News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees was a standout again in Week 17 against Carolina. Brees passed for 396 yards, giving him 5,177 this season. That makes him the first player to eclipse 5,000 yards three times. His four touchdown passes gave him 43 in 2012, and he's the first player with 40 touchdown passes in consecutive seasons. His final stats against the Panthers were 29 of 43 passing for 396 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Analysis: Brees continues to prove he's an elite Fantasy quarterback, and he should continue to be amazing in 2013. We consider him a Top 3 passer in all formats, and he's worth drafting in Round 2 in the majority of standard leagues. We don't recommend drafting a quarterback in the first round, but if you want to take Brees as a Top 12 overall pick it would be hard to argue it.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees heads into Week 17 against Carolina with a good matchup and great history against the Panthers. In his past five meetings with the Panthers, Brees has four games with multiple touchdowns and three games with at least 325 passing yards. In Week 2, Brees had 325 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and a rushing touchdown for 21 Fantasy points. That was one of 11 20-plus Fantasy point outings for Brees this year, and he has at least 35 points in his past two games against the Buccaneers and Cowboys. The Panthers have also allowed five quarterbacks to reach at least 20 Fantasy points this year, including three in the past six games.
Analysis: Brees heads into the season finale as the No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in standard leagues. We expect him to finish strong in the final game at home, and he should remain active in all lineups this week.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees finished 37 of 53 for 446 yards passing -- matching his season high -- and three touchdowns during New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win at Dallas in Week 16. Brees completed a pass to seven different players as Marques Colston (153 yards) and Darren Sproles (104) both eclipsed the century mark. He connected on scores with Lance Moore (six yards), Pierre Thomas (five) and Dwyane Thomas (three) for his 10th outing of the season with at least three touchdowns. His 53 pass attempts also marked his second-highest total of the season.
Analysis: After an uncommonly poor finish to the month of November, Brees has rebounded in a big way at the end of the season and tallied seven touchdown passes with no interceptions over his past two games. In addition to his wideouts, he continues to rely on his running backs for short passes near the line of scrimmage to help surpass 4,500 passing yards for the third consecutive season, the first player in NFL history to accomplish that feat. Fantasy owners should keep Brees locked as a must-start in all formats for Week 17 against Carolina; he totaled 325 yards and a touchdown in the teams' previous meeting.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees has registered seven outings with at least five touchdown passes in his career. One of those performances came against Dallas, his opponent in Week 16. During that game in December 2006, Brees completed 26 of his 38 passes for 384 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. He will face off against a Cowboys team that has displayed improvement defending the pass this season and ranks 14th in the NFL. Dallas is surrendering 225.1 yards throughout the air on the year.
Analysis: While he is approaching 5,000 yards for the second straight season, Brees has been uncommonly wild this year and has been picked off 18 times, matching the second-highest total of his career. But he turned in a stellar performance last Sunday in a win over Tampa Bay as he racked up 307 yards and four touchdown passes, his NFL-record 17th game with 300-plus yards and four-plus touchdowns. The Cowboys are permitting an average of 16.5 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, but five players have accounted for multiple scores. Keep Brees locked in all Fantasy formats for Week 16.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees surpassed 300 passing yards for the 65th time in his career and managed at least four passing touchdowns for the 20th time in his career during a Week 15 win vs. Tampa Bay. Brees has managed four passing touchdowns three times this year, including twice against the Bucs. On Sunday, he threw touchdown passes to Darren Sproles (2 yards), Lance Moore (7 yards), David Thomas (9 yards) and Joe Morgan (34 yards). Brees finished 26 of 39 for 307 yards and was pulled with New Orleans leading 34-0 in the fourth quarter. He also had 11 rushing yards.
Analysis: Brees came into Week 15 mired in a major slump, with just one passing touchdown and seven interceptions in his last two games. Well, he rewarded those Fantasy owners who remained patient with the veteran quarterback. Brees definitely took advantage of a favorable matchup. Tampa Bay came into Week 15 yielding 323.5 passing yards and 21.6 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks. The Cowboys will prove to be a more difficult matchup Week 16, but Brees remains a viable Fantasy start in all formats.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees aims for a third straight win against NFC South rival Tampa Bay Week 15. Brees led New Orleans to a 35-28 win at Tampa Bay Week 7. Brees threw for 377 yards and four touchdowns. He has averaged 264.6 passing yards, while totaling 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 14 career games against the Bucs. Quarterbacks average 323.5 passing yards and 21.6 Fantasy points per week against the Bucs, which is the third-highest average in the NFL.
Analysis: Brees has been a pretty disappointing Fantasy option the last two weeks. While he has averaged 347.5 passing yards in his last two games, he has just one touchdown and seven interceptions. He is averaging nine Fantasy points in that span and we certainly come to expect more from the veteran quarterback. Brees has already surpassed 4,000 passing yards for a seventh straight season and 30 passing touchdowns for a fifth straight season. Despite his recent struggles, Brees remains a viable Fantasy start Week 15. The Bucs could be the remedy to get Brees back on track.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees finished 26 of 43 for 354 yards passing and one touchdown during the Saints' 52-27 loss at the Giants in Week 14. Brees was also picked off twice and has now piled up seven interceptions to just one touchdown pass over the past two games, both road losses. His lone touchdown pass went to running back Darren Sproles on 9-yard strike late in the third quarter. Brees took the Saints on drives of 81 and 67 yards in the second quarter, but each time the NFL's top red-zone offense settled for field goals by Garrett Hartley.
Analysis: Brees has been able to maintain his league-leading touchdown total (31), but has been unable to add to that mark as a result of his uncommon cold streak. He has kept his robust yardage totals and Sunday's game marked the fourth time this season he topped at least 350 passing yards. Brees' 18 interceptions this year are also the second-most he has recorded in his 12-year career. Fantasy owners can hope he bounces back at home during Week 15 against Tampa Bay, which allowed four touchdown passes by Brees in the teams' first meeting this season.
News: Normally a reliable player throughout his tenure with New Orleans, quarterback Drew Brees is in the midst of arguably his roughest patch as a member of the Saints. He has totaled seven interceptions, which includes a career-high five picks during his last game Thursday at Atlanta, and three touchdown passes over his past two games. But that hasn't deterred his competitive spirit entering Week 14 at the Giants. "He’s a competitor and a lot of the success that we’ve had around here is because of him," offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael told the team's official website. "He wants to go out and play perfect every game and it’s not a game of being perfect. We have all the trust and confidence in him and we have a good challenge this week."
Analysis: Prior to last Thursday's game, Brees had five interceptions over his past six outings combined as his precisions was not at its usual sterling rate. As a result, the NFL record of 54 consecutive games with a touchdown passes he owned was halted in the loss. "We’re not going to change anything he’s doing," Carmichael said. "You can’t put all of those mistakes on him." The Giants have been inconsistent defending the pass this season, permitting 245.2 passing yards per game as well as an average of 19.0 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Despite his struggles, Brees should remain active in all formats for Week 14.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees endured the worst performance of his career as he set a personal high for interceptions in a game and saw his NFL record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass comes to an end at 54 Thursday night against the Falcons in Week 13. Brees completed 28 of 50 passes for 341 yards but failed to find the end zone as he was picked off five times in a 23-13 defeat. He had several chances to keep his streak alive, but was picked off twice in his final two drives. He was sacked once and finished with a 37.6 passer rating. It was the first time Brees failed to throw a touchdown pass since Week 4 of the 2009 season.
Analysis: Bress was able to top 300 yards passing but did so in a disappointing manner as his throws looked flat at times. He has 16 interceptions, which is the most among any quarterback in the league. With the streak now snapped, Tom Brady owns the longest active streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass at 43. Brees is an elite Fantasy quarterback and we don't expect him to struggle like this moving forward. He should be able to bounce back heading into Week 14 on the road against the Giants. The Giants have allowed 252.6 passing yards per game, which is the eighth-most allowed in the league entering Week 13. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Brees as a must-start option in all formats heading into Week 14.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees heads into the Thursday night Week 13 game at Atlanta looking for another big performance against the Falcons. Brees has faired well against his division rival over the course of his career and has 13 touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions in his last five games against them. Brees faced the Falcons at home Week 10 and threw for 298 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Brees has thrown three touchdown passes in three consecutive games entering Thursday.
Analysis: Brees has not topped 300 passing yards since Week 7 against Tampa Bay, but he has thrown multiple touchdown passes in all but one game this season for the Saints. The Week 10 game this season was the only one in his last five versus Atlanta that he failed to top 300 passing yards. Atlanta has been solid at defending the quarterback position this season, allowing the sixth-fewest Fantasy points per game to the position. In fact, since Brees threw three TDs against them Week 10, Arizona's Ryan Lindley and John Skelton and Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman have all failed to throw for a touchdown against the Falcons. Brees blows those guys out of the water, however. He remains a must-start Fantasy quarterback in all leagues and formats for Week 13.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw three more touchdown passes in Week 12 against the 49ers. Brees, who has now thrown at least one score in an NFL record 54 straight games, connected with David Thomas on a 6-yard strike to extend the streak in the first quarter. He also hooked up Marques Colston on a 10-yard connection in the second before hitting Jed Collins on a bootleg from 2 yards away in the third period. However, Brees also threw a pair pick-sixes in the 31-21 defeat, including one by Ahmad Brooks, who rumbled 50 yards for a score just before halftime. Donte Whitner also returned a Brees interception 42 yards for a TD in the third quarter, which put San Francisco up 28-14. Brees completed 26 of his 41 pass attempts for 267 yards in the loss to go along with three TDs and two INTs.
Analysis: Brees certainly did not turn in his best effort Sunday, but still threw three TD passes for the third straight week. However, he was under constant pressure all game long and was sacked a season-high five times. The last time Brees was taken down that many times came back in Week 8 of last season against the Rams and he was picked off twice in that contest as well. Despite his somewhat rough outing, the 33-year-old still finished with 24 Fantasy points, in all CBSSports.com standard formats, and will now have to get ready to take on the Falcons in a few days as the Saints will be at Atlanta on Thursday night in Week 13. Brees threw for 298 yards and three scores in his first meeting against the Falcons this season and should remain active in all formats heading into that matchup.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be looking to extend a few streaks in Week 12 against the 49ers. Brees has thrown at least one touchdown pass in an NFL record 53 straight games and has completed at least 20 passes in 46 consecutive contests, which is also longest streak in NFL history. However, that could be easier said than done this week as he will be facing a San Francisco defense that is allowing an average of 183 passing yards per game. The 49ers have surrendered nine TDs through the air while yielding an average of just 11.4 Fantasy points to opposing QBs, which ranks first overall.
Analysis: Brees has been red-hot over past few weeks as he has thrown for 756 yards and eight scores over his last three games. His 28 TDs on the year rank tops in the NFL and he enters Sunday's matchup as the highest scoring Fantasy QB, in terms of Fantasy points, in all CBSSports.com standard formats. However, he looks to have a very tough matchup on tap against the 49ers. San Francisco's defense has only allowed three of the 10 opposing QBs it has faced thus far to throw for multiple scores and no gunslinger has thrown for more than two TDs in a single game. Still, Brees has thrown 12 scores compared to just two interceptions in his five career games against the 49ers and will most likely be chucking the ball all over the field this week as well. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with the 33-year-old as a must-start option, despite the tough matchup.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees did not throw for a ton of yards in Week 11 against the Raiders but that did not stop him from having an efficient performance. He completed 20 of 27 passes for 219 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the 38-17 win. Brees found tight end Jimmy Graham on a 1-yard scoring strike in the first quarter before hooking up with wideout Lance Moore from 38 yards out right before halftime. Moore was also on the receiving end of his third touchdown of the afternoon in the third quarter, this time from 15 yards out, and Brees gave way to backup Chase Daniel late in the game as New Orleans had built up a sizable lead. Brees, who posted a 134.6 passer rating in the victory, also surpassed 3,000 yards passing for the ninth straight season.
Analysis: Brees threw for under 220 yards for just the second time this season Sunday but had little trouble picking apart the Raiders while leading the Saints to their third straight win. He was now thrown at least one touchdown pass in an NFL-record 53 consecutive games and leads the league with his 28 scores. Few teams have been able to slow down the 33-year-old thus far and he should approach 5,000 yards passing for the second straight campaign. With the 49ers and their tough defense up next on the schedule, Brees remains a must-start Fantasy quarterback in all formats heading into Week 12.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been held under 300 yards passing in each of the previous three games but could be able to surpass that mark in Week 11 against the Raiders. Oakland ranks 24th in the league in pass defense, giving up nearly 256 yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 21.9 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In six career games against Oakland, Brees has gone 6-0 with a 120.7 passer rating.
Analysis: Brees has thrown at least one touchdown pass in an NFL-record 52 consecutive games and has 20-plus completions in 45 straight. While the Saints running game has been improved in recent weeks, the offense continues to run through the 33-year-old as he looks well on his way to tossing 40 touchdowns for the second straight campaign. The Raiders have surrendered at least one touchdown pass in all nine of their games thus far so continue to view Brees as a must-start Fantasy option for Week 11.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for fewer than 300 yards for the third straight game Week 10 against the Falcons, but he didn't miss that threshold by much, completing 21 of 32 passes for 298 yards. He also ended a two-game stretch in which he threw no more than two touchdown passes, connecting with tight end Jimmy Graham twice and wide receiver Marques Colston once. He almost had a second touchdown pass to Colston in the fourth quarter, but it was jarred loose as the wide receiver was coming down with the ball. Brees did throw an interception in the game -- on the Saints' first offensive play, actually -- but considering the Falcons had allowed only eight touchdown passes while recording 10 interceptions over their first eight games, the one interception is hardly enough to tarnish the performance.
Analysis: Brees did a nice job leading the Saints back after his interception helped put them in an early 10-0 hole. His favorite target on the day was Graham, who not only had the two touchdown grabs but also had catches of 29 and 46 yards. Against a tough secondary, Brees proved he's as studly as ever after a couple less-than-elite performances. Considering he's thrown multiple touchdown passes in every game but one this season, you had little reason to doubt him in the first place. With a favorable matchup Week 11 at Oakland, he's an obvious must-start in Fantasy.
News: Though Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be facing a defense that has made a habit of shutting down quarterbacks, allowing just eight touchdown passes while recording 10 interceptions, his history against the Falcons could be what sustains him in Week 10. In 12 meetings with Atlanta since joining the Saints, Brees has averaged 303.3 passing yards per game and thrown 26 touchdown passes. He had four touchdown passes when these teams last faced each other in Week 16 last year.
Analysis: Despite the impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio, the Falcons rank a modest 14th against the pass, allowing 228.8 yards per game. They may be tough, but they're not impenetrable. Brees is the kind of quarterback who's capable of putting up big numbers in any matchup, so even though the fact he hasn't had a three-touchdown game in two weeks might make you a little nervous, you can't honestly consider benching him this week. If his history is any indication, he's poised for a big game.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees was able to extend his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 51 straight in Week 9 against the Eagles. Brees was able to connect with Marques Colston on a 1-yard scoring strike to extend the streak in the second quarter. He also hooked up Jimmy Graham on a 6-yard dart in the fourth, which capped off a 10-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Brees connected on 21 of his 27 pass attempts for 239 yards in the 28-13 win and completed a pass to eight different targets. While he did lose a fumble in the victory, Brees still finished with 19 Fantasy points in all CBSSports.com standard formats.
Analysis: Brees was much more efficient Monday night as he only failed to complete six of his passing attempts and did not throw an interception for the first time in three games. However, he still did turn the ball over for the fourth straight contest as he lost a fumble in the third quarter. While Brees also failed to finish with double-digit Fantasy points for the second straight week, he is still one of the top Fantasy gunslingers in the league and has now thrown 41 TDS over his last 12 games at the Super Dome. Brees has also thrown at least two scores in six straight contests and will look to keep things rolling when the Falcons come to town in Week 10. Atlanta is surrendering an average 229 passing yards per contest and has allowed 10 total TDs through the air thus far. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Brees as a must-start option in all formats next Sunday.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be looking to bounce back in Week 9 against the Eagles. Brees turned in one of his least productive performances of the season in last week's loss to Denver as he completed just half of his passes and threw for a season-low 213 yards. While he did throw a pair of TDs, Brees still finished with a season-worst 18 Fantasy points in all CBSSports.com standard formats. Philadelphia enters the contest ranked 14th in pass defense, allowing an average of 229 passing yards per game. The Eagles have surrendered 10 TDs through the air while yielding an average of 17.1 Fantasy points to opposing QBs.
Analysis: Brees struggled against Denver's seasoned secondary last week, but looks to have more of a favorable matchup on tap this week. The Eagles have struggled to defend the pass at times and Brees will get to face them in the SuperDome where he has thrown 39 TDs over his last 11 games there. The 33-year-old enters the contest as the second highest scoring QB, in terms of Fantasy points, in standard formats and has thrown for at least one score in 50 consecutive games, which is the longest streak in NFL history. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Brees as a must-start option in all formats in his matchup against Philadelphia.
News: After turning in one of his best performances of the season in Week 7, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees endured his worst game of the season on the road against Denver in Week 8. Brees was contained for most of the night by Denver's defense and was limited to just 213 yards and completed 22 of 42 passes with two touchdowns and an interception in a 34-14 defeat. Brees found the end zone just once in the second quarter when he connected with Darren Sproles for a 29-yard scoring strike, which was his 300th career touchdown. Brees then found Jimmy Graham late in the fourth quarter for an 18-yard touchdown pass. He was also picked off by Wesley Woodyard in the second quarter for his only blemish of the evening. Brees, who rushed for two yards on two carries, finished with a 72.8 passer rating. He was held under 220 yards for the first time this season.
Analysis: For the first time this season, Brees was unable to put up solid numbers, and it ultimately cost them the game on Sunday. He extended his streak of 50 games with at least a touchdown as well. He now has 2,310 yards passing to go along with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions on the year. He'll go back home to face a struggling Philadelphia team. The Eagles allowed three touchdowns and 262 yards passing to Matt Ryan in Week 8, which could make Brees primed for a bounce-back game. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with the 33-year-old as a must-start Fantasy option heading into Week 9 against the Eagles.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees heads into Week 8 with a tough matchup at his hands on the road against the Broncos. Brees turned in one of his best performances of the season in Week 7, as he picked the Buccaneers apart for 377 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. The Broncos, who are coming off a bye week, held Philip Rivers and the Chargers to just 241 yards passing with two touchdowns and picked him off four times in Week 6. Brees has had consecutive games with four touchdown passes and has thrown for at least three touchdowns in his previous four contests.
Analysis: Brees has been on a roll as of late and has 2,097 yards passing to go along with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has thrown for 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions in his last four games, after starting the season with the same number of touchdown passes as interceptions (four) through his first two games. Brees has been on a tear and has averaged 350 yards per game, which is good enough to lead the league thus far, as his average is 49 yards ahead of Peyton Manning (301) at this point in the season. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 18.3 Fantasy points per game against Denver this season. That said, Brees should still be viewed as a must-start Fantasy option in all formats heading into Week 8.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees connected on 27 of 37 passes for four touchdowns -- all in the first half -- during the Saints' 35-28 win over Tampa Bay in Week 7. Brees threw TD passes of 17 yards to Marques Colston, 9 yards to Darren Sproles, 48 yards to Joseph Morgan and 20 yards to David Thomas to overcome an early interception on New Orleans' first possession of the game. He has thrown for three or more touchdowns in five of six games this season, and has four touchdown passes in each of his past two outings to place second in the NFL (14 total).
Analysis: Brees hardly missed a beat in his first game after the bye week and connected with seven different players for receptions on Sunday. After some early season wavering, he has regained his composure and completed a season-high 73 percent of his passes while averaging a sizzling 10.2 yards per attempt. Brees had exceeded 300 passing yards in the first half alone and has hit that mark in three consecutive games. Fantasy owners should keep him entrenched in all formats as a must-start for Week 8 at Denver as he is clearly back in a groove.
News: In his last game prior to the team's bye, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees passed Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas with a touchdown pass in his 48th consecutive outing -- the longest streak in NFL history. Brees will attempt to add to his personal mark during Week 7 at Tampa Bay, which has surrendered 312.2 passing yards per game this season. In five contests this season, Brees has registered four 300-yard games and four outings with at least three touchdowns passes.
Analysis: After the first two games of the season, Brees had the same number of touchdown passes as interceptions (four). That probably seems like a distant memory as he has climbed into second place in the NFL with 14 touchdown passes and will not attempt to account for at least three scores for the fourth consecutive week. The Buccaneers have been sharp against the run this season (75 yards per game) so the Saints will likely air the ball out often Sunday. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 15.0 Fantasy points per game against Tampa Bay this season, but Brees should be viewed as an obvious must-start in all formats.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees entered Week 5 against the Chargers Sunday knowing he would need a big game to earn the Saints’ first win of the season. Brees posted his finest performance of the season, while also setting a new NFL record with his 48th game in a row with at least one touchdown pass. Brees completed 29 of 45 passes for 370 yards and four touchdowns in the game, his first four-touchdown game of the season. Despite the huge performance from Brees in his record-setting day, the game still came down to the wire, as the Saints barely held on for a 31-24 win. Brees did throw one interception in the game, his sixth of the season. Brees had another interception called back on a roughing the passer penalty -- from that point on, he completed 10 of 12 passes for 159 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Analysis: Brees has been forced to pass a ton this season because the Saints’ defense simply cannot stop anyone, and that mostly held true again Sunday. Brees and the Saints managed to avoid a 0-5 start, and he came up big when they needed it the most. Brees has attempted 236 passes through five games, an average of 47 per game. Brees is on pace for 755 attempts in 16 games, which would shatter the old NFL record. While the Saints’ current strategy might not be conducive to winning football games, it has not hurt Brees’ Fantasy production at all. He has averaged 344 passing yards per game, with 15 touchdowns total through five games. The Saints are on a bye in Week 6, so look for a replacement this week. Brees should be considered an absolute must-start Fantasy option every week starting in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees enters Week 5 against the Chargers looking for his first win of the season. Brees currently leads the NFL in passing yards, but his completion percentage of 57.6 is down almost 15 points from his record breaking mark last season. Brees might be down one of his favorite options in the passing game this week, as wide receiver Lance Moore has missed practice two days in a row Wednesday and Thursday, as a result of a hamstring injury. Moore is tied for the team lead in receptions, so Brees will likely have to work without his services.
Analysis: Brees has not lost four games in a row since 2007, and he will be trying to avoid a five-game losing streak for the first time since the 2003. He is leading the NFL in passing yardage yet again with 337.5 per game, and he is on pace for another 40-touchdown season, so Fantasy owners have little to complain about as far as his production goes so far. He has faced the Chargers just once in his career, and he passed for 339 yards and three touchdowns back on Oct. 26, 2008. The Chargers have allowed the 14th-fewest Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, but he has allowed five touchdowns over the last two weeks. Brees should continue to be productive, and he should be a man on a mission Sunday in Week 5, as he looks for his first victory. Continue to consider him a must-start Fantasy quarterback in all formats.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees had his best performance of the young season in Week 4 against the Packers. He began the game 8 for 8 for 90 yards and a score and ended up with 446 yards on 35 of 54 passing with three touchdowns in the 28-27 loss. Brees hooked up with wideout Marques Colston on a 20-yard scoring strike in the first quarter before finding running back Darren Sproles from 6 yards out before halftime. Then after New Orleans recovered a fumble in the red zone in the third quarter, Brees threw a bomb to Joe Morgan, who hauled in the 80-yard touchdown pass. Brees, who did not turn the ball over, posted a 109 passer rating in the defeat. Brees now has thrown at least one touchdown in 47 straight regular-season games, tying the NFL's all-time mark set by Johnny Unitas.
