turned out to be a dud Monday night. The Saints dominated from start to finish to wind up with a 38-17 victory.

Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees was the first quarterback taken in most fantasy drafts this year and his performance Monday night showed the pick was justified. He threw for 371 yards and five touchdowns to five different players.

On the flip side, Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw for just 237 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns, becoming a non-fantasy factor for the first week this season. New England receiver Wes Welker was the only player on his team to post any meaningful fantasy stats.

Brees may well be the most valuable commodity in fantasy football this season but the same can’t be said for the rest of his offensive teammates on the 11-0 Saints. Brees is so adept as spreading the ball around that his receivers and running backs have had up and down weeks all season.

Marques Colston is the closest thing the Saints have to a top-tier receiver (48 catches, 808 yards, 7 touchdowns), but even he had had three straight quiet weeks before erupting in the second half on Monday. He finished with four catches for 121 yards and a TD.

Injury update: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan suffered a turf toe injury on Sunday and has been ruled out of this weekend’s game. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme broke a finger on his throwing hand against Tampa Bay and is considered doubtful for Sunday. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner, who both sat on the bench with concussions Sunday, should be back this weekend.

Atlanta running back Michael Turner re-sprained his ankle and is questionable for Sunday. Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams also suffered a sprained ankle and is day-to-day.

Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson sustained a concussion against Washington but it is not considered a severe one. He should be a game-time decision.

Eagle’s tight end Brent Celek injured his thumb but head coach Andy Reid said he may be able to play on Sunday. Detroit tight end Brandon Pettigrew is out for the year after with a knee injury suffered against the Packers on Thanksgiving day.

Players to jettison: Buffalo wideout Lee Evans has just three catches in the last two weeks and is obviously not a favorite of new starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. It’s time to let Evans go.

N.Y. Giants’ running back Brandon Jacobs went up against a suspect run defense in the Denver Broncos on Sunday and managed just 27 yards on 11 carries. He had not had a 100-yard game all seasons and has just three touchdowns. Cut him loose.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler can still serve as a decent fantasy back-up but his starting days are over. Look for a better option.

Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has all but disappeared for the Bengals the last four games. He shouldn’t be dropped, but he shouldn’t be in your starting lineup, either.

Players to pick-up: Larry Johnson has a new home with the Bengals and that appears to have bolstered his performance as well. The running back rushed 22 times for 107 yards Sunday and should get his share of carries the rest of the way.

Buffalo running back Fred Jackson re-surfaced last week with 15 carries for 73 yards and two touchdowns and five catches for 43 yards. With Marshawn Lynch nursing a shoulder injury, Jackson should get his opportunities.

Tennessee quarterback Vince Young has made himself a viable fantasy back-up with his play in recent weeks. Always a threat to run one in, Young threw for 387 yards and a touchdown Sunday.

As long at Matt Ryan is out, Atlanta’s Chris Redman (243 yards, 2 TDs vs. Tampa Bay) should also be a serviceable back-up.



Jim Rueda is the Free Press sports editor. To contact him, call 344-6381 or e-mail him at jrueda@mankatofreepress.com.