Analysis: Brees was not picked off for the first time this season on Sunday and eclipsed the 400-yard mark for the first time since the playoffs last year. While the Saints are now 0-4, the 33-year-old continues to put up the points in Fantasy and has already thrown for 1,350 yards with 10 touchdowns. With the running game not accounting for much thus far for New Orleans, Brees should continue to air it out on a weekly basis and remains a must-start Fantasy option. He should be able to keep things going in Week 5 against his former team -- the Chargers -- as San Diego entered Sunday ranked 17th in the league in pass defense.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees put up some solid numbers when he faced the Packers a year ago and will be looking for similar success when he takes on the NFC foe in Week 4. Brees threw for 419 yards with three touchdowns last season and has an 11-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in four career games against Green Bay. The Packers enter Sunday with the best pass defense in the league, giving up under 126 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 15.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Brees has throw for over 300 yards in two of the three games so far this season but has also been picked off five times. The Saints have been very disappointing thus far without head coach Sean Payton and have another tough matchup in Week 4. Still, Sunday's contest could end up being a shootout, which should only benefit Brees in Fantasy. The 33-year-old has proven time and again to be a reliable option in Fantasy so continue to roll with Brees in the majority of formats for Week 4.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdowns, but it wasn't good enough to lead New Orleans to win Week 3 vs. Kansas City. The Chiefs rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Saints, 27-24, in overtime. Brees finished 20 of 36 for 240 yards and one interception. Brees kicked off the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Lance Moore at 12:18 of the first quarter. He then had a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham at 13:10 of the second quarter and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jed Collins at 5:36 in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: The good news is that Brees managed to turn the ball over just once Week 3 after throwing two interceptions in each of his first two games. The bad news is that New Orleans dropped to 0-3. Brees didn't go over 300 yards Sunday for the first time this season, but he had three touchdown passes for the second time. The Saints might not be winning, but at least Brees has the stats and that's what matters the most for Fantasy owners. He remains a must-start Fantasy option heading into Week 4 at Green Bay.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees (ankle) is active and starting Week 3 vs. Kansas City after being listed as probable on the injury report. Brees has not faced the Chiefs since 2008, but he has a strong history against them. Brees is 4-4 in eight career games and has completed 63.1 percent of his passes (183 of 290) for 2,113 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is averaging 264.1 passing yards per game and has posted five multi-touchdown games against the Chiefs in his career.
Analysis: Brees was never in jeopardy of missing Week 3. He was just on the injury report as a formality. Brees has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his first two games and totaled four touchdown passes with four interceptions. The Chiefs are yielding an average of 29 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, the highest total in the league. Quarterbacks have thrown for five touchdowns and no interceptions in two games against Kansas City, so be sure to keep Brees active in all Fantasy formats.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was listed as probable on the team's injury report for Week 3 against Kansas City after dealing with a minor ankle issue. Brees was reportedly bothered by the injury during the Saints' previous game against Carolina, but he was able to practice in full throughout the past week and is not expected to miss any playing time. Brees has not faced the Chiefs since 2008, but he has a strong history against them. Brees is 4-4 in eight career games and has completed 63.1 percent of his passes (183 of 290) for 2,113 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is averaging 264.1 passing yards per game and has posted five multi-touchdown games against the Chiefs in his career.
Analysis: At this point in the season, it seemed likely the Chiefs would be winless, but not the Saints, who are led by one of the league's top quarterbacks in Brees. But it seems New Orleans is missing coach Sean Payton, who was suspended for the year for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. As for Brees, he has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his first two games and totaled four touchdown passes with four interceptions. The Chiefs are yielding an average of 29 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, the highest total in the league. Quarterbacks have thrown for five touchdowns and no interceptions in two games against Kansas City so be sure to keep Brees active in all Fantasy formats.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was a surprise member of the Saints’ injury report Wednesday, as he was list as a full participant in practice with an ankle injury. The injury, which briefly caused him problems in Week 2 against the Panthers, is not expected to cost him any playing time in Week 3 against the Chiefs, though he may take it easy in practice leading up to the game. Brees has not faced the Chiefs since 2008, but he has a pretty strong history against them overall. Brees is 4-4 in eight career games against K.C. He has completed 63.1 percent of his passes (183 of 290) for 2,113 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is averaging 264.1 passing yards per game and five multi-touchdown games against K.C. in his career.
Analysis: Who would have thought heading into Week 3 that the winless Saints would be playing the winless Chiefs. We figured the Chiefs might be winless, but not the Saints, who are led by one of the league's top quarterbacks in Brees. But it seems the Saints really are missing their head coach, who has been suspended for the year for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. As for Brees, he has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his first two games and has totaled four touchdown passes. We aren't happy about the four interceptions, but Brees is still getting it done for Fantasy owners. The Chiefs are yielding 29 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, which is the highest average in the league. Quarterbacks have thrown for five touchdowns and no interceptions in two games against K.C. Make sure to start Brees in all Fantasy formats, barring an unforeseen setback with the ankle.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees' first NFL appearance came against the Kansas City Chiefs when he was a rookie in 2001. In that game, Brees came off the bench to replace Doug Flutie and threw for 221 yards and one touchdown in a 25-20 loss. A lot has changed more than a decade later. Brees is now a wily veteran and leads the Saints into a Week 3 showdown with the Chiefs. Brees has history against the Chiefs, mostly from his days with the Chargers, and last faced Kansas City in 2008 with New Orleans. Brees is 4-4 in eight career games against K.C. He has completed 63.1 percent of his passes (183 of 290) for 2,113 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is averaging 264.1 passing yards per game and five multi-touchdown games against K.C. in his career.
Analysis: Who would have thought heading into Week 3 that the winless Saints would be playing the winless Chiefs. We figured the Chiefs might be winless, but not the Saints, who are led by one of the league's top quarterbacks in Brees. But it seems the Saints are missing their head coach, who has been suspended for the year for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. As for Brees, he has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his first two games and has totaled four touchdown passes. We aren't happy about the four interceptions, but Brees is still getting it done for Fantasy owners. The Chiefs are yielding 29 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, which is the highest average in the league. Quarterbacks have thrown for five touchdowns and no interceptions in two games against K.C. Make sure to start Brees in all Fantasy formats.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was picked off twice again during Week 2 against the Panthers on Sunday. Brees was picked off by Charles Godfrey, who returned it back nine yards for a touchdown. He also also picked off again by Jon Beason late in the fourth quarter with less than a minute remaining. Brees tried to bring his team back in the game throughout most of the game, as he completed 31 of 49 passes for 325 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in a 35-27 defeat. Brees connected with Jimmy Graham early on for a short one-yard touchdown pass as he extended his streak to 45 consecutive games with at least one touchdown.
Analysis: Brees still put up solid numbers despite being picked off twice again for the second consecutive game. He had a tough time connecting with his go-to wide receiver Marques Colston as he was targeted just four times, hauling in his first pass in the third quarter. Carolina's defense ultimately did just enough to contain Brees and come out with a win. Brees has had tough games like this and he usually responds with a big performance the next week so continue to view him as a must-start Fantasy quarterback heading into Week 3 at home against the Chiefs. Brees has averaged 264 yards passing with a total of 14 touchdowns and seven interception in eight career games against the Chiefs. Kansas City surrendered two touchdown passes in a blowout loss to Buffalo.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees is looking to get back on track heading into his matchup against the Panthers in Week 2 after a throwing two interceptions against the Redskins during the season opener. Although he threw for 339 yards and connected for three touchdowns, Brees still sees room for the offense to improve. “We set the bar high. We have high expectations. There’s no harsher critic on myself than me," Brees said. "I walk away from that game and it felt like every third pass was completed. It was one of those days that for whatever reason, and you can attribute it to a lot of stuff, there were an inordinate amount of batted balls in that game that I felt like – hey, those are completions." He'll face a Panthers defense that surrendered just 138 yards passing during their first game of the season.
Analysis: Although the Panthers allowed 138 yards passing last week, it is too small of a sample size to take into consideration. Brees will likely cause some issues against a Carolina secondary that has allowed an average of 374 yards passing per game with a total of seven touchdowns and two interceptions to Brees last season. If history repeats itself, Brees should be in for another big day. He's the type of player that tends to improve as the season goes so we expect him to have better performances moving forward. He'll try to make the most out of Panthers defense that allowed an average of 247 yards per game through the air last season, which ranked 24th in the league. Fantasy owners should consider the 33-year-old a must-start quarterback regardless of opponent.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees did everything he could to attempt to get the Saints back in the Week 1 loss against Washington but ultimately fell short Sunday. That said, Brees still had solid numbers as he went 24 for 52 for 339 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. His QB rating of 70.9 wasn't that impressive, but Brees pushed his consecutive games with a TD streak up to 44 games, the second longest in NFL history behind Johnny Unitas' 47. Brees threw a 20-yard TD to Jimmy Graham in the first quarter and added fourth-quarter TD passes to Lance Moore and Darren Sproles.
Analysis: The Washington defense did a fairly good job on Brees Sunday of Week 1 when you consider the two turnovers and two sacks. Brees was also dealing with a weaker receiving corps as Devery Henderson suffered an injury during the game and Marques Colston wasn't 100 percent. Brees will have plenty better games going forward and it wasn't like Week 1 was all that bad anyway. The Saints play at Carolina in Week 2 and Brees should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees puts a tough offseason behind him and begins the regular season Sunday Week 1 at home against Washington. Brees, easily a top 3 Fantasy quarterback entering the season, is coming off a year in which he threw for an NFL record 5,476 passing yards. He tuned up for the regular season with four solid preseason games in which he tossed three touchdown passes and wasn't picked in limited minutes.
Analysis: Brees meets a Washington team Week 1 that was stingy against the pass last season. That said, the unit lost big hitter LeRon Landry, but gained other pieces and may be just as good. Washington gave up just two touchdown passes with three interceptions over the first three games of last year against the likes of Eli Manning, Kevin Kolb and Tony Romo. Plus, it was Kolb who had both TD passes as the Redskins shut Romo and Manning out. All that being said, we still expect a big opening performance from Brees. He's a must-start Fantasy quarterback regardless of opponent.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees connected on 17 of his 25 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns during the Saints' 34-27 win over Houston in the teams' third preseason game Saturday night. Brees hit on touchdown passes of 20 yards (Lance Moore in the first quarter) and 8 yards (Jimmy Graham in the second). "I feel like we have been sharp for the most part," said Brees, who tallied a 115.2 QB rating. "Even though it hasn't been perfect, I think we've been pretty efficient. We have very high expectations for our team, this offense."
Analysis: Brees' performance was reminiscent of the Saints offense that broke numerous NFL records a season ago, a good sign after a troubled offseason defined by the league's bounty investigation and resulting season-long suspension of head coach Sean Payton. "We just know how good we can be and we want to continue to test that limit as often as possible," he said. Brees has already appeared in mid-season form and passed for at least 130 yards in each of his past two games. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as an elite option worthy of a top-10 pick in all formats.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees had another impressive night during Friday's preseason contest against the Jaguars. Brees appeared in four series and led the Saints to two scoring drives, including a 85-yard drive which was capped off with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson midway through the second quarter. Brees completed 10 of 13 passes for 133 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per completion and a 134.5 quarterback rating. He also was sacked and lost a fumble on the first play during his third series.
Analysis: Brees looked pretty sharp in his third preseason game but had to do it with heavy pressure from Jacksonville's pass rush, which gave him trouble throughout the night. He came up slow after he was drilled by Jeremy Mincey for a sack, but shook it off in the following drive as he led the Saints to a touchdown. He has practically established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league at this point in his career, so it is little surprise that he looked great in a preseason game. Fantasy owners won't need to see much from him in preseason, as they know he is one of the top Fantasy options in all formats, worth selecting in the first round on Draft Day as arguably the most valuable QB in the game.
News: With just three days off from their preseason debut last Sunday, the Saints took it easy yet again with their starters Thursday against New England, as quarterback Drew Brees appeared in just two series. Brees had a very quiet game, going 1 for 4 for four yards, before being replaced.
Analysis: Brees appeared in just one series in the first preseason game as well, as he is being eased in after missing some offseason minicamps and workouts while holding out for a new contract. We should see more of him moving forward in the preseason, but there is very little reason for the Saints to risk using him too much in meaningless exhibition games, as they know who he is at this point -- a franchise quarterback who just signed a deal worth $40 million guaranteed. Fantasy owners also don't need to see anything from him, as they know he is one of the top Fantasy options in all formats, worth selecting in the first round on Draft Day as arguably the most valuable QB in the game.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees saw his first gametime Sunday since agreeing to his contract extension, as he played the first series of the Saints' preseason opener against the Cardinals. Brees looked to be in midseason form in his limited opportunities, completing 4 of 5 passes for 41 yards while leading the Saints to a touchdown, before sitting out the remainder of a 17-10 victory.
Analysis: Brees looked terrific in the 10-play drive, showing no rust after sitting out offseason minicamps and workouts while holding out for a new contract. Brees has established himself as arguably the finest quarterback in the entire NFL at this point in his career, so it is little surprise that he looked great in a preseason game. He will likely not see much more playing time through the team's remaining three exhibitions, as the team does not need to evaluate him or get him up to speed much, given his experience. The preseason means very little for Brees, as with most elite players, as he is a sure-fire No. 1 Fantasy QB and a first-round talent in all formats, and nothing short of injury can change that.
News: ESPN reports the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have agreed to a five-year deal valued at $100 million. As part of the deal, Brees will reportedly make $40 million in 2012 and $60 million total through the first three years of the contract.
Analysis: Now that Brees is officially in the fold, we can forget about a holdout in training camp and any distractions through the season. While some players tend to play without as much urgency following a rich contract extension, we think Brees will continue to play hard and put up numbers. With the Saints defense likely to yield plenty of numbers itself, Brees could be in a position of throwing frequently, just as he did last year when he passed for an NFL record, 5,476 yards. He's a rock-solid No. 1 Fantasy QB well worth a first-round pick after the elite running backs and fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
News:Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints still must close a significant gap in guaranteed money if they are to agree on a five-year contract worth about $100 million by Monday's looming deadline, said a person familiar with the negotiations. The sides were more than $10 million apart in the guaranteed portion of the contract on Wednesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing. Brees said Wednesday that because he's an optimist, he is "still very confident a deal will get done." Brees has said he does not want to play under a one-year contract with no long-term security in the coming seasons. He did it once before, with costly consequences, when he played under the franchise tag for San Diego in 2005 and wound up with a career-threatening injury to his throwing shoulder.
Analysis: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by July 16, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. We think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense following their bounty program turmoil. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News:Drew Brees is reportedly playing hardball with the Saints. According to ESPN, Brees will not show up for training camp unless he agrees to a contract extension. The Saints placed the franchise tag on Brees, which means he has until July 16 to agree to a deal or be forced to play on the one-year guaranteed salary of $16 million or sit out the season. Brees is looking for a long-term deal that earns over $20 million per season; the Saints aren't offering quite that much. The New Orleans Times-Picayune believes it would be "a stunning upset" if Brees didn't have a deal by Monday's deadline.
Analysis: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by July 16, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. We think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense following their bounty program turmoil. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: After initially reporting that a deal would be done in a week, the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes quarterback Drew Breesshould land a rich contract extension with the Saints before the July 16 deadline. Brees has reportedly already been offered the largest contract in NFL history but is looking for specific changes in the structure of the deal, which should average between $19 million and $20 million per season.
Analysis: The key date is July 16: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by then, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. With this new ruling, we think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy quarterback worth a first-round pick between fifth and 12th overall.
News: An arbitrator ruled in favor of Drew Brees and the NFLPA on Tuesday, ruling that because Brees has already been tagged twice in his career, his next tag will be his last. The Saints argued that Brees' tag as a member of the Chargers doesn't apply. Why the contention? If Brees plays on his franchise tag this season he'll earn $16 million guaranteed. Then if he's tagged again in 2013 he'll be guaranteed 140 percent of this year's salary, or $22.4 million. The ruling is expected to restart contract talks between the club and Brees. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports that the odds of a new deal coming are "strong." La Canfora reports "Brees is going to end up with a contract averaging about $19 million a season, and he's going to get something like $55-60 million guaranteed. It just may come right down to the final hours, but anything less than a long-term deal doesn't make sense. Not with a quarterback this superior who means so much to the fan base and who has positioned himself as the ultimate man of the people. Not after all the Saints have been through this offseason. They have to get it done."
Analysis: The key date is July 16: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by then, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. With this new ruling, we think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy quarterback worth a first-round pick between fifth and 12th overall.
News:Drew Brees told ESPN in two separate interviews that he not only expects a deal to get done between him and the Saints before the July 16 deadline for players hit with the franchise tag, but that even if that doesn't happen he intends to play this season. “I'd never sit out the season,” Brees said. “I love the game too much.”
Analysis: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by July 16, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. We think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense following their bounty program turmoil. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: Arbitrator Stephen Burbank will hear a grievance concerning Drew Brees' potential franchise tag figure in late June, according to ProFootballTalk.com. The grievance is to determine whether Brees would be considered as franchise tagged for a third time in 2013 and due a 44 percent salary increase rather than a 20 percent increase. The 44 percent increase is a big contract bargaining tool for Brees as he would be due between $23 million and $24 million in 2013 if tagged.
Analysis: If the arbitrator rules in favor of Brees, then a contract extension will likely happen quickly so the Saints won't have him count over $20 million on the cap. If not, Brees might have to settle for the one-year franchise tag. If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by July 16, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. We think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense following their bounty program turmoil. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: As quarterback Drew Brees remains unsigned, the Saints start their mandatory minicamp without him on Tuesday. There is believed to be a $2 million per year difference between Brees and the Saints on a long-term deal.
Analysis: The key date is July 16: If Brees isn't signed to a long-term deal by then, he'll be forced to either sit out or sign his one-year tender. We think he'll ultimately sign a deal and be under center for the Saints in 2012, and he could throw a ton given the state of their defense. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: Acting head coach Joe Vitt said he continues to feel confident that quarterback Drew Brees will be with the Saints once training camp begins in late July. When asked why, Vitt joked, "What else is he going to do? He can't sing or dance." Vitt said he talked to Brees last week and they discussed some things Brees wanted to do during camp.
Analysis: We'll continue to monitor what happens with Brees, but we expect him to be ready for the start of the season. Hopefully the Saints and Brees can work out a new contract, and Brees will continue to play like a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues. He should be drafted toward the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2 in the majority of standard formats.
News: Franchise-tagged quarterback Drew Brees might not be under contract to play for the Saints at this moment, but expectations are that he'll at least sign his one-year tender and be on the Saints in 2012. The same can't be said for head coach and offensive playcaller Sean Payton, who was suspended for the 2012 season as part of the Saints' penalties for their role in "Bountygate." Payton will not be allowed to help the Saints with their game plans for the entire season, and some believe that his absence will hurt the offense. But interim coach Joe Vitt believes that Brees' relationship with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, who isn't suspended, will keep the offense afloat. "Nobody knows Drew Brees as well as Pete. Nobody knows Pete as well as Drew Brees," Vitt told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "They were tied at the hip in San Diego, so they speak a common language and common verbiage."
Analysis: If this were a younger quarterback or a quarterback on a new team, we'd see this as a problem. But Brees has been with the Saints since 2006, working in the same offense for six seasons going on seven. Even without Payton, we don't see Brees falling apart. If anything, we think the Saints defense will struggle this season, which means more passing from Brees. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Saints quarterback Drew Brees, mired in a long-term contract negotiation that he and the club insist isn't to their liking, was in New York rather than New Orleans for the start of offseason workouts Monday. The reasons for Brees' visit to New York is the bounty system the league accused the Saints of using from 2009 to 2011. Brees and the other principals involved in the meeting at league headquarters -- former Saints and current Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, most prominently -- were widely believed to be discussing pending suspensions of defenders on New Orleans or other rosters who were involved with the bounties.
Analysis: Brees might not have showed up to voluntary workouts anyway. The Saints placed the franchise tag on Brees before free agency. Under that distinction, Brees would earn about $16 million in 2012, though he has hasn't signed the tender. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor what happens with Brees since he could holdout from training camp, but we expect a deal to get done. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees didn't offer any insight as to whether he'll attend the team's voluntary offseason program that starts Monday. The Saints placed the franchise tag on Brees before free agency. Under that distinction, Brees would earn about $16 million in 2012, though he has hasn't signed the tender. "We're continuing to work on a long-term deal," Brees told reporters at the La Costa Resort & Spa in California, where he was speaking at a news conference to promote his charity golf tournament, according to The Sports Xchange.
Analysis: Either Brees will get his new contract, or he'll sign the one-year tender and line up for the Saints in 2012 -- we doubt he'll hold out. There's some concern that he'll struggle as he'll play this season without head coach Sean Payton calling the shots, but Brees has been with the Saints since 2006, working in the same offense for six seasons going on seven. Even without Payton, we don't see Brees falling apart. If anything, we think the Saints defense will struggle this season, which means more passing from Brees. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News: Franchise-tagged quarterback Drew Brees might not be under contract to play for the Saints at this moment, but expectations are that he'll at least sign his one-year tender and be on the Saints in 2012. The same can't be said for head coach and offensive playcaller Sean Payton, who was suspended for the 2012 season as part of the Saints' penalties for their role in "Bountygate." Payton will not be allowed to help the Saints with their game plans for the entire season.
Analysis: If this were a younger quarterback or a quarterback on a new team, we'd see this news as a problem. But Brees has been with the Saints since 2006, working in the same offense for six seasons going on seven. Even without Payton, we don't see Brees falling apart. If anything, we think the Saints defense will struggle this season, which means more passing from Brees. We still view Brees as an elite Fantasy QB worth a first-round pick.
News:Drew Brees is "livid" about being franchise tagged and not receiving a long-term contract, according to WIST-AM in New Orleans. The radio station cites sources in the Brees camp that he will not sign the franchise tag deal. Brees and the Saints have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term deal. If a deal isn't struck, Brees must sign the franchise tag deal or hold out.
Analysis: It's still just a matter of time before he either signs the Saints' one-year franchise tender or agrees to a long-term deal. Either way, he'll be a Saint -- we'd be floored if he sat out the season. After leading New Orleans to a 13-3 record in the regular season and setting NFL single-season records with 468 completions, 5,476 passing yards and a completion rate of 71.2 percent, Brees remains a stud No. 1 Fantasy QB who warrants first-round consideration in 2012 -- assuming he signs.
News: The New Orleans Saints have placed the franchise tag on Drew Brees - giving them exclusive negotiating rights with their Pro Bowl quarterback for the next year. Brees has been involved in lengthy contract talks with the Saints and, without the tag, could have negotiated with other teams as a free agent. Team spokesman Greg Bensel said Saturday that the Saints were officially notifying the NFL of the designation. In January, Brees said he would be "beyond stunned" if he and the Saints are unable to agree on a contract extension during this offseason.
Analysis: This isn't surprising news. It's just a matter of time before he either signs the Saints' one-year franchise tender or agrees to a long-term deal. Either way, he'll be a Saint. After leading New Orleans to a 13-3 record in the regular season and setting NFL single-season records with 468 completions, 5,476 passing yards and a completion rate of 71.2 percent, Brees remains a stud No. 1 Fantasy QB who warrants first-round consideration in 2012.
News:Drew Brees and the Saints are not close on a new contract, according to ESPN. That means that if Brees is unsigned by March 5, the Saints would have to use their franchise tag on him to keep him from being able to sign elsewhere. Brees said as recently as last week that the two sides were "'very far' apart."
Analysis: Brees isn't going anywhere -- it's just a matter of time before he either signs the Saints' one-year franchise tender or agrees to a long-term deal. After leading New Orleans to a 13-3 record in the regular season and setting NFL single-season records with 468 completions, 5,476 passing yards and a completion rate of 71.2 percent, Brees remains a stud No. 1 Fantasy QB who warrants first-round consideration in 2012.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees said Thursday he is "still very optimistic" that he and the team can get a new long-term contract worked out in the coming weeks. With still more than a week to go before the deadline to use the franchise tag on a potential unrestricted free agent and more than two weeks left before the start of the free-agency period, Brees noted that this is the time when things "begin to heat up." The Sports Xchange reports Brees made a brief appearance Thursday at a suburban sub shop in New Orleans and told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he understands Saints officials have a lot on their plate right now with free agency coming up and NFL Combine workouts getting underway in Indianapolis. Brees also said he isn't worried that the two sides might be very far apart philosophically. "I wouldn't say we're 'very far' apart," he said. "I think there's been progress made. But just like everything, it's a process. It takes time. It's not something that happens overnight."
Analysis: After leading New Orleans to a 13-3 record in the regular season and setting NFL single-season records with 468 completions, 5,476 passing yards and a completion rate of 71.2 percent, Brees should land one of the biggest contracts in NFL history. No one should question his ability to play well, even after getting paid, and he's received contracts before and done well -- just ask the Saints. Brees remains a stud No. 1 Fantasy QB who warrants first-round consideration in 2012.
News:Drew Brees’ record-setting season earned the New Orleans quarterback the 2011 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award -- the second time he's been honored with the prize in his prolific career. Brees, the 2008 top offensive player, received 43 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers earned the other seven votes.
Analysis: Brees shattered Dan Marino’s 27-year-old mark by passing for 5,476 yards, and his 468 completions broke Peyton Manning’s 2010 record of 450. Brees finished the season completing 71.6 percent of his passes, breaking his own 2009 NFL record (70.6). He also surpassed 300 yards passing for seven straight games and 13 times during the season, both beating league marks he already held. “Our best is yet to come, not just for our team, but the league,” Brees said. Fantasy owners should consider Brees with a first-round pick in 2012 drafts.
News: QB Drew Brees said he would be "beyond stunned" if he and the Saints were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension during the offseason, agreeing with his head coach, Sean Payton, who echoed similar statements earlier in the week. According to The Sports Xchange, Brees also said he doesn't believe his next contract will prevent the Saints from re-signing some of the vital members of the team's record-setting offense. "My No. 1 priority, and it always has been this, is keeping our team together and making sure we have the right guys in the right positions to make a run at this for a long time," Brees said. " ... Put it this way: I'm not worried one bit about my contract or our ability to keep guys at key positions."
Analysis: After leading New Orleans to a 13-3 record in the regular season and setting NFL single-season records with 468 completions, 5,476 passing yards and a completion rate of 71.2 percent, Brees should land one of the biggest contracts in NFL history. No one should question his ability to play well, even after getting paid, and he's received contracts before and done well -- just ask the Saints. Brees remains a stud No. 1 Fantasy QB who warrants first-round consideration in 2012.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees completed 40 of his 63 passes for 462 yards and four touchdowns during the Saints' 36-32 loss at San Francisco in their NFC Divisional Playoff game on Sunday. Brees, who also tossed two interceptions, hit three different receivers for touchdowns, including a pair to TE Jimmy Graham. It was the fifth consecutive outing Brees accounted for at least three touchdown passes in a game (21 total). He appeared to throw the game-winning score to Graham with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter before the 49ers answered with a late touchdown.
Analysis: Brees overcame an uncharacteristic sluggish start and established the Saints' franchise playoff record for most attempts in a game. He threw two first-half interceptions and had his NFL-record streak of 226 postseason passes without an interception snapped in the opening quarter. Still, Brees carried his dominant run during the regular season into the playoffs and finished with a staggering 928 passing yards in the team's two games before Saturday's exit. The 32-year-old set the single-season passing mark during the regular season (5,476) and will continue to serve as an elite Fantasy QB next year. Consider him with a possible top-15 selection in 2012 Fantasy drafts.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees found eight different receivers in Saturday's 45-28 win over the Lions. Brees had just 10 incomplete passes -- hitting 33 of his 43 attempts -- for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Despite finishing with minus-1 yard rushing on four carries, Brees had a key dive over a pile of linemen to get a first down to keep a drive alive late in the game.
Analysis: Brees entered the playoffs playing extremely well as he threw 16 touchdown passes in his final four games of the year. He finished the season with a single-season record 5,476 yards passing. He also set the NFL record with completions in a single season with 468. Needless to say, Brees is an elite Fantasy QB option. Expect Brees to remain a huge factor in playoff Fantasy leagues and a Top 15 pick (if not a Top 5 pick) in drafts next summer.
News:Drew Brees finished his record-breaking 2011 season with five touchdowns on New Year's Day against the Panthers. He also completed 28 of 35 passes for 389 yards along the way with one interception. Brees finishes the season with a single-season record 5,476 yards passing. He also set the NFL record with completions in a single season with 468 and also broke his own single-season completion percentage record with 71.23 percent of his passes connecting. And in terms of Fantasy, he jumped over an inactive Aaron Rodgers for most Fantasy points scored in 2011 with 489.
Analysis: Brees slashed a Panthers defense that was thin on defensive talent. He should be able to keep it going in the first round of the playoffs -- and beyond. We're not sure there's a game this postseason or next season that he won't have good stats in. Expect Brees to remain a huge factor in playoff Fantasy leagues and a Top 15 pick (if not a Top 5 pick) in drafts next summer.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw his first interception in six games on Monday night Week 16 against the Falcons. And then he threw another. No matter, Brees still rallied the troops past the Falcons and broke a major record in the process. Brees became the all-time single-season passing yardage leader as he passed Hall of Famer Dan Marino (5,084) on Monday night. Brees found Darren Sproles for a late 9-yard touchdown to break Marino's record. Brees finished the game 23 of 39 for 307 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the big victory. Brees added a 9-yard run in the game as he became apart of history and cemented his name among the all-time NFL quarterback greats.
Analysis: Brees didn't throw for five touchdowns as he did Week 15 at Minnesota, but he did manage four while surpassing Marino for the single-season passing yardage mark. Brees entered the game only 304 yards shy of Marino and topped that with his performance Monday night. Brees has thrown a touchdown pass in 42 straight games and is inching closer and closer to the all-time record held by Johnny Unitas (47). Heading into Week 17's regular-season finale against Carolina, Brees should keep putting up big numbers. The Saints need to keep winning to gain a first-round bye in the playoffs, so Brees should be at his best against a team in which he lit up for 359 yards with two touchdowns Week 5. Consider Brees a must-start Fantasy QB for Week 17.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees enters Week 16 against the Falcons needing just 220 yards for the second 5,000-yard campaign of his career. Atlanta ranks 17th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 230 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 16.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. When he faced the division foe earlier in the year, Brees threw for 322 yards with two touchdowns.
Analysis: Brees is having the biggest season of his career and is on the verge of breaking some important records. He has thrown a touchdown pass in 41 consecutive games to inch closer to the all-time record held by Johnny Unitas (47) and is also only 304 yards shy of surpassing Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards mark (5,084). With the way he threw against the Falcons earlier in the year, he should be in line for another solid performance on Monday night so continue to roll with Brees as a must-start Fantasy QB for Week 16.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees dissected another defense in Week 15, completing 32 of his 40 passes for 412 yards and five touchdowns during the Saints’ 42-20 rout of Minnesota. It was the second occasion he has tallied five touchdown passes in a game this year (Week 7 vs. Indianapolis). Brees connected on 80 percent of his attempts as he eclipsed the 300-yard mark for the 12th time this season and passing Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. He hit four different receivers with TD passes, including two to WR Lance Moore, before being removed early in the fourth quarter with New Orleans holding a 29-point lead. "You really can’t put it into words," WR Marques Colston said. "The things he’s been able to do with this offense, it’s really a credit to his work ethic and the way he prepares day in and out."
Analysis: Brees continues to rack up robust numbers and is shredding the NFL’s record book. He has displayed tremendous accuracy all season and now thrown a touchdown pass in 41 consecutive games to inch closer to the all-time record held by Johnny Unitas (47). Brees is also only 304 yards shy of surpassing Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards mark (5,084). He could garner that impressive record during the Saints' showdown against division-rival Atlanta in Week 16. Fantasy owners should consider Brees a must-start in all formats.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees heads into Week 15 in Minnesota ready to continue assaulting the NFL record books. Brees leads the NFL with 4,368 passing yards as that is the most passing yards in the history of the league over the first 13 games of a season. It should only get better for Brees Week 15 as the Vikings are allowing the fourth-most Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. The Vikings have allowed multiple TD passes in three straight games.
Analysis: Brees has 10 300-yard passing games already this season and that is tied for the most in the NFL. Brees has completed 20 or more passes in an NFL-record 33 straight games. Brees has a TD pass in 40 straight games and that is the second-longest streak in NFL history. Brees has won his last two games against the Vikings, including the NFC Championship game, and has gone 44 of 67 for 434 yards and four touchdowns without an interception in those contests. Brees is a must-start Fantasy option for Week 15.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had another outstanding game in Week 14 at Tennessee. Brees was 36 of 47 passing for 337 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two carries for 6 yards. Brees connected on both touchdowns to WR Marques Colston. This was Brees' fourth game in a row with at least 300 passing yards and the 10th time he has reached that mark this year, tying the 11th year veteran with Peyton Manning for most 300 yards games in a single season.
Analysis: Brees continues to have an amazing year, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues. Look for him to keep his 300-yard streak alive in Week 15 at Minnesota, which has struggled in pass defense all season.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees heads into Week 14 at the Titans hoping to stay hot. In his past three games, Brees is averaging 342 passing yards with 10 total touchdowns and no interceptions. He takes on a Tennessee defense that has allowed 17 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks and four to throw multiple touchdowns in Kyle Orton, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Schaub and Andy Dalton. The only concern for Brees, and it's minimal, is he has struggled on the road this season. In six games away from New Orleans he is averaging 351 passing yards but with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Analysis: We're not worried about Brees on the road, and he should continue to play at a high level. Consider him a must-start Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had another productive performance in Week 13 against the Lions. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 342 yards with three touchdowns in the 31-17 win. He hooked up with WR Robert Meachem for a 67-yard scoring strike in the second quarter before hitting WR Lance Moore for a 20-yard score later in the half. Then in the fourth quarter, he tossed his 30th touchdown of the year to RB Darren Sproles, who scored from 6 yards out. Brees, who posted a 129.6 passer rating in the victory, has thrown for 300 yards in nine games this season.
Analysis: Brees has been on fire of late, throwing for 1,027 yards with a 9-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last three games. He has been picked off just 11 times thus far, which is half the amount of picks he threw a year ago, and has 30 touchdown passes in four straight seasons. With his sixth straight 4,000-yard campaign already in hand, there is no telling how productive the 32-year-old can be down the stretch so keep an eye on his progress going forward. With the Titans on the schedule for Week 14, continue to view Brees as a must-start Fantasy QB.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has recorded eight 300-yard performances in 11 games so far this season and will be looking for another one in Week 13 against the Lions. Detroit ranks sixth in the league in pass defense, giving up over 202 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 13.9 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Brees has thrown for 685 yards over his last two games with a 6-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Analysis: Brees is coming off a Week 12 performance in which he totaled five touchdowns and now has 28 on the year. He continues to utilize all of his weapons on offense and is well on his way to the second 5,000-yard campaign of his career. While the Lions have been tough against the pass thus far, not many teams have been able to slow down the 32-year-old and he should be in line for another solid performance on Sunday. Continue to roll with Brees as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 13.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had one of the better performances of his career in Week 12 against the Giants. Not only did he extend his touchdown streak to 38 consecutive games, he threw for 300-plus yards for the eighth time this season. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 363 yards with five total touchdowns in the 49-24 win. He found WR Lance Moore from 4 yards out for his first scoring strike in the second quarter before hitting TE Jimmy Graham for a 5-yard touchdown later in the half. He would toss two more scores in the third quarter, and also ran one in from 8 yards out for his first rushing touchdown since 2009. "There's that confidence that players around him have, and obviously we have in him," coach Sean Payton said of Brees. "He made some fantastic throws tonight." Brees posted a 129.6 passer rating in the victory.
Analysis: Brees has posted a 6-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the last two games and continues to rack up the yards through the air. He has thrown for 3,689 yards through 11 games and is well on his way to the second 5,000-yard campaign of his career. With a ton of potent weapons in the passing game, the 32-year-old should continue to be an elite option in Fantasy. He will face off against the Lions in Week 13 so keep Brees active in all leagues for that matchup.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees said coach Sean Payton "cut the players loose" after the Week 10 win against the Falcons. So New Orleans had a little more than a week off, and Brees said it's the most time he's had off for a bye week ever. The Saints take on the Giants in Week 12. New York ranks 18th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 239 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 15.4 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Brees continues to rack up the yards for the Saints this season and is averaging over 332 yards and two touchdowns per game. That puts him on pace for the second 5,000-yard campaign of his career, and his first since 2008. The Giants have been burned through the air each of the last two weeks and have been decimated by injuries in their secondary. While their pass rush should be able to put pressure on the 32-year-old, Brees should continue to be viewed as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 12.
News: Despite becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 3,000 yards in his first nine games last week, Saints QB Drew Brees hadn't been at his best leading up to Week 10, throwing for less than 300 yards in back-to-back games. He got back on track at Atlanta, though, completing 30 of 43 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't get off to a quick start, in part because the Falcons had the ball for 8:40 on a lengthy drive to begin the game, but he picked it up after halftime, throwing for 205 of his yards in the second half and overtime. His first touchdown was a 21-yard strike to a wide open Jimmy Graham in the second quarter. His second was a 33-yard bomb to Robert Meachem in the third.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have little reason to complain about Brees' performance in Week 10. He got back over the 300 mark and contributed multiple touchdown passes. But after throwing three touchdown passes in each of his first three games, he has accomplished the feat only once in seven games since, throwing five against the Colts in Week 7. Is it reason for concern? Not really. The Saints offense begins and ends with Brees -- they ran only 16 times for 41 yards in Week 10 -- so you know he'll have his share of three-touchdown games going forward. Try not to worry so much about whether he's keeping pace with Aaron Rodgers and continue to trust that he's one of the elite quarterbacks in Fantasy. The Saints have a bye in Week 11, but you'll want to get Brees right back in your lineup for Week 12 against the Giants.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who has 3,004 yards passing in 2011 to become the first NFL player to eclipse the 3,000-yard mark in the first nine games of a season, should be in line for another big game Week 10 at Atlanta. The Saints prefer to pass anyway, but they'll likely be even more willing to lean on the arm of Brees against the Falcons' seventh-ranked run defense. Against the pass, meanwhile, the Falcons rank only 19th, allowing 245.2 yards per game. Brees also has a good history against the Falcons, having thrown for 3,010 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 10 games against them.
Analysis: Brees wasn't at his best when the Saints traveled to Atlanta last season, throwing one touchdown pass compared to two interceptions, but he did have 302 yards in the contest. Considering he's on pace to set a record for passing yards and has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 36 consecutive games, he's the kind of player you start regardless of the matchups. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues and expect stud numbers yet again.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees froze the Bucs for much of their Week 9 game, completing 27 of 36 passes for 258 yards. He threw two touchdowns: One on a gorgeous fade route to Lance Moore from 3 yards out when the Bucs gave him one-on-one coverage, and another on a screen to Darren Sproles from 21 yards out. Brees also had an interception. He connected with eight different receivers, but none more frequently that Jimmy Graham. Brees also had much better blocking from his offensive line, though they got help from time to time with additional tight ends in on a good portion of the plays. He added a slick 20-yard rush on a key third down late in the game.
Analysis: Brees was typically strong, helping the Fantasy owners who started him last week when the Rams snuck up on him. He'll be in for another NFC South showdown in Week 10 at Atlanta. The Falcons have been up and down against the pass; Brees himself scalded them for a pair of 300-yard games last year but totaled four touchdowns and four interceptions along the way (two in each game). Expect Brees to throw a lot next week and remain a stud No. 1 quarterback for Fantasy owners.
News:Drew Brees has become one of the most reliable passers in Fantasy Football, and chances are if you own him you're starting him. But we thought we'd pass along information about some trouble he's had against the Buccaneers of late. Brees has thrown exactly one touchdown in three of his last four against Tampa Bay, including earlier this year in Tampa Bay. He also has topped 300 yards passing in one game against the Bucs in that span (in Week 6 -- 383 yards). And in those last four, Brees has tossed five total interceptions including a trio a mere three weeks ago. The Bucs have allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season, but just two in their last two against the Saints and Bears. Brees is coming off an ugly game where he was sacked six times and threw one touchdown with two picks against the lowly Rams.
Analysis: Who are we kidding? Unless we tell you that Drew Brees' hand fell off, you're going to keep him in your lineup. But with a new right tackle (Will Svitek replaces Charles Brown) and a defense that has done mostly well against Brees, it wouldn't be a shocker if he didn't have one of his typical 300-plus-yard, three-touchdown games. Of course, because he has the potential to toss one of those 300-yard, three-score games, he has to stay in lineups.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who threw for five touchdowns and 325 yards against the Colts in Week 7, seemingly had a matchup just as favorable Week 8 at St. Louis. But he was under constant pressure from an unexpected pass rush, getting sacked three times by DL Chris Long and six times total, and ended up having arguably his worst game of the season. He threw for a season-low 269 yards on 30 of 44 passing and tossed two interceptions, including one that Darian Stewart returned 27 yards to ice the game in the fourth quarter. Brees' lone touchdown pass came with six seconds left in the fourth quarter when he threw an 8-yard strike over the middle to WR Lance Moore.
Analysis: The late touchdown was enough to extend Brees' streak of games with a touchdown pass to 35, but that's a small consolation for his Fantasy owners, who were expecting big numbers following the Saints' 62-7 thumping of the Colts just last week. Sunday's game was a shock in more ways than one, with the 0-6 Rams suddenly looking competent on both sides of the football to pick up their first victory. Brees has now thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in three of his last five games, showing some vulnerability after a terrific start to the season. Still, he plays in one of the most prolific passing offenses in the NFL and will be looking to bounce back in a big way Week 9 against the Buccaneers -- a team who he threw three interceptions against in Week 6 -- so keep him active.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 7 after throwing for five touchdowns and 325 yards against the Colts, has the opportunity to feast on another lower-level opponent Week 8 at St. Louis. The 0-6 Rams actually rank a respectable 13th against the pass, allowing 226.5 yards per game, but that's partially because they rank a distant 32nd against the run, giving opposing offenses little incentive to pass against them. When those opposing offenses do pass against them, they're usually pretty successful at it. The Rams are giving up 22.0 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, fourth-most in the league.
Analysis: The Saints offense is built to pass, so you have to believe they'll do plenty of passing Sunday even if most of the Rams' opponents have thrived on running the ball. True, the Saints might end up running a little more than usual, as was the case against the Colts, but Brees still managed to have a monster game them. The same should be true in Week 8. Brees is the type of quarterback who transcends matchups, so you should obviously start him for a favorable one like this one.
News: After tossing three interceptions during a loss to Tampa Bay a week ago, Saints QB Drew Brees had a solid bounce-back performance in Week 7 against the Colts. He completed 31 of 35 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns in the 62-7 win. He connected with WR Marques Colston for two scoring strikes in the first quarter before finding RB Darren Sproles from 6 yards out later in the half. Then in the third quarter, he tossed two more touchdowns to TE Jimmy Graham, from 4 and 2 yards, respectively. Brees, who was pulled in the fourth quarter, posted a 144.9 passer rating in the victory. "We had a great game plan. We played with a lot of confidence. Pete did a phenomenal job," Brees said. "It was just our night, one of those games that doesn't come along too often. ... We needed a win like this, especially after the past week and everything we've gone through."
Analysis: Brees threw for more touchdowns on Sunday night than he had in his previous three games combined as he carved up a poor Colts' secondary. He now has 18 touchdown passes on the year -- compared to eight interceptions -- with nearly 2,500 yards passing. The 32-year-old remains one of the better options in Fantasy and should be in for more success next week against the Rams. Continue to roll with Brees as a must-start Fantasy QB heading into Week 8.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees enters Week 7 against the Colts with a couple of impressive streaks. He has thrown for at least 350 yards in each of his last four contests and has gone an NFL-record 26 games with 20-plus completions. Indianapolis enters Sunday ranked 18th in the league against the pass, giving up nearly 256 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 19.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. When Brees last faced the Colts -- in Super Bowl XLIV -- he completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
Analysis: Brees tossed a season-high three interceptions a week ago but recorded his 13th touchdown of the season and nearly threw for 400 yards for the second time this season. He continues to man the passing attack for the Saints' potent offense and has a favorable matchup on Sunday. The Colts have not been able to slow many teams so far this season so consider Brees as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 7.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees did not turn in his sharpest outing of the season in Week 6 against the Buccaneers. Bress threw for 383 yards and touchdown in the 26-20 defeat, but also was picked off three times. His lone touchdown pass came in the first quarter when he found Marques Colston on a 38-yard scoring strike, capping off a six-play, 79-yard scoring drive to put New Orleans up 7-3. However, two of Brees' three interceptions came in Buccaneers' territory, including his final one, which occurred in the end zone as the Saints were looking to punch-in the go ahead score. Brees completed a pass to nine different receivers in the contest and finished with a QB rating of just 70.9. "Am I confident we are going to come back next week better than ever? Yes I am. Because I know the type of guys in this locker room," Brees said after the contest.
Analysis: Brees did not look sharp on Sunday and seemed to misfire one more than a few throws that he normally puts right on the money. However, some of those were the results of drops and the 32-year-old was still able to extend his touchdown streak to 33 straight games. He also threw for over 350 yards for the fourth straight contest and will be looking to get himself back on track when the Colts come to town in Week 7. Indianapolis has had plenty of issues this season, including on pass defense. Despite his slightly disappointing performance in Tampa Bay, Brees remains one of the top Fantasy QBs out there and should be considered a No. 1 option next Sunday night against the Colts.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees looks to have a very favorable matchup in Week 6 against the Buccaneers. Brees is averaging 240 passing yards in his last five matchups against Tampa Bay and has thrown 10 touchdowns and five interceptions over that stretch. The Buccaneers enter Sunday's contest ranked 20th in pass defense, allowing 254.6 yards per game. Tampa Bay has surrendered nine touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 18.8 Fantasy points, to opposing QBs through the first five games of the season.
Analysis: Brees has fared very well against Tampa Bay in his career, throwing for 22 touchdowns in 11 career games against the Bucs. The 32-year-old is in the midst of having another great season, racking up over 1700 passing yards and 12 touchdowns thus far. He has thrown for over 350 yards in each of his last three contests and has racked up six touchdowns over that stretch. The Saints are also currently ranked No. 2 in total offense, which is just another reason why Brees should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option heading into Week 6.
News:Drew Brees found Pierre Thomas wide open on the right side for a 6-yard touchdown with 50 seconds left, helping the New Orleans Saints rally past the Carolina Panthers 30-27 in Week 5. Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns, including a nearly flawless final drive in which he completed 8 of 9 passes for 80 yards to take back momentum after Cam Newton and the Panthers (1-4) had taken their first lead early in the fourth quarter. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes and threw one interception.
Analysis: Brees has failed to pass for at least 350 yards in just one of four games this season. It's becoming pretty automatic for him to have at least 300 yards and a couple of scores. It's the reason why he went off most draft boards before the second round this summer. Continue to roll with Brees in all Fantasy formats heading into Week 6 at Tampa Bay.
News:Drew Brees and the Saints will take on a familiar foe in NFC South rival Carolina in Week 5. Brees is 5-5 in 10 career games against Carolina. He has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 2,578 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has one rushing touchdown in that span. Brees has thrown for 1,475 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in his last five games against Carolina.
Analysis: The Saints were accustomed to preparing for a John Fox-led Panthers defense, and now it's led by new coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. Brees said he has seen a mixture of every conventional formation within the Panthers' new defense, so it's a different challenge than the past few seasons. But we have no doubt Brees will be able to survive against the Panthers, who are allowing QBs to average 14 Fantasy points per week, which is ninth lowest in the NFL. However, Kevin Kolb threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 and Aaron Rodgers threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 against Carolina, so keep Brees active in all Fantasy formats for Week 5, especially with six teams on byes.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees passed for 351 yards in a Week 4 win against the Jaguars. Brees had some struggles as he threw two interceptions for the second straight game, but Brees did surpass 300 yards for the third time this season. He completed 31 of 44 passes, including a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham. Brees rushed for 10 yards on three carries.
Analysis: Brees had thrown for three touchdown passes in each of his first three games this season, so it's sad to see that streak end. But Brees still went over 300 yards and had a decent day for Fantasy owners. Brees is entitled to a bad game, but he is still a must-start Fantasy option. The Saints play the Panthers in Week 5.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has thrown three touchdown passes in each of the first three games to kick off 2011 and will aim to keep that streak alive in Week 4 against the Jaguars. Brees has a very strong history against the Jaguars. He has thrown for 952 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions in three games against Jacksonville. The Jaguars haven't allowed a QB to throw for more than two touchdowns in a game this season and QBs are averaging 18.7 Fantasy points per week against Jacksonville.
Analysis: Although the Jaguars have done fairly well against QBs in 2011, you really have to throw all that out when Brees comes to town. The Saints are going to throw the ball around a lot and Brees is likely going to have a good day. It gets even better for Brees in Week 4 as Marques Colston is expected to return from a collarbone injury. Whether or not that happens, Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 4.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was as prolific as ever in Week 3 against a Texans defense that entered the game ranked first against the pass. Brees completed 31 of 44 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns -- a 2-yarder to Robert Meachem, a 27-yarder to Jimmy Graham and a 16-yarder to Lance Moore. Brees also completed two two-point conversions to Moore. He did throw his first two interceptions of the year, but Graham ran the wrong route on one of them.
Analysis: Brees saved all three of his touchdown passes for the second half, causing his Fantasy owners to sweat a little in the early going. But as usual, the Saints relied on him to bring them back in the game, and as usual, he delivered. The Saints are one of those teams who live and die by the passing game, making Brees a safe start in Fantasy no matter who he's facing. With a favorable matchup Week 4 at Jacksonville, he's an obvious No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who is off to another great start this season with three touchdown passes and no interceptions in each of his first two games, will be facing a Texans defense in Week 3 that ranks first against the pass this season, allowing 162.5 yards per game and a miserable completion percentage of 45.9 (the next-closest team is at 52.3). The Texans have given up 11 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, fourth-worst in the league. Then again, the only quarterbacks they've faced so far are Kerry Collins of the Colts and Chad Henne of the Dolphins.
Analysis: Relax. You can and absolutely should start Brees. As many improvements as the Texans have made on defense, they're still not on par with the Packers, and Brees torched the defending Super Bowl champions for 419 yards in Week 1. He's more likely to have another one of those performances than the 270-yard effort he had against the Bears in Week 2 simply because the Texans offense is better equipped to keep up with the Saints than the Bears offense is. Brees is one of those quarterbacks who you start regardless of the matchups anyway, so just keep him active and try not to read too much into the numbers.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees passed for three touchdowns as New Orleans beat Chicago, 30-13, in Week 2. Brees' first touchdown pass went for 79 yards to Devery Henderson in the second quarter. He added a 4-yard touchdown strike to Robert Meachem in the third quarter and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles in the fourth quarter. He completed 26 of 37 passes for 270 yards. Brees was sacked once and produced a 118.1 passer rating.
Analysis: Brees now has six touchdown passes and no interceptions in his first two games. Even without Marques Colston in Week 2, Brees looked comfortable and didn't miss a beat. He is a must-start Fantasy QB through thick and thin. The Saints could get into a nice shootout with the Texans in Week 3.
News: Saints WR Lance Moore said the key to the passing game against the Bears is finding the open areas in their zone defense, and he is looking to QB Drew Brees to have another big game. "Hopefully Drew has got great protection and he can kind of pick them apart," Moore said. "That would be typical. That would be how we'd like it to go." Brees has completed 59 of 103 passes for 552 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions in his last two games against the Bears. Chicago surrendered 319 passing yards in Week 1 against the Falcons, but gave up no touchdowns and picked off a pass.
Analysis: Brees is coming off another stellar performance in Week 1 against the Packers, passing for 419 yards and three touchdowns. Brees has passed for three touchdowns in three of his last five games. Even when he has a difficult matchup ahead, it's tough to bench Brees since New Orleans throws the football so much. Continue to roll with him in Week 2.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees completed 32 of 49 passes for an astounding 419 yards during the Saints' 42-34 loss at Green Bay in Week 1. Brees threw for three touchdowns, including a late touchdown to TE Jimmy Graham that cut the Packers' lead to eight points with 2:15 left. His impressive 65.3 completion percentage was boosted by none of his passes being picked off by the swarming Green Bay defense. It was the first time he has not thrown an interception in a season opener since 2004 while with San Diego.
Analysis: Brees nearly topped 50 attempts as New Orleans played the entire game trailing the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Saints pulled within four points during the second quarter as their special teams kept them within striking distance. Brees then accounted for two touchdowns in the second half en route to a 112.5 QB rating. It's encouraging he kept the ball away from opposing hands as he attempts to rebound from a career-high 22 interceptions last season. Fantasy owners should consider Brees a No. 1 Fantasy QB for his Week 2 matchup against Chicago.
News: After being stunned in the first round of the playoffs during a bid to repeat as Super Bowl champs last year, New Orleans QB Drew Brees is aware of the hype surrounding Green Bay, the 2010 winner. "The emotions are high, obviously," Brees said. "The NFL does a lot in and around the game with media and the entertainment and all the stuff. It's the kickoff to the season, so the fans and everybody are excited to start the season." Brees will be under center again in Week 1 when he leads the Saints against the Packers on Thursday. Brees put together his third straight season with at least 33 touchdowns in 2010, leading the NFC with 4,620 passing yards and helping New Orleans go 11-5.
Analysis: Brees' solid passing campaign marked the fifth consecutive season he amassed 4,000-plus, joining Indianapolis QB as the only players in NFL history to accomplish that feat. However, he did struggle with turnovers and tossed a career-high 22 interceptions in 2010. The rise in interceptions could have been expected as Brees also fired a career-high 658 pass attempts and completing 68.1 percent. Fantasy owners shouldn't shy from Brees as a premier No. 1 Fantasy QB as he could find himself in a shootout with Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers during the season-opening showdown.
News: Granted it was against the spotty Raiders secondary, Saints QB Drew Brees looked to be in mid-season form in Sunday's preseason game. He got going in a hurry, firing a deep ball to Devery Henderson on the very first play of the game. It was a flurry from there, and Brees ended up with 189 yards in less than one half of work. He competed 15 of 23 passes on the afternoon though he didn't get into the end zone.
Analysis: The third exhibition is commonly reffered to as a "dress rehearsal" and Brees looked ready for the games to count. He hit seven targets on the day, fitting the ball into tight spots as usual. Fantasy owners should expect another big year from the former Super Bowl MVP, and we like him as a No. 1 QB once again. Brees should be taken off the board before Round 3 on Draft Day.
News: Saints GM Mickey Loomis told Sirius NFL Radio that the team will have a contract extension in place with QB Drew Brees, who is entering a contract year in 2011. "It's pretty clear that we're going to want to have Drew under contract for the long term," Loomis said. "I know that will happen at some point. He knows that will happen at some point."
Analysis: It's been a busy week for Brees, and he's said nothing and hasn't played a down. Earlier, head coach Sean Payton said Breed indeed played with a sprained MCL during the regular season but that he's long recovered. Brees had another solid year in 2010 despite the injury, completing 448 of 658 passes for 4,620 yards with 33 touchdowns, but with 22 interceptions - a career high. He should be able to reach those numbers again in 2011 given the Saints' offense and weapons in the passing game. He is still worth drafting early as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB -- expect him off draft boards before the end of Round 2.
News: Coach Sean Payton said Monday that QB Drew Brees did indeed sustain a low-grade sprained MCL during the regular season. Teammate Heath Evans recently said in evaluating the injury to Bears QB Jay Cutler in the NFC title game that Brees had a torn MCL and played on it for six weeks. Brees had another solid year in 2010 despite the injury, completing 448 of 658 passes for 4,620 yards with 33 touchdowns, but with 22 interceptions - a career high.
Analysis: It's clear that Brees is one of the league's top quarterbacks, and while he did attempt nearly 150 more passes than he did last season and didn't have as good of a year, he is still worth drafting early as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB. He'll be off draft boards before the end of Round 2 in drafts this summer. And if he heads into 2011 as a potential free agent then his value could rise as he will be playing for a new deal. Keep an eye on his contract talks this summer, but Brees is an elite Fantasy option with a new contract or not.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees said Tuesday that he is hopeful of getting a contract extension from the team this offseason. "I think every player is always looking for an extension," Brees said. "I’ve got one year left and discussions have been ongoing so we’ll see how it plays out." Brees will make $7.6 million in base salary in 2011, his final year of his contract. When asked if he deserves a raise, Brees said, "That’s not really up to me at this point other than I want to be here and I would love an extension." Brees said the lines of contract talk communication have been open since the end of last season. "Now that the offseason is here this is the time when you have an opportunity to think about those things and get those things accomplished," Brees said.
Analysis: Brees had another solid year in 2010, completing 448 of 658 passes for 4,620 yards with 33 touchdowns, but with 22 interceptions - a career high. It's clear that Brees is one of the league's top quarterbacks, and while he did attempt nearly 150 more passes than he did last season and didn't have as good of a year, he is still worth drafting early as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB. He'll be off draft boards before the end of Round 2 in drafts this summer. And if he heads into 2011 as a potential free agent then his value could rise as he will be playing for a new deal. Keep an eye on his contract talks this summer, but Brees is an elite Fantasy option with a new contract or not.
News: Saints head coach Sean Payton confirmed Monday that QB Drew Brees won't have surgery this offseason on his knees. Brees had a knee sprain that he wore a brace for but didn't miss any action because of.
Analysis: Brees had another solid year, completing 448 of 658 passes for 4,620 yards with 33 touchdowns, but with 22 interceptions - a career high. It's clear that Brees is one of the league's top quarterbacks, and while he did attempt nearly 150 more passes than he did last season and didn't have as good of a year, he is still worth drafting early as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB. He'll be off draft boards before the end of Round 2 in drafts this summer.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for more yards in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Seahawks than in any other playoff game in his career, but it was not enough to knock off the home team as Seattle defeated the defending Super Bowl champions 41-36. Brees completed 39 of 60 passes on his way to 404 yards and a couple of scores. He threw a touchdown pass to FB Heath Evans in the first quarter, and connected with WR Devery Henderson for a TD late in the game. He scrambled twice for 6 yards as well, including a dive for a first down early on.
Analysis: Brees' 39 completions set a new NFL post-season record for completions in a game. His 60 passes ranks third on the all-time list for attempts behind Steve Young (65) and a tie between Bernie Kosar and Dan Marino (64). Brees was throwing the ball so much because the 'Hawks sported a significant lead throughout the second half, and by the end of the day New Orleans was down to one healthy RB -- DeShawn Wynn -- who was signed earlier in the week. Brees played solid football throughout the loss, and it appeared as if fans were in store for a signature comeback until RB Marshawn Lynch put the game out of reach with an impressive late TD. Brees will have an entire offseason to wonder what could have been, but come draft time in 2011, Fantasy owners should again view him as a No. 1 QB who should be drafted among the top signal callers in the game.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees didn't have the best performance in Week 17 against Tampa Bay as the team limped into the postseason. Brees couldn't engineer a win over the Buccaneers as he was bested by Josh Freeman. Brees went 22 for 38 in the game for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Analysis: Brees has two touchdowns and three interceptions in his last two games and finished the regular season with 22 picks on the year compared to 33 touchdowns. He wasn't the guy he was last season, but Brees still had a more than respectable year that sees him go to the playoffs again. He'll once again be a top option next season.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees is likely to be without one of his main targets in Week 17 as WR Marques Colson, who underwent a knee procedure earlier this week, will probably be listed as doubtful on Friday when the official injury report comes out. New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay in the season finale.
Analysis: Brees threw for 263 yards with three touchdowns and an interception against the Bucs earlier this season, with Colston only going 5-53 in that contest. One place where Brees will really miss Colston is in the end zone, as the big target has caught seven touchdowns in the last nine games. Even without Colston, Brees should be able to put up must-start Fantasy numbers in Week 17, so continue to view him as a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was able to overcome two fourth quarter interceptions to lead New Orleans to a 17-14 win over the Falcons in Week 16. Brees was picked off twice in the fourth quarter, including once by Chauncey Davis who took it back 26 yards for a touchdown that put the Falcons up 14-10. However, trailing by the same score with just over 10 minutes left to play, Brees led New Orleans on a 13-play, 90-yard scoring drive that gave the Saints the lead for good. He completed six straight passes on the final drive, the last of them to rookie Jimmy Graham on a 6-yard touchdown strike. "At times it's not always going to be rosy," Brees said. "You just have to find a way to respond and come back." Brees finished 35 of 49 for 302 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Analysis: Brees did not play his best game on Monday night, but still did enough to lead the Saints back into the postseason. Still, from a Fantasy standpoint his performance was a bit disappointing. Brees continues to struggle with interceptions as he has now thrown at least one pick in 11 straight games. Monday also marked the first time he failed to throw multiple touchdown passes in three games. Even though the Saints clinched a playoff berth with the win, they still have a shot at winning the division, so Brees will most likely play the entire game in the season finale against the Buccaneers. He threw for 263 yards and three touchdown passes in the team's first meeting this season and should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB heading into Week 17.
News: After throwing for 365 yards with three touchdowns against the division foe earlier in the year, Saints QB Drew Brees will for similar success when he takes on the Falcons in Week 16. Atlanta ranks 20th in the league against the pass, allowing over 226 yards per contest, and have given up an average of 16.6 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Brees has not thrown for more than 270 yards in each of his last two games but he has thrown six touchdowns with three interceptions over that span. He has been picked off a career-high 19 times this season but he is just three scores away from three straight years with at least 34. Brees had a solid performance against the Falcons earlier in the year and should be in for more of the same on Sunday. Consider the 31-year-old a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a must-start for Week 16.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees didn't let Baltimore's defense slow him down Sunday in Week 15. Brees was 29 of 46 passing for 267 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He connected twice with rookie TE Jimmy Graham for touchdowns and once to Lance Moore, who scored off a tipped pass. Brees now has eight touchdowns and four interceptions in his past three games. Brees also went over 4,000 yards passing for the fifth consecutive season, a feat performed previously by only Peyton Manning.
Analysis: Brees and the Saints now head into a huge matchup at Atlanta in Week 16. Brees was 30 of 38 passing for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Falcons in Week 3. Look for Brees to continue to play well, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB against Atlanta.
News: After becoming the first QB in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards and 150 TDs in his first five seasons with a new team, Saints QB Drew Brees aims to take down another milestone in Week 15 against the Ravens. Brees needs only 145 passing yards for a fifth consecutive 4,000-yard season and would join Peyton Manning as the only QBs to accomplish the feat. The last time Brees faced Baltimore in 2006 he passed for 383 yards and three touchdowns. However, Brees is 0-2 in his career against Baltimore and has more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (three).
Analysis: Interceptions have definitely been a problem for Brees this season. He has thrown at least one in nine straight games and need just one more interception to set a new career high for a season, which would be 19. He is likely to get it in Week 15, but for all the bad Brees has done this season, he continues to do plenty well for Fantasy owners. Brees is still the third best scoring Fantasy QB with 280 points. While the Ravens defense usually puts on a good show it has been suspect at times this season. Baltimore has allowed three QBs -- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub -- to rack up 30 or more Fantasy points. Brees usually comes through for Fantasy owners more often than not, so keep him active as a No. 1 option for Week 15.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw three more touchdown passes in Week 14 against the Rams. Brees started off the game hot, leading the Saints on two consecutive scoring drive start the contest that were both capped off with Marques Colston touchdown grabs. He then hooked up with Lance Moore on a 31-yard touchdown strike on New Orleans' first offensive possession of the second half. He completed a pass to seven different players in the 31-13 win and finished 25 for 40 for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Bress did throw a pair of interceptions in the contest and finished with a quarterback rating of 81.4. He is the first QB in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards and 150 TDs in his first five seasons with a new team.
Analysis: Brees wasn't very sharp on Sunday, but still led the Saints to their sixth straight win. He has now posted 10 multi-touchdown games this season and needs only two more too finish with his third straight season with 30-plus TD passes. The only knock on Brees has been his turnovers. He has been a little careless with the ball lately as he has thrown at least one interception in nine straight games, including two against the Rams. Still, Fantasy owners are just going to have to take the bad with the good as Brees should remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB through thick and thin. Consider him as such in Week 15 against the Ravens.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who threw for 313 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week against the Bengals, will to lead New Orleans to their sixth straight win in Week 14 against the Rams. "I feel like early on (in the season) for whatever reason that some of the breaks just weren't going your way, or my way," Brees said. "I wasn't quite as sharp as I wanted to be. I think a lot of that is just timing and getting into it." St.Louis enters Sunday's matchup ranked 19th in pass defense, allowing 229.5 yards per game. The Rams have surrendered 15 touchdowns through the air this season and are allowing an average of 15.7 Fantasy points to opposing QBs on the season.
Analysis: Brees has 25 passing touchdowns on the season and is closing in on his third straight season of 30-plus touchdowns. He has posted nine multi-touchdown games in 2010, but has also thrown at least one pick in eight straight games. Still, he has the ability to pick apart most secondaries and remains a a No. 1 Fantasy QB through thick and thin. Consider him as such against the Rams on Sunday.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees didn't put up 500-plus passing yards like he did the last time he faced Cincinnati in 2006, but Brees passed for 313 yards and a pair of scores in Week 13 against the Bengals. Brees had a pretty quiet first half, with just 170 yards on 12 of 16 completions. But he made some noise in the second half with a pair of scores. His first was a 52-yard strike to Robert Meachem in the fourth quarter. Then, with his team trailing by three, Brees led them on a 68-yard scoring drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston with 31 seconds left that stood as the game winner. Brees completed 24 of 29 passes and threw only one interception.
Analysis: Brees now has nine multi-touchdown games in 2010. Unfortunately, he has also thrown at least one pick in eight straight games. Fantasy owners are just going to have to take the bad with the good. Brees is up to 25 passing touchdowns and is closing in on his third straight season of 30-plus touchdowns. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB through thick and thin. The Saints play the Rams in Week 14.
News: The last time Saints QB Drew Brees faced the Bengals, his Week 13 opponent, he shredded them for a career-high 510 yards in a 2006 matchup. Cincinnati better be on the lookout again Week 13 seeing how Brees has won his last 9 of 10 against the AFC, including last season's Super Bowl victory against Indianapolis. The Bengals are allowing QBs to average 13.7 Fantasy points per week, which is sixth lowest in the NFL. Although, three QBs -- Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and Ryan Fitzpatrick -- have passed for three or more touchdowns this season against Cincinnati, but only one -- Fitzpatrick -- has surpassed 300 yards.
Analysis: After a shaky start to the season, Brees has the Saints back on the right track. New Orleans has won four straight and Brees has passed for 300-plus yards in three of those wins. He failed to pass for at least two touchdowns for the first time in seven games in Week 12 against the Cowboys, but that is just a minor bump in the road for Brees. The Bengals have a good secondary, but right now they are banged up and that could definitely play to Brees' advantage. Start him in Fantasy Week 13.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees ended his Thanksgiving Day on a high note in leading New Orleans to a comeback victory at Dallas. Brees was 23 of 39 passing for 352 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He needed a late touchdown to Lance Moore to avoid losing to the Cowboys and finishing the game without reaching the end zone. Brees hit seven different receivers in the game and had three carries for minus-3 yards.
Analysis: Brees continues to play at a high level in 2010. He is a must-start Fantasy QB in all leagues and should continue to post outstanding stats each week. It's a good thing Brees hit Moore for that TD otherwise his stat line would have suffered, but look for Brees to play well again in Week 13 at Cincinnati. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy option in all leagues.
News: The last time New Orleans QB Drew Brees faced Dallas was Week 15 last year, and the Cowboys ended the Saints chance at a perfect season in a 24-17 loss. Brees struggled in that game with 29 of 45 passing for 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception with two fumbles. Brees will be looking for revenge Thanksgiving Day in Week 12 in Dallas. He is playing at a high level coming into the game with at least 20 Fantasy points in each of his past three games against Pittsburgh, Carolina and Seattle. He has eight touchdowns and four interceptions over that span, and this is a favorable matchup for him against the Cowboys. Dallas is No. 2 in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed with 22, and the Cowboys are giving up 235 passing yards per game.
Analysis: Brees should be able to have another outstanding game against Dallas. He had his best game of the season in Week 11 against the Seahawks with 382 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, and he should be able to reach the 20 Fantasy point mark again in Week 12. Consider Brees a must-start Fantasy QB in all leagues.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees seemed to do whatever he wanted in Week 11 against the Seahawks. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 382 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He hadn't thrown four touchdown passes in a game since he threw for five scores against New England on Nov. 30, 2009. Brees now has faced Seattle three times in his career and has a total of 960 yards and nine touchdowns. "Today we played at times as well as we've played all season," Brees said. "That's gets you excited because you feel like, man, we're knocking at the door. Just imagine if we can continue to kind of get all the weapons back."
Analysis: Brees also made some history in Week 11. He passed Archie Manning on the Saints all-time completion list, as Brees now has 1,852 completions with the Saints. The previous record was 1,849 by Manning. Brees and the Saints face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. He may get some of his weapons back -- mainly Reggie Bush -- for that game. Dallas let Shaun Hill throw for 289 yards against them in Week 11, so Brees shouldn't have any trouble putting up solid numbers. Fantasy owners should continue viewing Brees as an elite Fantasy QB.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees has played Seattle twice in his career, and done pretty well in those outings. He has completed 52 of 85 (61.2 pct.) for 578 yards with 5 touchdowns and one interception in those two games. The Seahawks have one of the worst pass defenses in the league as they give up 272.2 passing yards per contest. According to Brees, the Saints have seen more "amoeba" defenses than usual, where there aren't many down linemen going against the Saints offensive line. Brees said the Browns had success against the Saints with the look, but the team handled that style well against the Steelers and Panthers. Brees and the Saints are coming off a bye, so he should be well rested for Week 11 versus the Seahawks.
Analysis: It's pretty apparent when Brees does well, the Saints do well. Since 2006 (including the playoffs), the Saints are 30-6 (.833) when Brees has 100-plus passer rating (min. 10 attempts.) Brees said he's focused on this season and winning games, not a contract extension. He's had an issue with his knee this year, but it looked fine two weeks ago against the Panthers. He has 18 touchdown passes on the season, as well as 12 interceptions, which is already over his total from last season. But with a stomping of Carolina his last time out and a favorable matchup with Seattle in Week 11, Fantasy owners should continue to view Brees as a No. 1 QB option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees did his best to show everyone his knee was just fine in Week 9 against the Panthers. Brees led New Orleans to a 34-3 rout of the Panthers, as he completed 27 of 43 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Brees' first touchdown was a 7-yard strike to Jeremy Shockey in the first quarter. He then connected with Jimmy Graham for a 19-yard score in the second. Brees' only mistake came on the first drive. After a fumbled snap, Brees picked up the ball and threw it to Robert Meachem, who tipped the ball in the air near the 10-yard line and it was picked off by Richard Marshall in the red zone.
Analysis: There was a report earlier in the week that Brees was playing with a fracture and torn meniscus in his left knee. The Saints refuted the report and Brees showed in Week 9 that he is just fine. Well, at least good enough to play. Brees did suffer a mild knee sprain earlier in the season, but he hasn't been on the injury report for weeks. Brees has 18 touchdowns this season, but he also has 12 interceptions. He is not having the ideal season for being a first-round Fantasy pick in most formats, but Brees is still doing enough to be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB. The Saints are on a bye until returning to action Week 11 against Seattle.
News: According to a report from a radio station in New Orleans, WIST-AM, Saints QB Drew Brees has been playing with a fracture and torn meniscus in his left knee. Brees suffered what was described as a mild knee sprain early in the season. He’s been wearing a brace but has not missed any action, and Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday the report is "inaccurate" and "completely false," according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Brees also told the newspaper Thursday that he's "fine." He is expected to start in Week 9 at Carolina, and he should be able to rest his knee during the bye in Week 10. The last time Brees faced the Panthers in Week 4, New Orleans barely escaped with a 16-14 win. Brees completed 33 of 48 passes for 275 yards, but he had just one touchdown -- which tied a season-low. Brees is averaging 258.3 passing yards per game in nine career contests against the Panthers. He also has 2,325 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Surprisingly, Brees has one or zero touchdowns in seven games against Carolina.
Analysis: We expect Brees to play against the Panthers, and he remains a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues. It's a difficult matchup for him, but as long as his knee is "fine," as he says, you should keep him in your starting lineup. Remember, he had a difficult matchup in Week 8 against the Steelers and passed for 305 yards with two touchdowns. He has back-to-back 300-yard passing games, so it seems he is settling into a bit of a groove again. Unless you have a really favorable matchup with a backup Fantasy QB, you have to go with Brees.
News: The last time Saints QB Drew Brees went up against the Panthers in Week 4, New Orleans barely escaped with a 16-14 win. Brees completed 33 of 48 passes for 275 yards, but he had just one touchdown -- which tied a season-low. Brees looks for better results in Week 9 at Carolina. Brees is averaging 258.3 passing yards per game in nine career contests against the Panthers. He also has 2,325 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Surprisingly, Brees has one or zero touchdowns in seven games against Carolina.
Analysis: Brees is coming of back-to-back 300-yard passing games, so it seems he is settling into a bit of a groove again. Although, interceptions have been a problem. He has tossed nine picks in his last four games. Perhaps the eventual return of RBs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush to the running game will take some of the pressure off the passing game. Despite the fact the Panthers are allowing opposing QBs to average just 12.7 Fantasy points per week, you did not draft Brees to sit him on your Fantasy bench. Unless you have a really favorable matchup with a backup Fantasy QB, you have to go with Brees.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees bounced back from a dismal four-interception performance in Week 7, by throwing for an efficient 305 yards in the Week 8 win over the Steelers. He completed 34 of 44 passes on the night and threw two touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter. The first came on a 16-yarder to Marques Colston, and the second was in-between defenders to Lance Moore, which extended the lead to 10 points. Brees did throw an interception right after the two-minute warning in the first half, when Ike Taylor split the difference between two WRs to pick off the pass. Brees also lost a fumble when he was sacked by Bryant McFadden. Brees was good when it counted most, going 20 of 22 in the second half of the 20-10 win. "We have a special group," Brees said. "I think we all knew that from the start. We just had to come out and prove it. It's a long season. It's a marathon. You're going to have your ups and downs."
Analysis: Brees went into halftime throwing for just 114 yards and getting picked once. He came out much more efficiently in the second half and brought the team back for an impressive win. Even more impressively, Brees was able to be efficient and accurate without having his top two RBs -- Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush -- who were out with injuries. He will look for a repeat effort in Week 9 against Carolina, whose pass defense is one of the NFL's best, giving up just 182.7 yards per game. Brees will remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB heading into that matchup.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees is coming of a career high (tied) four-interception performance against the Browns in Week 7. Coach Sean Payton believes Brees will bounce back in Week 8 against the Steelers. "I've said before that his bar and what he expects of himself is high, no different than the rest of us, but he’s very competitive," Payton said. "But he’s also very resilient, and that’s a great strength.” Brees will need to prove it against Pittsburgh's 4th-ranked defense. He is looking to this point as a critical point in the season for him and the Saints. "I think we’ll look back at this time as the season progresses, this seven-game stretch to begin, as a defining moment," Brees said. The last time he faced the Steelers was in 2006, when Brees completed 31 of 47 pass attempts for 398 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Although the Steelers rank 4th in the league in total defense, they remain 24th against the pass. Still, they have not allowed a single QB to throw for 300 yards against them through seven weeks. They also limit points, only giving up four TD passes thus far. Brees will have to rely on his hot-reads against blitz-heavy Pittsburgh and he has shown the ability to do that well in his career. The only other time he threw four INTs in his career (2007), he followed it with a zero TD, two INT game. We don't expect him to repeat that history against the Steelers defense in Week 8, consider him to be a must-start Fantasy QB as usual.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees clearly wasn't himself in the face of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's heavy pass rush Week 7 in New Orleans. He couldn't take advantage of a 21st-ranked Browns pass defense, tying a career high with four interceptions. He would have had a fifth if a defender hadn't dropped one in the first quarter. "Anytime you throw a pick, you're going to be upset about it," he said. "Anytime you throw two, you're really upset. Three, you're really, really upset. Four, that's not (me). I don't have days like that." He still finished with 356 yards and two touchdowns on 37 of 56 passing -- mostly because the Saints were desperately trying to catch up all day. His first touchdown pass was an 11-yarder to David Thomas in the fourth quarter, and his second was an 8-yarder to Marques Colston in the fourth.
Analysis: The Browns entered Sunday's game with only four interceptions all season, so Brees' struggles were certainly a surprise. Ryan has a history of success, though, and clearly came up with a good game plan for stopping the All-Pro quarterback. Despite the turnovers, Brees still scored a decent number of Fantasy points because of all the yardage. He has a much tougher matchup Week 8 against the Steelers, but considering his track record, you have to think he'll bounce back to some degree. He should remain active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who was on the injury report for a third straight week because of a sore knee, is active as expected for Week 7 against the Browns. He'll be facing a defense that ranks 21st against the pass and has allowed 11 touchdown passes compared to only four interceptions.
Analysis: All signs point to a big week for Brees, whose knee issue continues to be a non-issue come game time. He's on pace for another 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown season, so keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, listed on the injury report for a third straight week as he continues to deal with a sore knee, fully participated in Wednesday's practice, but he didn't have a ton of sleep Tuesday night as his wife Brittany gave birth to the family's second child. Brees will be facing a Browns defense in Week 7 that ranks 21st against the pass, allowing 228.8 yards per game, and has given up 17.7 Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, ninth-most in the league. The Saints established a running game last week as RB Chris Ivory ran for 158 yards on 15 carries -- a development that should only work to Brees' advantage. "We just know the importance of the run game and obviously the success that allowed us to have last year," Brees said. "You can't be one-dimensional in this league."
Analysis: Brees has yet to miss a game because of the knee injury, so it's really a non-factor for Fantasy owners. The Browns defense might be a non-factor as well. Brees has thrown multiple touchdown passes in four of his last five games, so he should have no problem lighting up the Browns, especially now that the Saints have a running game to keep them honest. The Browns have allowed 11 touchdown passes and recorded only four interceptions, so all signs point to a big week for Brees. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had an easy time against the Buccaneers in Week 6. Beating Tampa Bay 31-6, Brees tossed three touchdown passes en route to 263 yards on the game through the air. Brees, who went 21 of 32 in the game, hit Lance Moore for a 41-yard TD strike on the game's first drive. Early in the second quarter, Brees hit Robert Meachem from 42-yards out for his second TD. The third went to Heath Evans in the third quarter. Brees did throw one interception but that was tipped and not really his fault. He rushed two for 2 yards.
Analysis: In the weird statistic department, Brees was 11 for 11 for 181 yards and three TDs when he threw to his right side. Brees has at least one TD pass in every game this season and has at least two in four of the six games he's played. Brees, as always, is a must-start Fantasy QB as a No. 1 option for the Week 7 game against Cleveland.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees (knee) will start Week 6 at Tampa Bay. Brees threw three touchdown passes without a pick at Tampa Bay last season and, outside of a game in November of 2008 against them in which he was picked three times, Brees has nine touchdowns and just one interception against Tampa Bay in his last four games.
Analysis: Brees uncharacteristically threw three interceptions in the Week 5 loss at Arizona. That game was uncharacteristic not just because he threw three interceptions, but the Cardinals had just one pick in their three previous games against the Falcons, Raiders and Chargers. Brees should be able to bounce back on Sunday against the Buccaneers, however, especially considering he remains inside the top five among Fantasy QBs this season. In two games against the Buccaneers last year, Brees threw for 445 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He is a solid start in all Fantasy leagues for Week 6.
News: Saints RB Drew Brees (knee) was listed as probable for Week 6 against the Buccaneers after participating in practice all week. He is expected to start Sunday's matchup at Tampa Bay. Brees uncharacteristically threw three interceptions in the Week 5 loss at Arizona. That game was uncharacteristic not just because he threw three interceptions, but the Cardinals had just one pick in their three previous games against the Falcons, Raiders and Chargers. Brees should be able to bounce back on Sunday against the Buccaneers, however, especially considering he remains inside the top five among Fantasy QBs this season. In two games against the Buccaneers last year, Brees threw for 445 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees threw three touchdown passes without a pick at Tampa Bay last season and, outside of a game in November of 2008 against them in which he was picked three times, Brees has nine touchdowns and just one interception against Tampa Bay in his last four games. Tampa Bay has been decent against opposing quarterbacks thus far this year, however, managing at least two interceptions in each game they've played. That said, Charlie Batch and Carson Palmer combined for five touchdowns against them in their last two games and Brees should do even better. Brees might not have his best game, but he's still very much worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees, who has a slight knee issue but was a full go at practice on Wednesday, uncharacteristically threw three interceptions in the Week 5 loss at Arizona. That game was uncharacteristic not just because he threw three interceptions, but the Cardinals had just one pick in their three previous games against the Falcons, Raiders and Chargers. Brees should be able to bounce back in Week 6 at Tampa Bay, however, especially considering he remains inside the top five among Fantasy QBs this season. In two games against the Buccaneers last year, Brees threw for 445 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees threw three touchdown passes without a pick at Tampa Bay last season and, outside of a game in November of 2008 against them in which he was picked three times, Brees has nine touchdowns and just one interception against Tampa Bay in his last four games. Tampa Bay has been decent against opposing quarterbacks thus far this year, however, managing at least two interceptions in each game they've played. That said, Charlie Batch and Carson Palmer combined for five touchdowns against them in their last two games and Brees should do even better. Brees might not have his best game, but he's still very much worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees did not have his most efficient game in Week 5 against the Cardinals. He completed 24 of 39 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns but the 31-year-old also threw three interceptions in the 30-20 loss. He completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to TE Jeremy Shockey in the first quarter but did not throw another one until late in the game. In between those touchdown strikes, Brees was picked off by LB Paris Lenon, DB Greg Toler and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who returned it for a touchdown to seal the game. Brees threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter, his first time doing that in 26 games. He connected with WR Robert Meachem on a 35-yard touchdown pass with just under two minutes left in the game.
Analysis: Brees was held in check by a surprising Cardinals defense in Week 5 and needed a long touchdown pass late to help salvage his numbers. One of his interceptions bounced off the receivers hands but the other two were simply poor passes. New Orleans managed just 85 yards on the ground on Sunday so they had to rely heavily on the pass. Brees has thrown for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns through the first five games but has five interceptions, all of them coming in two games. He will face a Buccaneers defense in Week 6 that entered Sunday ranked 23rd in the NFL against the pass so continue to view Brees as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and must-start.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees as active for Week 5 against the Cardinals after being listed as probable with a knee injury leading up to the game. Brees, who practiced in full all week, will face the second worst scoring defense in the NFL in Arizona. The Cardinals give up an average of 29.5 points per game and every QB they have faced this season has amassed at least 225 yards passing and a touchdown.
Analysis: Brees has been battling this injury for a few weeks, but it has yet to force him to miss a game. The Cardinals could not have come at a better time for the struggling Saints offense. In two career games against Arizona, Brees has thrown for 496 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He threw for 275 yards and one TD in Week 4, but the team only scored 16 points. Get Brees active as he remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats for Week 5.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees (knee) is listed as probable for Week 5 at Arizona. He has practiced in full all week. Brees will face the second worst scoring defense in the NFL in Week 5. The Cardinals give up an average of 29.5 points per game and every QB they have faced this season has amassed at least 225 yards passing and a touchdown.
Analysis: Brees has been battling this injury for a few weeks, but it doesn't appear it will keep him out of a game at this point. The Cardinals could not have come at a better time for the struggling Saints offense. Brees threw for 275 yards and one TD in Week 4, but the team only scored 16 points. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats in Week 5.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees is still nursing an MCL injury, but was not listed on last week's injury report. However, the knee issue is improving."I feel good. I feel better than I did last week. So that's improvement," Brees said Wednesday. Brees and the Saints travel to Arizona in Week 5 to face the second worst scoring defense in the NFL. The Cardinals give up an average of 29.5 points per game and every QB they have faced this season has amassed at least 225 yards passing and a touchdown.
Analysis: The Cardinals could not have come at a better time for the struggling Saints offense. Brees threw for 275 yards and one TD in Week 4, but the team only scored 16 points. Monitor Brees' practice habits throughout the Week, but it seems like he will continue to play without any significant limitations. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats in Week 5.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 33 of 48 passes for 275 yards and one touchdown in a Week 4 win over the Panthers. "This was a 30-point day we turned into 16 points with turnovers and a lack of execution," Brees said. "We're going to save all the scoring and everything else until the end of the season I guess, which isn't so bad."
Analysis: Brees came into Sunday's game with an MCL injury, and maybe his season-low 68.8 completion percentage had something to do with that. In his previous two contests against the Panthers, Brees had thrown for 716 yards and five touchdowns, so this outing certainly wasn't great by his lofty standards. His receivers didn't help him out at times on Sunday though, as Jeremy Shockey and others had some critical drops. In Week 5, Brees will go on the road to face the Cardinals, who he threw three touchdowns against in the 2009 playoffs. Brees remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Though he's not on the Saints' official injury report, QB Drew Brees is dealing with some knee soreness. But head coach Sean Payton said Friday after practice that Brees' health is improving. "Each day the soreness has gone away, so he's doing well," he said. The Saints host the Panthers in Week 4, a great matchup for Brees. In his previous two contests against the Saints' NFC South rivals, Brees has thrown for 716 yards (358-yard average) with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Also, Carolina has given up six passing scores in three games this season and ranks as the 10th most generous defense to Fantasy QBs.
Analysis: Brees might be in a brace come Sunday, but he should do fine. While it took Brees a few weeks to get going this season, he put up 365 yards with three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in Week 3 and should be able to at least get close to those yardage and TD totals in Week 4, especially if RB Pierre Thomas is out, as Sean Payton will likely lean more on his stud QB if that happens. As long as Brees is able to play with this knee injury, he remains an elite must-start Fantasy option.
News: The Saints host the Panthers in Week 4 and New Orleans QB Drew Brees will be excited about playing Carolina. In his previous two contests against the Saints' NFC South rivals, Brees has thrown for 716 yards (358-yard average) with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Also, Carolina has given up six passing scores in three games this season and ranks as the 10th most generous defense to Fantasy QBs.
Analysis: Brees has an MCL injury that shouldn't force him to miss Sunday's game, but he might wear a brace like he did during practice Wednesday. While it took Brees a few weeks to get going this season, he put up 365 yards with three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in Week 3 and should be able to at least get close to those yardage and TD totals in Week 4, especially if RB Pierre Thomas is out, as Sean Payton will likely lean more on his stud QB if that happens. As long as Brees is able to play with this knee injury, he remains an elite must-start Fantasy option.
News: WIST-AM out of New Orleans reports that Saints QB Drew Brees has a strained MCL in his left knee. Head coach Sean Payton wouldn't elaborate on Brees' injury, saying that his quarterback practiced in full and was sore but did well. He's not listed on the team's Wednesday practice report and he's expected to be fine for Week 4 vs. the Panthers. “There’s no situation. His knee is sore from the game," Payton explained. "There’s no specific injury other than that he has soreness. We didn’t put him on the report. He took all the reps. There’s not an injury to report. I was pleased with how he functioned. He functioned fine. It’s something that as the week goes on, I think he’ll have no problem with and he did a real good job in all the team stuff today.” Brees said he is wearing a brace on his knee, but is not having any trouble practicing. He isn't sure if he will wear it against Carolina.
Analysis: This report is a little odd, as you can really only strain muscles and tendons, not ligaments. Still, Brees definitely had an MRI on his knee Sunday and is not likely to be 100 percent going into Sunday's home contest against the Panthers. That shouldn't stop you from starting Brees in Fantasy play though, as the chances of him putting solid numbers against the sorry Panthers (six passing TDs allowed) are good as long as he starts. Continue to view him as an elite No. 1 Fantasy QB, but keep a close eye on his status leading into Sunday's contest.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had an MRI on his left knee after the Falcons loss Sunday night, and the results were negative, a source close to the situation told CBSSports.com. Brees, however, was favoring his left leg Monday morning in the locker room even though he never left the game. Coach Sean Payton said Brees had his knee checked out after the game, and it wasn't serious. Payton said it's standard protocol to have all players checked out for injuries. Brees played well in the loss to Atlanta with 30 of 38 passing for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Analysis: Brees is expected to be fine for Week 4 against Carolina, but continue to monitor his status heading into the game against the Panthers. Brees should continue to play at a high level, and he remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB. If for some reason he's limited then plan to find a capable No. 2 QB, but we expect Brees to start.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees played well Sunday against the Falcons in Week 3 despite New Orleans losing in overtime. Brees was 30 of 38 passing for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He connected with seven receivers, including Lance Moore for six catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Brees regrets one of his interceptions, which came on an attempted underhand throw. "A very bad decision, which is unlike me," Brees said.
Analysis: Brees won't attempt any more underhand passes, but he continues to post solid stats and is a must-start Fantasy QB. Brees now has six touchdowns and two interceptions on the season, and he will look to pad his stats in Week 4 against Carolina. Keep Brees active in all leagues as a No. 1 QB.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees isn't pleased with how the offense has looked through two games against Minnesota and San Francisco. Even though he has played well with 491 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions on 74 percent passing, he wants to be more efficient. Brees used terms like "execution," "flow" and "rhythm" when asked how he feels the offense can improve going into Week 3 vs. Atlanta. And this is a good matchup for Brees even though the Falcons have yet to allow a passing touchdown with four interceptions, but that was against Dennis Dixon and Derek Anderson. Brees is a much better passer, and he's averaged 317 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in his past five meetings with the Saints.
Analysis: Brees is an elite Fantasy QB, and he's going to hand the Falcons their first passing touchdowns allowed this year. Consider him a must-start in all scoring formats, and he should play well as always against the Falcons.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw two more touchdown passes in Week 2 against the 49ers. Despite a swirling wind, Brees was still able to throw for 254 yards and a pair of touchdown passes in the 25-22 victory. He hooked up with Reggie Bush in the first quarter on a choice route for the games first touchdown and then found David Thomas for a 3-yard TD strike in the third quarter. Brees completed a pass to nine different receivers, including himself in the fourth quarter. On a third-and-15 Brees had a pass tipped by Ray McDonald right into his chest. Brees caught the deflection and rumbled for seven yards. His longest completion of the night came in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 22, Brees hooked with Marcus Colston on a 30-yard reception that put the Saints in field goal range and led to the game-winning field goal. He finished 28 for 38 for 254 yards and a pair of TD passes.
Analysis: The wind was definitely a factor on Monday night and limited both quarterbacks from taking deep shots down the field. Brees was forced to dump the ball off to his backs and tight ends, but still managed to put up decent numbers. He now has three touchdown passes on the season and has yet to throw an interception. Brees should be able to air it out a little more in Week 3 as the Saints will be back home against the Falcons. Atlanta surrendered just a 169 passing yards to the Cardinals in Week 2, but they don't have the weapons the Saints do. Consider Brees a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 3.
News: After a solid performance against the Vikings to open the season, Saints QB Drew Brees has a favorable matchup in Week 2 against the 49ers. Brees is a perfect 4-0 against San Francisco, and is averaging 305.3 passing yards a game with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has completed 65.8 percent of his passes and posted a quarterback rating of 106.8 over that stretch.
Analysis: While Brees' stats didn't blow anybody away in Week 1, he was still very efficient completing 27 of his 37 attempts for 237 yards and a touchdown. While the 49ers deffense is supposed to be much improved, they did not look over impressive in Week 1 and allowed an aging Matt Hasselbeck to account for three scores. Brees has plenty of weapons at his disposal on offense and based on his recent track record against the 49ers, Fantasy owners should consider him a solid No. 1 QB heading into Week 2.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees still owns Brett Favre and the Vikings. After leading New Orleans to a 31-28 win over Minnesota in the NFC Championship last season, Brees guided the Saints to another victory over the Vikings, this time a 14-9 win in the 2010 season opener Thursday. Despite being down cornerback Cedric Griffin, the Vikings defense held Brees in check. He completed 27 of 36 passes, but for just 237 yards and one touchdown. The defending Super Bowl champion Saints opened the game with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Brees to Devery Henderson to take a 7-0 lead. Brees would have had a second touchdown in the fourth quarter had Robert Meachem not dropped a score in the end zone.
Analysis: Despite having just three healthy cornerbacks and starting Husian Abdullah at safety, the Vikings did a good job of preventing the Saints receivers from beating them deep. Brees had a high-completion rate, but he had to check down a lot to RB Reggie Bush and take what the defense gave him. He did a similar thing in the playoffs against Minnesota as he passed for just 197 yards in that game. It doesn't get any easier for Brees in Week 2 as New Orleans boards a plane to San Francisco. The 49ers allowed just 14 passing touchdowns and picked off 18 passes in 2009. Despite the tough matchup, it's pretty tough to bench Brees in Fantasy. He is 4-0 in four career starts against San Francisco, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,221 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.
News: Vikings DL Kevin Williams has stressed the importance of making Saints QB Drew Brees uncomfortable in the pocket as both teams are set to open the regular season on Thursday. "You just have to kind of disrupt him. He is the engine that makes the thing go over there and everything goes through him," Williams said. "Just harass him all day." The Super Bowl XLIV MVP completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against Minnesota last season. The Vikings' vaunted defensive line, which led the league in sacks last year, only sacked Brees once in the game. But they forced him to throw sooner than he wanted and kept the shifty Saints receivers from turning short receptions into long gains.
Analysis: The Vikings did a good job keeping Brees in check in the NFC title game, but he still hurt them with three touchdowns. He also gets to face a different secondary on Thursday. Veterans Antoine Winfield and Lito Sheppard and second-year pro Asher Allen are the only three healthy cornerbacks heading into the game against an offense that loves to run four, and sometimes even five, receivers on any given play. The Saints know what they're up against, and have their eyes on the weak spots that could be exploited. "I'm sure they're reading the papers, looking on the Internet, reading that we only have three corners," Winfield said. "So, we can expect that." Brees is probably licking his chops ready to take another run at the Vikings, so make sure to have him active for Week 1. In one career regular-season game against Minnesota, Brees threw for 330 yards, but just one touchdown and two interceptions.
News:Drew Brees stood alone on the goal line, reflecting on everything that went wrong in practice. Then he took off, running the length of the New Orleans Saints' practice field several times over. It's his way of punishing himself for bad throws and poor execution during practice. At 31, Brees is at the top of his game -- and he wants to stay there. He routinely throws extra passes after practice to a handful receivers, and when Brees is the last player remaining on the field, helmet still on, he runs sprints that no one but himself has required of him. "I punish myself from time to time with conditioning or whatever," Brees said. "When you feel like you don't have something down ... you spend the extra time to get it done and make sure you feel comfortable and confident with it." Brees said he usually picks to picks a number that means something to determine how much "punishment" he should receive. "If I throw a pick, I might say for every pick I throw, I will run two extra gassers," he said. "Or, for every incompletion or bad decision, I am going to do this. If I ran a 2-minute drill that I am not happy with, I might go back through it again and visualize the defense I saw and run the through the routes that I wish I would have done or the throws I wish I would have made."
Analysis: Brees has spoken of being motivated by the fear of failure, and he said soon after the Saints began offseason training that there was no better time to instill such fear in the squad than right after their championship. So when coach Sean Payton highlighted the failures or recent NFL champs during a meeting last spring, Brees was pleased. Regardless of how this season plays out, one thing that seems clear to Brees' coaches and teammates -- the Pro Bowl quarterback's preparation has not been diminished by his busy offseason. "One thing you don't have to worry about with Drew is his work ethic and his leadership," said running back Reggie Bush. Since Brees and Payton, who calls offensive plays, both arrived in New Orleans in 2006, the Saints have lead the NFL in offense in three of four years and were fourth in 2007. During that time, Brees has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 18,298 yards -- the highest four-year yardage total in NFL history. In 2008, he joined Dan Marino as the second player in NFL history to eclipse 5,000 yards passing in a season. Brees' 5,069 yards fell 15 yards short of Marino's single-season record 5,084. Brees, who has thrown for more than 4,000 yards each season with New Orleans, now needs 3,437 yards break Archie Manning's franchise record of 21,734 yards passing. Brees is already the Saints' all-time leader in TD tosses with 122. Continue to view Brees as a must-own Fantasy QB.
News:Drew Brees set the tone for New Orleans in Friday's dress rehearsal game against the Chargers with 240 yards passing, including touchdowns to Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Brees was 18 of 27 and looked sharp for the most part, though his longest completion, a 46-yard touchdown to Henderson, looked like and ill-advised throw into coverage that was nearly intercepted. Brees' highlights including a 21-yard pass down the middle to Jeremy Shockey and a heady backhanded flip to Reggie Bush in the flat for a 38-yard gain.
Analysis: The third game of the preseason is when NFL teams gameplan and leave their starters in the game the longest. If this was a dress rehearsal for the regular season, Brees looks ready to put up more of the same big numbers that have made him one of the most productive QBs in Fantasy over the past three years. He's clearly going to be a solid Fantasy stat producer in 2010, making him worthy of being one of the first three quarterbacks taken off the board between seventh overall and 20th overall in all leagues.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees only played for one quarter Saturday vs. the Texans but led New Orleans to two touchdowns - handing off to Reggie Bush for a 9-yard score and leaping over center for a 1-yard TD that put New Orleans up 14-0. Brees completed 5 of 10 passes for 36 yards.
Analysis: Not much of a strong outing for Brees, but playing for one quarter in the preseason shouldn't yield a ton of huge stats. He's going to be a solid Fantasy stat producer in 2010, making him worthy of being one of the first three quarterbacks taken off the board between seventh overall and 20th overall in all leagues.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees got off to a slow start in Thursday's preseason opener but eventually shook of the rust and led a scoring drive. He threw an incompletion and was sacked during New Orleans' opening possession, which was a three and out. But on his third and final possession, he led a 20-play, 86-yard march that lasted 10:01, ending with a 2-yard scoring run by Reggie Bush. Brees completed 9 of 13 passes for 55 yards. "We would have liked to start off a little crisper than we did," he said. "To have two three-and-out drives to start, it's one little thing here and there, eventually to get that first first down and they stopped you before you even get going. To focus on the positive, we got into that third drive and converted a couple of third downs with a great mix of run and pass and ended up getting a touchdown out of it."
Analysis: While Brees' completions and passing yardage in 2009 were his lowest in three seasons, he still managed to throw 34 TD passes. He'll have plenty of weapons at his disposal this year, adding rookie TE Jimmy Graham to a talented pool of skill players, so there's no reason for him to not reach or even eclipse his numbers from last year. He's an elite Fantasy option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will likely have an easy day at the office during Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots, seeing only limited action. "We'll take a look at the snaps," head coach Sean Payton told the Milford Daily News. "We always kind of play (the starters) maybe a quarter (in the preseason opener), somewhere around 15 to 18 plays."
Analysis: While Brees' completions and passing yardage in 2009 were his lowest in three seasons, he still managed to throw 34 TD passes. He'll have plenty of weapons at his disposal this year, adding rookie TE Jimmy Graham to a talented pool of skill players, so there's no reason for him to not reach or even eclipse his numbers from last year. He's an elite Fantasy option.
News: Saints coach Sean Payton said Friday that are ways for QB Drew Brees, the Super Bowl MVP, to improve. "There are some things he can work on pertaining to helping in the run game, the various packages that we have in ... a (throwing) mechanics standpoint that he'll look closely at," Payton said. Brees said the Saints need to avoid falling into the Super Bowl pitfall after being crowned champions last year. "I think the big thing is that human nature is to relax a little bit or feel like we've arrived or feel like we're there and take the approach of not needing to get better every day," he said, adding that the time for celebrating is over. "It's time. This is our window of opportunity, and I'd be very disappointed if we didn't take advantage of it because you just never know when opportunities like this will ever come again."
Analysis: We're glad to see Brees motivated for another big year in 2010. He enters this season again as a No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he should be considered a Top 3 player at his position. He plays in a pass-happy offense and has proven his worth to Fantasy owners the past two years. We like Brees as a potential first-round pick in all leagues, and he could even be considered a Top 10 selection in leagues that reward six points for all touchdowns.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Saints QB Drew Brees is ready to get back to work after a busy offseason following the Super Bowl victory against the Colts. "Obviously I think every player on our team had his high school jersey retired and a street named after him in his hometown," Brees joked. "And all those things are great things. But certainly there comes a time when you gotta get back to work." Brees said during the Saints recent OTA workout that the team had the same sort of competitive edge he felt during the 2009 preseason, which the signal caller characterized as the most intense and competitive of his athletic career. "By no means can we relax and think we're entitled to anything," he said. "What you have to understand is we are building a new team and it is a new year."
Analysis: We're glad to see Brees motivated for another big year in 2010. He enters this season again as a No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he should be considered the best player at his position. He plays in a pass-happy offense and has proven his worth to Fantasy owners the past two years. We like Brees as a potential first-round pick in all leagues, and he could even be considered a Top 10 selection in leagues that reward six points for all touchdowns.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has been chosen by fans to be featured on the cover of the newest Madden football game, but he's not worried about any curse. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that over the past decade, the Madden cover has been a curse. A number of high-profile athletes have either abruptly retired (Barry Sanders in 1999), suffered significant injuries (Michael Vick in 2003, Donovan McNabb in 2005, Shaun Alexander in 2006 and Troy Polamalu last year) or suffered a drop in production. But this year is different since it's the first time the cover was opened to fan voting. And Brees said last week that he's not afraid to take on the curse if he wins that vote. "I'm not rooting against it," Brees said. "If it does happen, just like records are made to be broken, curses are made to be broken too. If the fans have spoken, if I am indeed their vote, then I'll do my best to break that trend."
Analysis: We agree with Brees that he shouldn't be afraid of the curse. While Polamalu might have been injured last year, he shared the cover with Larry Fitzgerald, who had an outstanding season. We like Brees as the No. 1 Fantasy QB entering the season, and he's worth a first-round pick in all leagues. He led the Saints to the Super Bowl last year, and he should lead plenty of Fantasy owners to a championship in 2010.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns as the Saints defeated the Vikings 31-28 in overtime on Sunday. "It was as loud as I have ever heard it in the dome," Brees added. "It feels so good to know we have given our fans an NFC championship. We have another championship to go after in two weeks."
Analysis: Brees once again had the Saints offense moving like a well-oiled machine as the Saints were able to keep a great Minnesota pass rush off of him for most of the game. The Super Bowl will match two high-powered offenses and it looks to be another shootout for Brees. He is a must-start Playoff Challenge option and a top-tier quarterback for the 2010 Fantasy season.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 23 of 32 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a Divisional playoff win over the Cardinals on Saturday.
Analysis: Brees didn't throw for a huge amount of yards on Saturday, but there was no need for him to once the Saints got out to such a big lead. He undoubtedly was a popular pick in Playoff Challenge leagues, and came through with a solid performance. He will head into 2010 as a top-five No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: The Saints have listed the following players as inactive for Week 17 at Carolina: DB Darren Sharper, DL Sedrick Ellis, WR Lance Moore, RB Pierre Thomas, DB Usama Young, LB Scott Shanle, TE David Thomas and 3rd QB Drew Brees. Mark Brunell will start at quarterback.
Analysis: Brees has thrown for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. We expected Brees to play a minimal amount, but now it looks like he won't play at all. The case can be made to cut Brees in seasonal leagues since he won't help Fantasy owners at all in Week 17. Brunell could see anywhere from a quarter to three quarters of work and actually might be a fairly decent source of stats. If you're desperate for help at quarterback, Brunell is better than nothing.
News:Drew Brees is getting a rest for the New Orleans Saints' regular-season finale at Carolina. Coach Sean Payton has decided to start Mark Brunell in place of the star quarterback for Sunday's game. If Brees doesn't play, as expected, he will set an NFL record with his season-long completion percentage of 70.6. Ken Anderson has held the record since 1982, when he completed 70.55 percent of his passes for the Cincinnati Bengals. Brees will be listed as the Saints' third quarterback, behind Brunell and rookie Chase Daniel. The Times-Picayune first reported the move and the coach confirmed it to The Associated Press in an e-mail Saturday.
Analysis: Brees has thrown for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. We expected Brees to play a minimal amount, but now it looks like he won't play at all. Assuming he's ruled inactive on Sunday, he should be benched in all leagues, and the case can be made to cut him in seasonal leagues since he won't help Fantasy owners at all in Week 17. Brunell could see anywhere from a quarter to three quarters of work and actually might be a fairly decent source of stats. If you're desperate for help at quarterback, Brunell is better than nothing and seemingly better than Brees. Daniel's playing time will be minimal so don't count on him for significant stats.
News:Sports Illustrated reports that the Saints will start Mark Brunell at quarterback in Week 17 at Carolina. Drew Brees, who typically starts for the Saints, will be the No. 3/emergency quarterback. Chase Daniel has Tweeted that he expects to be the back up to Brunell, and he might even see some playing time. The move is being made to keep Brees healthy for the Saints' playoff run; the team already has clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Analysis: We expected Brees to play a minimal amount, but now it looks like he won't play at all. Assuming he's ruled inactive on Sunday, he should be benched in all leagues, and the case can be made to cut him in seasonal leagues since he won't help Fantasy owners at all in Week 17. Brunell could see anywhere from a quarter to three quarters of work and actually might be a fairly decent source of stats. If you're desperate for help at quarterback, Brunell is better than nothing and seemingly better than Brees. Daniel's playing time will be minimal so don't count on him for significant stats. We'll have the official word on Brees' status this Sunday on Fantasy Football Today, 11 a.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: Sean Payton says he'll draw on experience from his first season in New Orleans when the Saints line up against Carolina on Sunday. In 2006, the Saints were locked into the second seed in the NFC and pulled their starters early in their final regular season game, which was also against the Panthers. New Orleans went on to lose 31-21, but beat Philadelphia in the playoffs two weeks later. On Thursday, Payton said his players' health trumps other considerations, even though he's concerned about the Saints' sliding performance during a two-game losing streak after a 13-0 start. While the coach assures that he'll be trying to snap that skid, he says the players he'll try to win with could change on Sunday.
Analysis: This move will likely impact QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, WR Lance Moore, WR Robert Meachem, TE Jeremy Shockey, RB Reggie Bush and RB Pierre Thomas. Moore (ankle), Shockey (toe) and Thomas (ribs) are dealing with injuries, and Bush has had lingering ailments all season. The safe option with the Saints in Week 17 at Carolina is to proceed with caution and consider benching them if possible.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was almost perfect in the Week 16 game against the Bucs. Unfortunately, the Saints actually lost the game in overtime, 20-17. Brees went 32 of 37 for 258 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions but the Saints still managed to lose. Brees threw a 30-yard TD bomb to a wide-open Robert Meachem in the 1st quarter.
Analysis: Brees continues to put up monster numbers and we don’t expect anything to be different for the season’s final week. There is a chance that Brees rests but we still believe he’s going to start the game and be worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 17 at Carolina. Facing the Panthers in Week 9, Brees threw for 330 yards and a touchdown.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 29 of 45 passes for 298 yards with one touchdown, one interception and two fumbles lost in a Week 15 defeat at the hands of the Cowboys. He also caught a batted pass for minus-4 yards, which was a costly catch for owners in bonus leagues as it meant he finished under 300 yards. Brees' score to Lance Moore gave the QB the team record for touchdown passes with 121.
Analysis: This was Brees' poorest outing since Week 7 when he threw for the same amount of yardage with one touchdown and three interceptions against Miami. However, this disappointing performance comes as a much more critical time in the Fantasy season. While there's still plenty of time for other players to step up on Sunday, Brees' owners won't be sleeping very well on Saturday night. New Orleans will host the Buccaneers in Week 16, and Brees will remain an elite Fantasy option for that great matchup.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had another stellar performance on Sunday in a Week 14 win at Atlanta. He completed 31 of his 40 passes in the game, throwing for three touchdowns and 296 yards. Two of his touchdown passes went to Reggie Bush and the other was hauled in by Marques Colston. It was the seventh time this season that he has thrown for at least three touchdowns in a game and third time in his last four games. Brees tied Aaron Brooks' franchise record with his final TD pass, the 120th of his Saints career.
Analysis: Brees has now thrown for 3,832 yards on the season and32 touchdowns. He improved upon the 111.1 passer rating he came into Sunday’s game with and has thrown only one interception in his last four games. Brees is an unquestioned Fantasy stud and should remain active in all formats for Fantasy Week 15 against the Cowboys on Saturday.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees was outplayed by Redskins' QB Jason Campbell until late in the Week 13 game. Brees ultimately got the better of the two QBs, however. Campbell couldn't rally the Redskins late and Brees helped the Saints outscore Washington 16-3 over the 4th quarter and overtime to win. He finished 35 of 49 for 419 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Brees found Marques Colston for a 40-yard TD pass in the 2nd quarter and hit Robert Meachem on a 53-yard TD in the 4th quarter that proved to be the game's final touchdown to tie the score and send it into overtime.
Analysis: Brees struggled more than usual in Week 13 but when it was all said and done he still had multiple touchdown passes, over 400 yards and New Orleans won the game. This was his highest yardage total of the entire season and he now has 10 touchdown passes and just one interception in his last three games. The Saints play at Atlanta in Week 14 and the Falcons have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Brees is perhaps the No. 1 overall option for Week 14.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees proved who the top QB was on Monday night against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Brees led the Saints to a big home victory, 38-17, and basically passed at will against the Patriots secondary. Brees had three touchdown passes by halftime and completed 10 passes in a row at one point in the second half. He finished with 371 yards on 18 of 23 passing with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Brees hit Pierre Thomas on an 18-yard TD pass in the 2nd quarter. He also had a 75-yard TD bomb to Devery Henderson and a 38-yarder to Robert Meachem in the 2nd. He found Darnell Dinkins in the back of the end zone from 2 yards out in the 3rd quarter and finished strong with a 20-yard TD strike to Marques Colston in the 4th. Brees added minus-1 yards rushing on one carry.
Analysis: Brees continues to put up ridiculous numbers as the Saints continue to rank No. 1 overall in passing offense in the NFL. New Orleans plays at Washington in Week 13 and the Redskins own the No. 1 pass defense. Despite the tough matchup, we still think the Saints will come out on top and we have to believe Brees is still worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy option across the board.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees only managed 187 passing yards last weekend at Tampa Bay but he did throw for three touchdowns without any picks. Brees and the Saints host New England in Week 12. Brees last met the Patriots back in 2005. He threw for 248 yards and two scores in that game without a pick. The Patriots come into this weekend's game among the best in the NFL against the pass.
Analysis: Brees is too good not to keep active as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for use in all leagues. This one should be a good old fashioned shootout between Brees and Tom Brady and both QBs should put together solid Fantasy games.
News: He only attempted 29 passes and had 187 yards, but Saints QB Drew Brees still found a way to throw three touchdowns. Completing 19 passes, Brees found WR Robert Meachem for two touchdowns and TE David Thomas for one.
Analysis: No one is benching Drew Brees in Fantasy Football, right? Well, the Patriots are marching to the Superdome for a Week 12 showdown, and they'll scheme to try and contain him. It's fine to start Brees, but if you own him and another stud (like Brett Favre or Matt Schaub), you might want to weigh your options carefully since the Patriots' secondary is pretty good.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 18 of 26 passes for 223 yards in Week 10 at St. Louis. He threw two touchdown passes and was intercepted twice in the game.
Analysis: Brees and the entire Saints offense was held in relative check for the better part of the game by a surprisingly stout Rams defense. He didn't have one of his typical big performances, but he didn't have a bad game either. Brees remains one of the elite QBs in Fantasy and will be one of the better options for Week 11 at Tampa Bay.
News: The Saints visit the Rams in Week 10, and New Orleans QB Drew Brees should be in for another monster outing. Brees has averaged 326.5 yards per game in his past 17 indoor contests and has 42 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. St. Louis ranks 23rd against the pass in 2009.
Analysis: Brees only has four touchdown passes in his last three games, but he ran for an additional score and has just continued to rack up the yardage totals. Brees remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 330 yards against the Panthers in Week 9, giving him 300 in three of his last four games with an average of 326.3 during that stretch. He completed 24 of 35 passes with one touchdown -- a 54-yarder to Robert Meachem in the third quarter -- and one interception. He also ran two times for 4 yards and lost a fumble.
Analysis: Brees ranks among the top passers every week, though his touchdowns have been a bit inconsistent since he threw six in Week 1. He's capable of blowing up for three or four any given week, though, so he's the type of quarterback you ride in Fantasy regardless of matchup. He has a terrific matchup Week 10 at St. Louis, so he's obviously a must-start.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will take on the Panthers in Week 9. In their last meeting, Brees threw for 386 yards and four touchdowns. Carolina ranks No. 1 vs. the pass, but that stat is deceiving as teams usually run all over the Panthers.
Analysis: Brees has seven touchdowns in his last three games as he continues to lead the Saints in their undefeated season. He should be able to rack up the numbers again in Week 9, so keep him active as a must-start Fantasy QB in all formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, whose only multi-touchdown game over his last four was his four-score effort against the Giants in Week 6, threw two touchdown passes Week 8 against the Falcons -- an 18-yarder to Marques Colston in the second quarter and a 1-yarder to Pierre Thomas in the fourth. Brees finished 25 of 33 for 308 yards, giving him his fourth 300-yard game of the season. He did, however, throw an interception and lose a fumble.
Analysis: Brees had a couple modest performances earlier in the season, but he's averaging 325 passing yards over his last three games and is back to being one of the safest bets for big numbers in Fantasy. The Saints like to throw the football and have as much success at it as any team in football. Brees is a must-start regardless of matchup, but he has a good one Week 9 against the Panthers.
News: The Saints host the Falcons on Monday Night Football in Week 8, and New Orleans QB Drew Brees will be trying to extend a streak of six straight games against Atlanta with two or more touchdowns. Brees, who already has 14 scores through the air this season, will be facing the league's 26th-ranked pass defense.
Analysis: Brees' passing touchdowns have come in bunches this season with six in one game and four in another, and he could be in for another monster outing in Week 8 against the poor Falcons pass D. Continue to roll with Brees in all Fantasy formats as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and hopefully you can just sit back on Monday night and watch the points rack up.
News:Drew Brees emerged from the locker room with a fresh cut under his chin and another between his eyebrows. He made the Miami Dolphins look worse. Brees and the unbeaten Saints fell behind for the first time all season, then overcame a 21-point deficit Sunday to beat Miami 46-34. "There was no doubt on our sideline we would come back and win," said Brees, who threw for 298 yards. "They had given us their best shot, and we had played about as bad as we could play. All we had to do was string together a few drives and gain the momentum back. We knew it was going to happen, and it did." NFL passing leader Brees had his worst day of the season, with three interceptions, a lost fumble and five sacks. But he led touchdown drives of 82, 79 and 60 yards on successive possessions in the second half to put New Orleans ahead.
Analysis: Brees threw for one touchdown and scored twice on the ground. After his 2-yard keeper with 8:35 left gave the Saints their first lead, he celebrated by dunking the ball over the crossbar. "There are times in the game when a team just needs an emotional lift," he said. "I felt like I had to do something to get everybody hyped. The first thing that came to mind was to dunk it." Brees had been incredible the week before against the Giants and has put up monsterous numbers in the first half of the season. He remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats for Week 8 against the Falcons in a key division matchup.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will face a non-division opponent in Week 7 at Miami. The Dolphins rank 18th in the NFL against the pass, giving up 225 yards per game. They have allowed just six touchdown passes in five games.
Analysis: Brees is coming off a game in which he threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns in Week 6 against a tough Giants defense. The Dolphins don't present a very strong threat to the best overall offense in the NFL. Brees remains a must-start in all formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had another terrific showing in Week 6 at the Giants. He threw four touchdown passes without a turnover, completing 23 of 30 passes for 369 yards. Brees completed 15 straight passes at one point and had his third game of three or more touchdown passes in five games.
Analysis: The matchup looked to be a lot tougher on paper as the Giants had the strongest pass defense statistically through the first five weeks. But they had not faced a QB like Brees all season -- not even close. Brees is one of those rare Fantasy QBs that you can start regardless of matchup and this proves that. The Saints will face the Dolphins in Miami in Week 7.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees had nine touchdown passes in his first two games this season compared to two interceptions. After four games, he has nine touchdown passes and two interceptions. He averaged 334.5 yards per game in his first two and totaled 362 the last two weeks at Buffalo and against the Jets. He comes off the bye to face the Giants at home in Week 6. The last time Brees faced the Giants was in New York back in 2006. He went 13 of 32 in that game for 132 yards and a touchdown. In two games against the G-men, Brees has three touchdown passes and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees was going for NFL records after two weeks of the season but his year has taken a detour the last two weeks. Unfortunately, the Giants own the NFL's No. 1 pass defense, so it shouldn't be easy going in Week 6, either. Still, we expect that his back-to-back under-200-yard games to be an aberration and think he'll go right back to putting up big yardage. Treat him as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 6 regardless of that Giants defense.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who threw nine touchdown passes in the first two games but threw for only 172 yards Week 3 at Buffalo, had another unspectacular performance Week 3 against the Jets. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 190 yards and also ran three times for 5 yards. He again didn't score a touchdown.
Analysis: Brees was going against one of the best defenses in football, so this performance wasn't as surprising as last week's. It looks bad because it happened two weeks in a row, but we still say you have no reason to worry about Brees. He's the quarterback for the most dominant offense in football and might not finish with under 200 passing yards again. The Saints have a bye in Week 5, but Brees will be a must-start in Week 6 against the Giants.
News: With 841 yards passing and 9 touchdowns already this season, New Orleans QB Drew Brees heads into Week 4's game against the Jets as the best signal caller in the NFL in the early going. The Jets, however, have already shut down the likes of Tom Brady and own the league's best pass defense, allowing just 124 yards per game. Brees is coming off a game in which he did not throw a touchdown pass at Buffalo, which is nothing compared to the Jets. In his career, Brees has 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions against the Jets. However, the last time he faced them was back in 2005.
Analysis: Brees does not have a good matchup in Week 4 against the NFL's best pass defense. Still, he's been the NFL's best passer and we still think his numbers will be worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 4.
News: With all the attention on Drew Brees and his prolific start, turns out the Saints defense is pretty effective, too. Will Smith had an interception and a sack to help New Orleans shut down the Buffalo Bills for a 27-7 win in Week 3. Brees had a streak of his own come to an end, but it didn't prevent the Saints from getting off to a 3-0 start for only the sixth time in franchise history. He finished 16 of 29 for 172 yards, ending an NFL-leading 22-game streak with 200 yards or more passing. Brees also failed to throw a touchdown for the first time in 12 games.
Analysis: Brees needed two touchdown passes to hit 11, which would have been the most by an NFL player in the first three games of the season. We were really expecting a big performance from Brees as Buffalo entered the game the second worst pass defense in the NFL. They did a good job in pass coverage and even put enough pressure on Brees. We don't expect the gunslinger to have too many off nights, so Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB. The Saints play the Jets in Week 4.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees (left shoulder), TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle) and RB Pierre Thomas (knee) are all active for Week 3 at Buffalo. All three players were probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Brees has been tearing up defenses all season and Buffalo has the second to worst pass defense in the NFL. You will want to make sure to start Brees and Shockey in Week 3. The Bills have allowed five passing touchdowns in two games, with four going to tight ends. As for Thomas, he is going to have to split carries with Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton. He is more of a No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees, owner of 9 touchdown passes and 669 yards after just two games this season, has not played against the Buffalo Bills, his Week 3 opponents, since November of 2005. If you were looking for any indication that Brees was not a smart Fantasy play this coming week, you won't find it here. In that 2005 game at home against the Bills, Brees went 28 for 33 for 339 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions.
Analysis: Want more proof that Brees is a must-start Fantasy option? How about the Bills are the second worst pass defense in the NFL this season and are allowing 332 yards per game through the air with 5 touchdowns allowed. Brees is going to tee off against the Bills Week 3 and remains a must-start as perhaps the No. 1 overall Fantasy QB Week 3 -- and most weeks as well. Brees is on the injury report with a shoulder injury, but is listed as probable, went through full practices all week and is not in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had another strong performance in Week 2 at Philadelphia, throwing for 311 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 25 of 34 passes and was intercepted once. Brees has thrown for nine touchdowns and 669 yards in two games to begin the season.
Analysis: Brees has been absolutely phenomenal in his first two games of the season and while the Eagles defense seemed to present a tougher test for him than did the Lions in Week 1, Brees has been undaunted. He is absolutely the No. 1 Fantasy QB in the NFL going into Week 3 at Buffalo. There is no reason to even consider sitting him in any league at any point this season, regardless of matchup.
News: Coming off his six-touchdown performance in Week 1, Saints QB Drew Brees will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in Week 2. The Eagles harassed Panthers QB Jake Delhomme in Week 1, allowing just 83 yards passing with five interceptions and five sacks.
Analysis: It is safe to say that things won't go quite as smoothly for Brees and Co. in Week 2 in a hostile environment against one of the better defenses in the NFL. The matchup is not great, but fortunately for Brees' Fantasy owners he is not a matchup-type QB. We currently project Brees to throw for 304 yards and two touchdowns with an interception against the Eagles, good enough for 22 points in standard formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw a career-high six touchdowns in Week 1 against the Lions. He completed 26 of 34 passes for 358 yards with one interception.
Analysis: Brees was facing a very favorable matchup against a team that had the worst statistical defense in the NFL last season. This was a Fantasy owner's dream and served as justification for investing so highly in Brees in drafts. Things won't be quite as easy against a tough Eagles defense in Week 2, but there's no reason to sit Brees in any league.
News: In Week 1, the Saints will play host to the Detroit Lions. The Lions, coming off an NFL worst 0-16 season, ranked as the worst statistical defense in 2008-09. They allowed an average of 404.4 total yards per game (232.2 passing, 172.2 rushing).
Analysis: That is great news for Drew Brees owners. Brees and the Saints also faced the Lions last season. Brees completed 30 of 40 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. To expect those types of numbers in Week 1 would not be a stretch by any means. Brees remains a must-start in most formats on a week-to-week basis.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was so good against the Raiders in his team's third preseason game that he only played just over one quarter of ball. Leading the offense on three drives, Brees completed 14 of 17 passes, including all of his first eight attempts, for 179 yards and two touchdowns: a 40-yard bomb to a wide-open Devery Henderson and a 5-yard bullet to Lance Moore. Brees has thrown four touchdowns this preseason, completing 29 of 40 passes (72.5 pct.) for 354 yards with no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees remains the picture of a perfect Fantasy quarterback in that he's got a great arm, great weapons at his disposal and plays in a pass-oriented offense. What's also noteworthy is that he's played his last two games without left tackle Jammal Brown protecting his blindside, meaning that the injury to Brown (sports hernia) isn't impacting Brees' ability one iota. Brees is considered a top-flight Fantasy QB well worth a pick in Round 2 in leagues where touchdown passes count for four points and a late first-round pick in leagues where touchdowns count for six.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 9 of 14 passing for 87 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason game against Houston after missing three days of practice last week to attend his mother's funeral.
Analysis: This has been a tough situation for Brees, but he should be fine on the field and remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB. Continue to draft him beginning in Round 2 in standard league and look for another big season.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees reported to camp Thursday for the final practice with the Texans in Houston. He had been attending to family matters after the death of his mother. "I got back last night, watched the film, it looked like there was some great work yesterday," Brees said. "I think this is important work to get anytime you can go up against another team you're not familiar with since they're not in your division and in fact in a whole other conference. You just get new looks that you haven't seen all training camp, because it's competitive because everybody wants to get out here and play well and you have something to prove."
Analysis: This has been a tough situation for Brees, but he should be fine on the field and remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB. Continue to draft him beginning in Round 2 in standard league and look for another big season.
News: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has left training camp to attend his mother's funeral. Saints head coach Sean Payton says Brees is expected to rejoin the squad on Wednesday in Houston, where joint practices are scheduled with the Texans later this week. Mina Brees, an attorney from Austin, Texas, died on Aug. 7 while traveling in Colorado. A memorial service is scheduled Monday night in Austin.
Analysis: Brees participated in a practice at Saints headquarters in Metairie, La., Sunday morning, but was excused from a second practice in the evening. The Saints have a preseason game in Houston on Saturday night. Brees has said he expects to play. In the Saints first preseason game against Cincinnati, Brees was mostly on point as he completed 6 of 9 passes for 88 yards with a 22-yard bullet to TE Jeremy Shockey. Brees is once again ready to lead the Saints' pass-happy offense in 2009, so consider him a No. 1 Fantasy QB and is worth a pick between late Round 1 and early Round 3 in all drafts.
News: In the Saints' first preseason game vs. the Bengals, QB Drew Brees was mostly on point as he completed 6 of 9 passes for 88 yards with a 22-yard bullet to TE Jeremy Shockey.
Analysis: It's not a surprise to see Brees play well -- he was amazing last season and is back for more in 2009 with the Saints' pass-happy offense. We think of Brees as the No. 1 Fantasy QB available this season and is worth a pick between late Round 1 and early Round 3 in all drafts.
News: A medical examiner says Mina Brees, the mother of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, has died in western Colorado. Grand County chief deputy coroner Cindy Eller said Monday that Mina Akins Brees died there Friday. Eller declined to identify the town or release any other information. She said the cause of death is still under investigation. Grand County is in the mountains about 50 miles northwest of Denver and includes the western part of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Winter Park ski resort. Drew Brees was practicing with the Saints on Monday in Metairie, La., after missing a scrimmage Saturday for an undisclosed family matter. His father, Austin lawyer Eugene W. Brees II, told The Associated Press on Monday that the family would have no comment. Team officials said Monday they, too, would have no comment. Relations between Brees and his mother were strained at times, with the quarterback asking her to stop using his picture in TV commercials touting her candidacy for a Texas appeals court in 2006. Mina Brees said she had not anticipated upsetting her son and sent out replacement commercials omitting mention of her son. At the time, Brees called his relationship with his mother "nonexistent," saying it crumbled six years earlier when he refused to hire her as his agent.
Analysis: Brees should continue to post outstanding stats this year. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB and should come off the board beginning in Round 2 of all formats where passing touchdowns count for six points. In leagues where a passing touchdowns are less, Brees should still remain a high draft pick.
News: New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees has been excused from training camp for an undisclosed family matter. Saints head coach Sean Payton declined to give any more details on Saturday and said he was unsure when the quarterback would return to the club.
Analysis: Brees should continue to post outstanding stats this year. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB and should come off the board beginning in Round 2 of all formats where passing touchdowns count for six points. In leagues where a passing touchdowns are less, Brees should still remain a high draft pick.
News: The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that Saints QB Drew Brees might take a step back in terms of production. Brees is coming off a big year in 2008 when he became only the second passer to throw for 5,000 yards in a season (5,069). In connecting on 65 percent of his passes, he led the NFL in completions (413) and tied for the most TD passes (34). The report says Brees will continue to throw, but his passing yards will likely decline because the Saints would like to run the ball a little more efficiently.
Analysis: This makes sense that the Saints would like to be more balanced on offense, but Brees remains an elite Fantasy option and will challenge for the No. 1 spot in the rankings by the end of the season. Continue to draft Brees as a top option, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 2 of all formats where passing touchdowns are worth six points.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Saints QB Drew Brees is ready for training camp to start. "You get in July and you're working out, and you get into the best shape of your life, and especially in this stage of my career in particular, it feels like this is our time," said Brees, who turned 30 in January. "You never know when it's going to be your year, and this could be our year. You look at the position we're in, it's exciting. It's really exciting. I just think we've made all of the right moves to put ourselves in position to win a championship. There's always going to be setbacks, you expect that, but I think we've got what it takes to fight through them and be successful." Brees will return to New Orleans this weekend after training primarily in San Diego, which he has done every summer dating to his days with the Chargers. Brees said the Saints' offense has to keep improving, even though they ranked first in the NFL in yards and points per game last season. "Whenever you finish No. 1 in the league, everybody is watching you on film and everybody's gunning for you, and that's a huge challenge," Brees said. "The biggest thing is you can never take anything for granted. You just don't step out on the field and have success because you were No. 1 on offense last year. You've got to work your butt off."
Analysis: Brees should continue to post outstanding stats this year as well. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB and should come off the board beginning in Round 2 of all formats where passing touchdowns count for six points. In leagues where a passing touchdowns are less, Brees should still remain a high draft pick.
News: An interesting note from Peter King's column in Sports Illustrated on Monday about Saints QB Drew Brees: Only one QB has thrown for more yards in a three-year period than Brees has thrown for in his last three years, and that's former Dolphins QB Dan Marino. From 1984-96, Marion passed for 13,967 with 122 touchdowns and 61 interceptions. From 2006-08, Brees passed for 13,910 with 88 touchdowns and 46 interceptions. "It's just numbers," Brees said. "It's not a very big deal. To be mentioned in the same breath with Marino, Elway and all those guys is a great honor. Wow. But in the grand scheme of things, we don't have the ring. One of the reasons nobody would know about those numbers is, look at our record. Marino won more -- I bet he was in the playoffs every year of those three years. We've made them once. Peyton's been in the playoffs a lot. Favre has. So winning's a big part of it. If you have numbers without the winning, it doesn't matter."
Analysis: Brees should continue to post outstanding stats this year as well. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB and should come off the board beginning in Round 2 of all formats where passing touchdowns count for six points. In leagues where a passing touchdowns are less, Brees should still remain a high draft pick.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees fell just 17 yards short of breaking Dan Marino's record for all-time passing yards in a season in Week 17 against the Panthers, throwing for 386 yards on 30-of-49 passing. He threw four touchdown passes and threw one interception on the day. Brees threw for more than 300 yards in 10 games this season and ended up with 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions on the year with 5,069 passing yards.
Analysis: The Saints were going for the record and Brees probably would have gotten it if the Saints defense could have held strong the final three minutes of the game and given the Saints the ball back. Heading into 2009, Brees will likely be the top quarterback chosen in drafts but may not get drafted in the first round in standard 12-team leagues. He is a top-20 overall pick for next season.
News: At halftime of the Saints-Panthers game, QB Drew Brees is now 266 yards away from breaking Dan Marino's all-time single season passing record of 5,084 yards in a season. He had 137 yards passing in the first half with a touchdown pass and an interception. The Saints trail in the game 23-10.
Analysis: Brees could do it. It'll be tough, but his team is down and in need of quick scores. However, the Panthers have a lot to play for with playoff seeding in question, so they won't make it easy.
News: Saints head coach Sean Payton was adamant that his club wouldn't use their Week 17 game against the Panthers as a way to push Drew Brees over 402 yards passing to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record. Payton insists his team will play to win the game. "Certainly, a milestone like the record we're talking about is significant, but nonetheless what's most important to our team, to Drew Brees, to the organization, is winning this football game and finishing 9-7," Payton said Monday. "That said, something like that is significant. But I think it's only rewarding if something like that happens when you play well and you win rather than just if you hang around and throw it around just for the sake of the record."
Analysis: We don't buy this for a second. While we certainly expect the Saints to run the ball to some degree, the odds of them being perfectly balanced on offense and not giving Brees a shot to pass Marino are slim. That's why we love Brees as a must-start Fantasy QB without reservation, even against the Panthers' talented secondary. If you own him, start him over everybody.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns after four Saints ran for scores in the first half of a 42-7 win over the Lions in Week 16. Brees stayed in the game with a 35-point lead late in the fourth quarter to move closer to Dan Marino's single-season record for yards passing. He needs 402 at home against Carolina to break Marino's record of 5,084 set in 1984.
Analysis: Brees will continue to fire away for the record in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Despite the Panthers being a tougher defense and him only throwing for 231 yards and no touchdowns in Week 7 in Carolina, Brees is obviously a must-start. The team wants him to get the record and he'll be firing on all cylinders in the season's final week.
News: You gotta feel for the Lions. Not only are they 0-14, and not only did they just get carved up by Peyton Manning in Week 15, but here comes Drew Brees and the potent Saints in Week 16 to Ford Field. Brees has thrown for about 230 yards in each of his last two games as the Saints have run the ball a little bit more. However, he's had at least two passing scores in six of his last seven games and will take on a Lions club that gave up over 300 yards passing to Manning and two 100-yard receivers last week to the Colts (Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne).
Analysis: We figure that you're starting Brees this week anyway, but you'd like to know that we back him as a No. 1 Fantasy QB. Get him active in all leagues and formats for his matchup against the Lions.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, challenging Dan Marino's single-season yards passing record, was 24-of-43 passing for 232 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions Week 15 at Chicago, his touchdown passes going to Pierre Thomas and Marques Colston. He looked more like himself late in the game after a miserable first half. Harassed by the defense, Brees was just 10-of-24 with 93 yards and a 49.5 rating in the first two quarters.
Analysis: Brees has multiple touchdowns in each of his last four games, but he has fallen short of 300 yards in each of his last three. He has shown some shortcomings against tough defenses but has all the while remained a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. He has the potential for a monster game Week 16 at Detroit, so make sure you have him active.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has thrown for 674 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games against the Bears, including the playoffs, but the Saints lost both times. That's because the Bears forced seven turnovers (three interceptions and four fumbles) and sacked Brees six times. "We've been very fortunate," Bears defensive coordinator Bob Babich said in the Daily Herald. "That's one way to slow them down is get some take-aways, and we've been able to cause some fumbles and get some picks, and we've had some sacks in the past." Brees threw for 320 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a late-season game at Chicago last season.
Analysis: The Bears are No. 28 in pass defense, so Brees should have a chance to make plays this week. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy option at Chicago.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who threw three interceptions a week ago against the Buccaneers, threw only two touchdown passes Week 14 against the Falcons -- specifically, a five-yarder to Reggie Bush in the first quarter and a seven-yarder to Pierre Thomas in the fourth quarter. He finished 18-of-32 passing for 230 yards.
Analysis: Brees also threw two touchdown passes in that game against the Buccaneers, so it's not like he had a stinker. He continues to post some of the most reliable stats of any quarterback this side of Kurt Warner, so keep him active in Fantasy for Week 15 at Chicago. He threw for 320 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a late-season game at Chicago last season and should be capable of doing the same next Thursday.
News: In the Saints' 23-20 loss at the Buccaneers in Week 13, QB Drew Brees didn't shy away from the rainy conditions and completed 25-of-47 passes for 296 yards with two touchdowns, but with three interceptions including two in the end zone. Brees did a fantastic job of spreading the ball around and attacking the deep middle of the Bucs' Cover-2 defense, completing at least one pass to nine different receivers. But he was plagued by untimely interceptions that ultimately cost him the game. Brees now has 10 interceptions on the road this season and seven outdoors (he has 14 total on the season). Lance Moore caught Brees' first touchdown on a 13-yard dart over the middle while Pierre Thomas took a dump-off pass in the second half and weaved his way to the end zone.
Analysis: There's no question that Brees remains a must-start Fantasy option even in the face of a so-so outing. He'll be back in the Superdome in Week 14 against the Falcons, so you should absolutely start him then, and expect him to be back to his 300-yard passing ways.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees continued his monster season with a season-high four touchdown passes Week 12 against the Packers -- two to Lance Moore, one to Marques Colston and one to Billy Miller. He finished 20-of-26 passing for 323 yards, giving him at least 300 yards passing in eight of 11 games this season. He was coming off a rare game in which he threw only one touchdown pass.
Analysis: Brees remained on pace to break Dan Marino's 1984 record of 5,084 yards passing in a season. He has 3,574 yards with five games remaining. Clearly, he's one of the most reliable quarterbacks in Fantasy, if not the most reliable, and a must-start through thick and thin. Keep him active even with the tough matchup Week 13 at Tampa Bay. He might not throw for four touchdowns again, but he came awfully close against the Buccaneers in Week 1, throwing for three touchdowns and 343 yards.
News: Heading into Week 12 against Green Bay, Saints QB Drew Brees leads the NFL with 3,251 passing yards, an average of 325.1 per game. If Brees averages 305.7 in the final six games, he would break Dan Marino's NFL record of 5,084 that has stood since 1984.
Analysis: One problem for Brees could be the Packers defense. Green Bay is No. 3 in pass defense with only 176.3 yards per game allowed and features two of the best defensive backs in the NFL with Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Still, Brees is having an MVP-type season and should be started in all leagues as a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 25-of-36 passing for 266 yards, one touchdown and one interception Sunday at Kansas City. He also added three carries for minus-2 yards.
Analysis: Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB in all formats despite an off game of sorts for him. Look for him to post better stats in Week 12 against Green Bay on Monday night.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw three interceptions for the first time this season Week 10 at Atlanta -- one of which Chevis Jackson returned for a touchdown. He did top 400 yards for the second time this season, though, finishing 31-for-58 passing with two touchdowns -- a 15-yards pass to Deuce McAllister and a 32-yard pass to Lance Moore. He also ran the ball twice for 10 yards.
Analysis: Brees remains the most prolific passer in Fantasy, but he clearly didn't have his best performance Sunday. In fact, you should feel fortunate he got that second touchdown, because it came on a meaningless Hail Mary to end the game. Still, if a quarterback can throw for 400 yards and disappoint you, you know you have a Fantasy stud on your hands. Keep Brees active Week 11 at Kansas City.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, coming off his worst game of the season, rebounded in a big way Week 8 against the Chargers in England. He finished 30-of-41 passing for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He did lose 26 yards on a run when, to consume time late in the fourth quarter, he retreated to the end zone and intentionally threw the ball backward for a safety.
Analysis: Before that poor performance Week 7, Brees had only once thrown for less than 300 yards and had never gone without a touchdown. He certainly looked back on track in England, though, even playing well without Reggie Bush (knee) in the backfield. Bush will likely miss a few more games, but you should continue to think of Brees as a must-start Fantasy QB. The Saints have a bye in Week 9 before visiting Atlanta in Week 10.
News: Saints QB and former Charger Drew Brees has all the motivation he needs for his Week 8 matchup vs. his old club in London, England. "I'd by lying if I told you it was just any other game," said Brees. "But certainly I'm not blowing it out of proportion, and I'm not putting any added pressure on myself or my team. I still know a lot of those players. I'm friends with a lot of those players. But the fact is, I knew this day would come and I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to play against the old team."
Analysis: Brees will take the NFL's worst pass defense in the Chargers as they've allowed 254.6 pass yards per game on average and 11 passing touchdowns on the year. There's no doubt that he's a must-start, and his numbers might be enormous with Reggie Bush not there to take 10-to-15 carries per game. Start Brees in all leagues.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees, who had at least 300 yards passing in four straight games and five of his first six, had only 231 on 21-or-39 passing Week 7 at Carolina. He also went without a touchdown for the first time all season and threw an interception.
Analysis: Brees was having the best season of any Fantasy quarterback, but the loss of Reggie Bush in the second quarter obviously didn't help his performance. The Saints will be without Bush for at least the next two games, meaning Brees might not play quite as well as usual, but you still have to trust a Fantasy stud like him no matter what. The Saints play against the Chargers in London Week 8.
News: Without TE Jeremy Shockey or receivers Marques Colston and David Patten, QB Drew Brees still passed for 1,013 yards in the Saints' past three games, leading New Orleans to victory in two. Now it looks like all three of the Saints' top receiving threats could return for a divisional game Sunday at Carolina.
Analysis: Brees is already a No. 1 Fantasy option, but he would be even better with Shockey, Colston and Patten healthy. Consider Brees a great start in Week 7 against the Panthers.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees continued his great season in Week 6 with another 320 yards passing. Brees was 26-for-30 against the lowly Raiders with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Brees hit Aaron Stecker and Reggie Bush in the 3rd quarter on passing scores and found TE Mark Campbell in the 4th to ice it from two yards out.
Analysis: Brees has thrown for at least 300 yards in four straight games and five of the six the Saints have played this season. He's got 12 touchdowns and six interceptions on the season. The Saints are at Carolina in Week 7 and they have an excellent pass defense. That said, we still recommend Brees in all Fantasy leagues. He's a must-start every week.
News: New Orleans WRs Robert Meachem and Terrence Copper and backup QB Mark Brunell all got into the game late in Week 6's dominating win over the Raiders but none picked up any offensive stats.
Analysis: Meachem came into the game with seven catches for 235 yards and two scores. Meachem has been in the rotation with the Saints receivers banged up but with Marques Colston returning in Week 7 most likely, that limits Meachem and Cooper. Neither should be considered for Fantasy in Week 7 against the Jets. The same goes for Brunell, who is just a backup to Drew Brees.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees went over 300 yards for the third straight game Week 5 against the Vikings, but it wasn't enough in a 30-27 loss. Brees completed 26-of-46 passes for 330 yards and just one touchdown -- a 17-yard strike to Devery Henderson to open the scoring in the first quarter. Brees threw two interceptions while rushing for six yards. He was sacked once, fumbled three times and lost one of the fumbles.
Analysis: Give Brees credit for doing as much as he can without Marques Colston, David Patten and Jeremy Shockey in the lineup. The Saints gameplan still calls for Brees to throw the ball a lot and he is making the most of what he has left. Colston, Patten and Shockey are due back in the coming weeks, so that's good news. Brees remains a must-start Fantasy QB heading into Week 6 against the Raiders.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was named the NFC offensive player of the month for September. He is 107-of-148 passing this season for a league-high 1,343 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He is on pace to become only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 yards passing in three straight seasons. "That's certainly an honor but definitely is something that is about the team and not one guy, what we've been able to accomplish as an offense," Brees said. "We're on track to where we want to be. Certainly we could be better. We're not going to rest on our laurels by any means."
Analysis: Brees is one of the best Fantasy QBs in football and should be starting almost every week. That goes double in Week 5 against Minnesota, who is among the bottom half of defenses against the pass in the league. Even without star wideout Marques Colston this season, Brees has still been a clear No. 1 option.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees is averaging almost 336 passing yards per game in 2008 with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. The Saints host Minnesota in Week 5 on Monday Night Football.
Analysis: Brees is one of the best Fantasy QBs in football and should be starting almost every week. That goes double in Week 5 against Minnesota, who is among the bottom half of defenses against the pass in the league. Even without star wideout Marques Colston this season, Brees has still been a clear No. 1 option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees stayed hot Sunday against the 49ers by going 23-of-35 passing for 363 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also added one carry for minus-1 yard. Brees now has 782 passing yards in his past two games.
Analysis: Brees is a solid start in Week 5 against Minnesota on Monday night. He continues to play well even with Marques Colston (thumb) and Jeremy Shockey (hernia) out. Brees threw touchdowns to Lance Moore (seven catches, 101 yards, two touchdowns) and Robert Meachem (two catches, 99 yards, one touchdown). Look for another big game for Brees against the Vikings.
News:Drew Brees faces San Francisco in Week 4, one week after he passed for 419 yards and a touchdown against Denver. But our Jamey Eisenberg thinks Brees is a bad start this week since he just lost another receiving threat with Jeremy Shockey (hernia) out along with Marques Colston (thumb). San Francisco has done well in pass defense against Arizona, Seattle and Detroit, coming in at No. 7 with only two touchdowns allowed and four interceptions.
Analysis: The 49ers run defense is not as good, so the Saints will try to move the ball on the ground with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. Still start Brees in all leagues, but don't expect another big game against the 49ers.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees waived hello to 400 yards on Sunday of Week 3 against the Broncos. Brees passed for 419 yards on 38-of-46 passing with a touchdown and no interceptions but the Saints still fell to Denver. Brees hit RB Reggie Bush on a 6-yard TD pass in the third quarter.
Analysis: Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB through thick and thin because he can put up 400-yard games like this one. His touchdown total was low in Week 3 but we expect that to change next week against the 49ers. He's a must-start Fantasy QB in Week 4.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees did not look sharp on Sunday in Washington. Brees went 23-of-33 for 216 yards and one touchdown pass to Robert Meachem that went for 19 yards. Brees, however, threw two interceptions. Both passes intercepted were tipped after being thrown.
Analysis: Everyone is entitled to an off game and the Redskins seemed to have Brees' number on Sunday. That said, Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all formats. In Week 3, at Denver, Brees could put up big numbers and should definitely be starting for your Fantasy team.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns in New Orleans' Week 1 win over the Buccaneers. Brees completed 23 of 32 passes with one interception and ran three times for minus-two yards.
Analysis: Brees struggled against the Buccaneers last season but got revenge on Sunday with a monster game to open his 2008 campaign. While you could say his stats were inflated slightly by an 84-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson, Brees clearly had the sort of game his owners expected when they drafted him in the first two rounds. In Week 2, the Saints will play at Washington. Against the Redskins back in 2006, Brees went 21-of-38 for 207 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. While those stats aren't great, Brees remains a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all formats.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had a 91.6 passer rating in two games against eh Buccaneers in 2007. He completed 43 of 67 passes for 439 yards, including three touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked five times, the most against any of his opponents last year.
Analysis: Brees was held to 179 passing yards against Tampa Bay in Week 13 last season and didn't throw more than two touchdowns in either of the games. Playing against Tampa's vaunted Tampa-Two defense can be difficult for even the best quarterbacks in the game. But Brees isn't merely a matchup quarterback these days in Fantasy and is worth starting in all leagues. His numbers may not be brilliant against Tampa, but they are certainly useful.
News: The Saints' first-string offense moved the ball smoothly, but couldn't put up many points. Drew Brees was 14-of-22 for 199 yards and one touchdown before leaving late in the first half with a 10-0 lead. He threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ronnie Ghent.
Analysis: Brees did nothing to hurt the fact that he is a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick as early as the second round of Fantasy drafts.
News:Drew Brees was 12-of-17 for 147 yards Saturday against the Texans, including a 5-yard TD pass to Marques Colston, who leapt high over cornerback Jamar Fletcher and pulled down a tough one-handed catch, narrowly getting both feet down before crashing out of bounds.
Analysis: Brees did nothing to hurt the fact that he is a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick as early as the second round of Fantasy drafts.
News: New Orleans starting QB Drew Brees played just one series in the Saints' first preseason game Thursday against the Cardinals. Brees looked sharp and picked apart the Cardinals porous defense for 40 yards on 6-for-7 passing and a touchdown pass to David Patten.
Analysis: Brees didn't need a lot of work in the first place and he looked very good Thursday in one series. Brees did nothing to hurt the fact that he is a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick as early as the second round of Fantasy drafts.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will have a new player to catch passes this season with the team trading for New York TE Jeremy Shockey. That should only increase what Brees is able to do in 2008 with Shockey on the field.
Analysis: Look for Brees, who already is an elite Fantasy QB, to get even better. Shockey will become the No. 2 target in the passing game and should help Brees in the redzone. Continue to draft Brees as a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick in Round 2.
News: According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, free-agent QB Mark Brunell has reached an agreement in principle to join the Saints this season. The deal will be for two years. Brunell, 37, visited with the Saints on Monday night and Tuesday. He'll likely replace veteran backup Jamie Martin on the roster as Drew Brees' understudy. Brunell had been released by the Washington Redskins last week. Brunell began his career in Green Bay as a backup to Brett Favre. He is a former Pro Bowl quarterback who has thrown for 31,826 yards, 182 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in his 14-year career.
Analysis: Don't worry about Brees being in any kind of jeopardy of losing his job. He is the unquestioned starter for the Saints, and the only way Brunell would see the field is if Brees got hurt.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees took a little while to warm up in 2007, but once he got rolling he put up some strong, consistent numbers. In the Saints' first four games, Brees completed 112 of 177 passes (63.2 pct., which isn't bad) for 929 yards, one touchdown and nine interceptions. After that, Brees was solid, notching five 300-yard games with 10 contests with two or more scores. In total, Brees completed 440-of-652 passes (67.5 pct.) for 4,423 yards (five more than last year's career-high) with 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He had career-bests in touchdowns, yards, attempts and completions -- and that's including that terrible start. Brees added 52 rush yards and a rushing touchdown along with four fumbles lost.
Analysis: Brees' rebound last season cemented him as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB -- one that will post good numbers without using an early draft pick. Figure Brees to have tremendous value as a top option that lasts between Rounds 3 and 5 in all leagues this summer. There's a potential catch, however: Brees' salary cap number more than doubles after 2008, which means the Saints could try to restructure his contract. Chances are, Brees will stay with the club, but strange things happen when a team doesn't want to pay a player a big salary cap number. That's not happening for a while, though -- Brees is a very safe bet to be a top-five Fantasy QB in 2008.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees set an NFL single-season record and broke three franchise records and tied another Sunday in a 33-25 loss to the Bears in the season finale. Brees broke the league record for completions in a season on an 8-yard throw to Marques Colston with 1:24 to play in the first half. It was the 419th completion for Brees, which broke the old mark of 418 held by Oakland's Rich Gannon in 2002. Brees finished the day with 35 completions and wound up with 440 for the year. Brees also set the club record for touchdown passes in a season with three scores Sunday. He finished with 28 TDs, breaking by one the mark established by Aaron Brooks in 2002. Brees completed 67.5 percent of his passes (440 of 652), which broke his own mark of 64.3 percent which he set in 2006.
Analysis: Earlier this season, Brees broke the club records for pass attempts and completions. He finished with 4,423 passing yards, breaking the mark of 4,418 he set a year ago, and tied Brooks' club record for attempts in a game with 60. Brees will enter 2008 as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and should be drafted somewhere in the top 5 of his position.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 35-of-60 attempts for 320 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions and a fumble lost at Chicago in Week 17. It was Brees' fourth 300-yard game of the year and third this month. It was also Brees' fifth game with at least three touchdown passes. And, it was Brees' fifth game with at least two interceptions.
Analysis: Look for the Saints to either develop or ink a player to help out Brees in the passing game. Once they get a reliable target to go with Marques Colston and Reggie Bush, along with a strong ground game, Brees will be a real nice No. 1 Fantasy QB. He'll enter the offseason as a top-five Fantasy QB, and he'll likely trail Brady, Peyton and Romo in '08 drafts.
News: Last year in the NFC Championship Game, Drew Brees struggled at Chicago and the Bears teed off on him and the Saints in a rout. This year is different as Chicago is weak against the run but can still give passing offenses fits (just ask Brett Favre). Brees plays at Chicago in Week 17. The Bears have also allowed just 16 passing touchdowns this season. With a win and losses by Minnesota and Washington, the Saints will make the postseason.
Analysis: Brees should continue to post strong yardage numbers, but the touchdown tally might max out at two. Still, that's good enough to be a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 17.
News: Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 289 yards and an interception vs. Philadelphia in Week 16. His stats took a nosedive after losing teammate Marques Colston to a chest contusion in the first half.
Analysis: Brees' yardage was good, but the lack of touchdowns will crush his Fantasy owners this week. Moreover, the Saints Week 16 loss likely means they'll play a meaningless game at Chicago in Week 17. Brees should still take most or all of the snaps in that game, so assuming that the weather is decent and that Marques Colston is OK, he'll still be a No. 1 Fantasy QB. We'll know more as the upcoming week develops.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has passed for 1,430 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in his past five games at home. He has at least two touchdowns in every game with one game over 300 yards and one over 400. The Eagles come into this game ranked No. 16 in pass defense with 16 touchdowns allowed and 10 interceptions.
Analysis: Philadelphia did a good job last week against Dallas' Tony Romo, but Brees is still playing well at home and should be started in all leagues as a No. 1 option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 26 of 30 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns in New Orleans' 31-24 win over the Cardinals in Week 15. He also ran four times, but for negative-two yards.
Analysis: Brees has been one of the best Fantasy QBs in the league the last four weeks, as he has 10 touchdowns and only one interception over that span. He faces a reasonable Eagles defense in Week 16, but only an idiot would consider benching Brees at home.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees likes playing at home. He has nine touchdowns passes in his past four at home and aims for his fifth home game in row with at least two touchdowns in Week 15 against the Cardinals. Arizona is No. 24 in pass defense with 21 passing touchdowns allowed.
Analysis: Brees is on fire right now and should be started in all leagues as a No. 1 option. Expect another big game from Brees this week.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees continued his stunning display of passing prowess in Week 14, making up for lost touchdowns earlier in the season with three scoring strikes at Atlanta -- a 25-yarder to David Patten in the first quarter, a 15-yarder to Marques Colston in the second and a two-yarder to Colston in the third. He finished 28-for-41 passing for 328 yards. He also lost a yard on two carries.
Analysis: After throwing for one touchdown in his first four games, Brees has now thrown for 22 in his last nine -- or an average of more than two per contest. From a Fantasy perspective, you want to start him through thick and thin at this point, but especially in Week 15 against the Cardinals.
News: Saints QB Brees has cooled off a little recently following a nice stretch from October to November. He has five interceptions in his past four games with no 300-yard outings. But this is a favorable matchup for him in Week 14 at Atlanta. He has four touchdowns and one interception in his past two games against the Falcons, including passing for 349 yards last year at Atlanta. Earlier this year, Brees passed for 219 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the Falcons. Atlanta is No. 13 in pass defense with 17 touchdowns allowed, but last week St. Louis backup Gus Frerotte had 311 yards passing, three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Falcons.
Analysis: Brees should get hot again and is definitely worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy option this week.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees attempted fewer than 30 passes for the first time this season during a Week 13 loss to the Bucs. Brees completed 74 percent of his passes, but he was only 17-of-23 for 179 yards. His previous low for attempts was 34 during Week 7 against the Falcons. On a brighter note, he did manage two touchdown passes. He hooked up with Terrance Copper on a 4-yard fade in the first quarter and then found Devery Henderson for a 45-yard strike in the second quarter.
Analysis: Brees has failed to throw for less than two touchdowns once in his last eight games. His slow start to the season is behind him. Despite the lack of pass attempts Week 13, don't expect that trend to continue. The Saints still like to sling the ball around and should do that plenty Week 14 against the Falcons. Consider Brees a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: In four career starts vs. Tampa Bay, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 88 of 132 passes (66.7 percent) for 965 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. New Orleans hosts the Bucs in Week 13. In their earlier meeting this season, Brees was 26-of-44 for 260 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Analysis: Brees' poor game against Tampa Bay earlier this season was when he was in the middle of that four-game slump he had to begin the year, so don't read too much into those stats. Still, the Bucs pass defense is one of the best in the league, and Brees will be tested fully on Sunday. We rank him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 13.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 24-of-36 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns in Week 12 at Carolina. He was intercepted once.
Analysis: Brees, and the entire Saints offense, got off to a slow start in Week 12 on the road, but they eventually steamrolled past a beaten down defense to pull away ini the third quarter. Brees remains a very good start in Fantasy leagues despite his team's sub.-500 record. In Week 13 vs. Tampa Bay, consider him a solid start in leagues of 10-plus teams.
News: In his last six games, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 171 of 243 passes (70.4 percent) for 1,808 yards with 14 touchdowns vs. five interceptions. In his last game at Carolina, New Orleans' Week 12 opponent, Brees completed 28 of 38 (73.7 percent) for 349 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees is definitely looking like his old self over the past few weeks and has a very favorable matchup in Week 12 against the woeful Panthers. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: In his last six games, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 171 of 243 passes (70.4 percent) for 1,808 yards with 14 touchdowns vs. five interceptions. In his last game at Carolina, New Orleans' Week 12 opponent, Brees completed 28 of 38 (73.7 percent) for 349 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees is definitely looking like his old self over the past few weeks and has a very favorable matchup in Week 12 against the woeful Panthers. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News:Drew Brees completed 33-of-49 passes for 290 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions at Houston in Week 11. Twenty-one of his 33 completions went to Marques Colston (nine) and Reggie Bush (12). The stats won't show it, but Brees was under pressure for most of the game. In the second half, the Saints were behind and got aggressive with the pass, but couldn't muster up any points. For the second straight week, Brees got no help from his running game.
Analysis: Brees is still delivering decent statistics and remains a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB when the Saints play at Carolina in Week 12.
News: In his last five games, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 138 of 194 passes (71.1 percent) for 1,518 yards with 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. New Orleans play at Houston in Week 11.
Analysis: The Texans are nice and rested coming off a bye, and rank 13th in passing yards allowed this season, but that's mainly because teams are running very effectively against them. Brees will be looking to erase the memories of losing to a winless team last week and we rank him as a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 11.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 25-of-36 passing for 272 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions Sunday against the Rams.
Analysis: Brees has played better of late, but he also has been much worse this season. He's still playing well right now and should be started in all leagues in Week 11 at Houston.
News: It's been a quick change for Saints QB Drew Brees. Through the first four games of the season, Brees was a Fantasy goat. But since then, he's been dynamite for Fantasy owners and has re-established himself as a must-start option. That goes double this week -- not only is Brees armed with a hot hand, but he and the Saints host the 0-8 Rams in Week 10. St. Louis is far worse a run defense than pass defense, but they've allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season including five in their last two games.
Analysis: We expect this to be a high-scoring matchup between two teams with plenty of offense and not much defense. Brees has a cupcake matchup against one of the worst defenses in the league (the Rams allow an average of 27.4 points per game). If you own Brees, you're starting him over everyone not named Peyton Manning this week.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 445 yards and three touchdowns in Week 9 vs. Jacksonville. He completed 35-of-49 passes and did not throw an interception, but did fumble once.
Analysis: Brees and the Saints came out ferociously in the first half and racked up over 350 passing yards, doing most of the damage. They took their collective foot off the pedal in the second half or Brees could have thrown for well over 500 yards. Brees now has seven TD passes in his last eight quarters of play and appears to be back to his 2006-07 form. He's a must-start in all leagues for Week 10 vs. St. Louis. That may be an offensive bloodbath for the Saints.
News: In two career meetings with Jacksonville, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 41 of 67 passes (61.2 pct.) for 507 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. New Orleans hosts the Jaguars in Week 9.
Analysis: Brees has started to find his groove again in the last couple of weeks and the Jaguars, who have the 19th-ranked pass defense, should be worried. Consider Brees a high-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 9.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 31 of 39 passes for 336 and four touchdowns in New Orleans' 31-10 win over the 49ers in Week 8, finding nine different receivers.
Analysis: OK, so the 49ers aren't exactly an elite defensive team, but Brees has come a long way since his early-season struggles and has thrown eight touchdowns in his last three games. He is looking more and more like the Brees of last year and will get a decent test in Week 9 when the Saints host the Jaguars.
News: Drew Brees hasn't been sacked in three games. After being sacked four times in the first three games and hurried more often than that, Brees has gotten better pass protection lately. He has begun to look more like the league-leading passer he was last season. Against Atlanta, he connected with nine different receivers for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line suffered a blow when Jeff Faine left Sunday's game with a left pectoral injury. In came Jonathan Goodwin, who had practiced extensively with the first team in training camp because of Faine's calf injury, and the Saints went on to score two touchdowns. "We will wait and see where Faine is at on Wednesday. We will have a plan in place if he is unable to go," Payton said.
Analysis: The offensive line play is key for Brees and any QB. The Saints were struggling with the offensive line, but have turned things around, which has heloed Brees. Consider Brees a solid option Week 8 at San Francisco.
News: After throwing only one touchdown pass to nine interception through four games this season, Saints QB Drew Brees connected for two scores for the second straight game Week 7 against the Falcons. The first touchdown came on a 37-yard pass to Devery Henderson in the first quarter. The second came on a four-yard catch-and-run to Reggie Bush in the fourth. Brees finished 22-for-34 passing for 219 yards. He also threw an interception.
Analysis: Brees once again looked more like his 2006 self on Sunday, reminding his Fantasy owners why they drafted him early before the season. With the Saints offense seemingly working out its kinks, he makes a safe start in Fantasy for Week 9 at San Francisco. Think of him as a low-end No. 1 starter.
News: In Week 12 last season, Saints QB Drew Brees completed 21 of 30 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-13 win over the Falcons. He was also effective in their Week 3 meeting, going 20-of-28 for 191 yards.
Analysis: Brees looked like the 2006 version last week against the Seahawks as he threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while managing to avoid the interception for the first time this season. Brees will try to keep things going against the Falcons this week, who have the 20th-ranked pass defense after giving up 303 yards to Eli Manning in Week 6. We rank him as the ninth-best Fantasy QB option in Week 7, so start him if you have him.
News: It was baby steps for Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense, but they finally showed some signs of life in Week 6 at Seattle. Brees completed 25-of-36 passes for 246 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 28-17 win.
Analysis: Brees, who was absolute Fantasy gold in 2006, has been pyrite (fool's gold) so far in 2007. However, he might finally be showing signs of life after getting the first victory of the season against the Seahawks. Don't be afraid to start Brees for Week 7 against a Falcons team which does have a decent pass defense.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees passed for 332 yards and three touchdowns in his only start vs. Seattle back in 2002 with the Broncos.
Analysis: Usually, QB stats from a game five years ago while playing for another team don't figure much into Fantasy analysis, but when you're Brees and having the worst start to a season in your career, you need to take any positive at this point. The Seahawks have given up the fourth-least points in the NFC so far this year, though, so things won't be handed to Brees on Sunday night. Consider him a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 QB for Week 6, depending on the size of your league.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw two interceptions -- his eighth and ninth of the season -- Week 5 against the Panthers in a 16-13 loss. He finished the game 29-for-47 passing for 252 yards.
Analysis: Brees only has one touchdown pass to go with those nine interceptions and has clearly settled in as one of the biggests busts of the 2007 season. Keep him reserved until he rights the ship but don't expect that he will. The Saints visit the Seahawks in Week 6.
News: Don't give up hope just yet with Saints QB Drew Brees. Coming off the bye week, he should be on target for this matchup. In three career games against Carolina, Brees has no interceptions in 75 attempts. In his only meaningful game against Carolina last year, Brees had 349 yards passing and a touchdown. The Panthers are No. 20 in pass defense with no interceptions and only two sacks.
Analysis: Many Brees owners are probably seriously considering benching the former Boilermaker for Week 5, but with stats like these against the Panthers, who will have David Carr as their QB, we can't consider him anything less than a good, low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB choice for Week 5.
News: Fantasy owners have a right to be fed up with Drew Brees through the first four weeks of the season. But this week, he and the Saints host the Panthers, who rank 20th against the pass and have given up an average of 229 passing yards per game with no interceptions (very good news for Brees). The Panthers have let a pair of QBs toss two touchdowns through four games and had Joey Harrington bomb them for over 350 yards two weeks ago. The Saints are coming off a bye and are 0-3, due partially in part to Brees' sub-standard play (one touchdown, seven interceptions in three games).
Analysis: Let's call Week 5 the make-or-break week for Brees since after this week he plays at Seattle, vs. Atlanta and at San Francisco. If he does well, continue to think of him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. If he stinks up the joint, then the time has come to drop Brees down to No. 2 Fantasy stature. For this week's game, start him if you don't have a passer with a good matchup already on staff.
News: Drew Brees completed 29-of-45 for 225 yards in Week 3 against the Titans. That's the good news. The bad news is he also completed four to Tennessee defenders, one going for a 61-yard interception return for score, and he lost one fumble as well.
Analysis: Brees has been terrible, posting just one touchdown pass while committing a total of nine turnovers through three games. Still, don't give up on him just yet. He remains a solid low-end Fantasy option for Week 5 against the Panthers after the team's bye week. Hopefully the team will use the two weeks to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to find itself on offense after leading the league in 2006.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will make his second national TV appearance in three weeks on Monday night when New Orleans host the Tennessee Titans. In his last appearance on MNF -- Week 3 in 2006 vs. the Falcons -- Brees was 20-of-28 for 191 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 23-3 win. That was one of only three games last season in which Brees failed to throw a touchdown. With the Chargers in 2005, Brees also played once on Monday night, going 20-of-35 for 219 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 24-22 loss to the Steelers.
Analysis: Brees owners will be fuming if the former Purdue Boilermaker has a third straight mediocre week Fantasy-wise on Sunday against the Titans. However, take notice that in his only previous meeting vs. Tennessee, in 2004, Brees completed 16 of 20 passes for 206 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 26-of-44 passes for 260 yards with one touchdown during a Week 2 loss to the Bucs. He set up John Karney's 1-yard touchdown run with a 58-yard completion to David Patten and threw a 4-yard scoring pass to Marques Colston late in the fourth quarter. But the Saints quarterback never got into a rhythm against the Tampa Bay defense, who managed one interception and two sacks against the Saints QB.
Analysis: Brees has been unable to produce decent stat lines in the first two weeks. He has just one touchdown and three interceptions. Fantasy owners across the country are steaming mad. Brees is a much better QB than his numbers indicate, so stay patient. He still remains a must-start Fantasy option heading into Week 3 against the Titans.
News: Drew Brees called last weekend "the longest weekend" of his life. That's what happens when you drop the season-opener on a Thursday night, which the New Orleans Saints did, losing at Indianapolis 41-10. "The good thing about losing on Sunday is that you are able to come back and regroup, come back to practice two days later, make the corrections, forget about it, move on. Whereas this time it was five days. That will eat at you a little bit," Brees said. So, how anxious is Brees about Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium? "Very," he said.
Analysis: Brees is 3-0 in his career against the Bucs, including 2-0 last season when he led the Saints to the division title and NFC Championship Game. He completed 70 percent of his passes against the Bucs in 2006 for 485 yards and four touchdowns, the bulk of which came in the second meeting when he passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 win at Raymond James. Brees is our No. 3-ranked QB for good reason. OK, so he may have got off to a slow start, but he should bounce back nicely against a weak Tampa Bay team. He remains a must-start in all leagues.
News: CBSSports.com senior fantasy writer Jamey Eisenberg got a lot of e-mails this week wondering about Saints QB Drew Brees still being a top-notch quarterback after a poor outing against the Colts in Week 1. He says the answer is yes, and he should prove it this week. In two meetings against Tampa Bay last year, Brees passed for 485 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees is our No. 3-ranked QB for good reason. OK, so he may have got off to a slow start, but he should bounce back nicely against a weak Tampa Bay team. He remains a must-start in all leagues.
News: Drew Brees' timing couldn't be any better. After looking like a rookie last week at Indy, Brees plays at Tampa Bay in Week 2. Last year at Tampa Bay, Brees completed 24-of-32 passes (75 percent) for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Considering that Brees rebounded from his awful performances well last season, expect a big game from him here against a lesser opponent.
Analysis: Brees' poor Week 1 display certainly cost many Fantasy owners a victory, but don't let one game fool you -- this guy is for real. He killed the Bucs last year in their meeting in Florida and he'll be out to help bring his Saints back to .500. He is still a must-start every week in all leagues for now.
News: Drew Brees completed 28-of-41 passes for just 192 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in Thursday's Week 1 opening loss at Indianapolis.
Analysis: Brees struggles in his return to the state of Indiana, where he starred for Purdue University from the Big Ten Conference. The game was billed as a matchup between two of the league's top quarterbacks, but someone forgot to tell Brees to show up. He'll look to reward his Fantasy owners with better results in Week 2 at Tampa Bay.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 36-of-45 passes (80.0 percent) in the preseason. He threw for 361 yards and a touchdown. He threw no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees should be in line for another stellar season in 2007. Consider him a No. 1 QB in one of the top players at his position this year.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees doesn't seem very impressed with himself. If it's not an act, then he's in the minority after completing nearly 90 percent of his passes (35 of 39) during the past three preseason games. For now, Brees will have to wait until the regular season opener Sept. 6 at Indianapolis to see if he can do even better. Head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that he will sit Brees out during the Saints' final preseason game at home against Miami this Thursday night. But based on Brees' recent performances, he already appears to be as sharp, if not more so, than last season, when he led the NFL in passing by connecting on 356 of 554 passes (64.3 percent) for 4,418 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Analysis: Brees should be in line for another stellar season in 2007. Consider him a No. 1 QB in one of the top players at his position this year.
News: Playing in all but one series in the first half in Thursday's preseason game at Kansas City, Brees hit 17 of 19 passes against the first-team defense for 182 yards and one touchdown. One of his passes was a beauty of a downfield dart that David Patten dropped. His quarterback rating when he retired for the night was 124.1 -- a sharp contrast to the 15.1 of KC's Brodie Croyle. "I felt we really executed well on offense," said Brees. "Obviously, you'd like to get some more touchdowns instead of field goals, but sometimes that is just the way it goes."
Analysis: Brees, a flawless 6-for-6 for 55 yards in his only offensive drive in last week's 27-19 victory over Cincinnati, hit his first five on this hot, sticky night. In both of their first two possessions the Saints drove nearly to the goal line, but were stopped. Consider Brees a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 player at his position. He is going to excel once again in this offense and should reward the Fantasy owner who is lucky enough to draft him.
News: All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees has been extremely sharp in only three series of work against the Bills and Bengals, moving his offense into scoring position on all three of his opportunities, according to The Sports Xchange. One of the drives against the Bills wound up with a blocked field-goal attempt, but the Saints got a field goal and a touchdown out of the other two. When it was added up, Brees was 16 of 18 for 167 yards after hitting all six of his passes for 55 yards in a 27-19 win over the Bengals last Saturday. Brees and the first-team offense seem like they're going to pick up where they left off last year as evidenced by their work against the Bengals.
Analysis: Consider Brees a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 player at his position. He is going to excel once again in this offense and should reward the Fantasy owner who is lucky enough to draft him.
News: Drew Brees needed only six on-target passes to show that he's ready for the season. Brees led New Orleans to a touchdown in his only series Saturday night, completing every throw he made at Cincinnati in New Orleans' third preseason game. In the last two games, Brees has gone 18-for-20 for 173 yards. "He's been practicing real well," coach Sean Payton said. "He's worked hard on all the little things in his game, and he's playing with a lot of confidence. I'm encouraged about where he's at compared to where he was last year at this time. He has a good feel for what we're doing."
Analysis: There aren't many sure things in Fantasy, but Brees is looking like one of them. He's polished, he's strong-armed and accurate, and he plays in a prolific offense. The only question is if his receiving corps outside of Reggie Bush can repeat their success of a year ago. Bank on Brees being effective, making him a top-five Fantasy QB worth a pick in the first three rounds. In some leagues, he'll go in the second round, so don't be surprised to see him fall off in the top 20-to-24 overall selections.
News: Reigning coach of the year Sean Payton expanded his preseason play book enough to remind everyone why the Saints led the NFL in offense a year ago. The Saints failed to finish their early drives, though, and the Buffalo Bills' reserves ground out a 13-10 victory Friday night. Payton had Drew Brees dropping back with play-action fakes or rolling out from a variety of formations, and the Pro Bowl quarterback completed 12 passes to seven receivers for 118 yards on only two offensive series. "We were a little sharper tonight on offense, but you would still like to see us complete those drives with touchdowns," Brees said. "There was more to build on tonight for us and we've also seen some positives from our younger players."
Analysis: Brees was voted an AP All-Pro and the NFC starter in the Pro Bowl last season. He was much better Friday against the Bills than he was against the Steelers on Sunday, when completed just one of six passes. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 selection at the position. He is likely in for another big season.
News: Drew Brees managed just one completion on six attempts with six yards in Sunday's preseason game against the Steelers in Canton, Ohio. "In the first preseason game, you are finally getting a chance to go against someone else, and see where you have progressed," Brees said. "Obviously, we still have some work to do."
Analysis: Brees was voted an AP All-Pro and the NFC starter in the Pro Bowl last season. Don't be too worried about his performance in limited action during the preseason. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 selection at the position.
News: For Drew Brees, training camp is a breeze -- compared to this time last year, at least. There's no predetermined limit on how many throws he gets per day, no uncertainty about the health of his throwing arm, no worrying whether the Saints are any good. "Offensively, I feel so much farther along now than last year," Brees said. "It's incredible, I think, the change." If that's truly the case, defenses could be in trouble, because Brees led the league in passing last season.
Analysis: A year ago, Brees was a very determined and very doubted man. The San Diego Chargers let him become a free agent after a severe shoulder injury during the last game of the 2005 season. The Miami Dolphins refused to outbid the Saints for Brees' services, believing Daunte Culpepper and his surgically repaired knee was less of a risk. Brees entered 2006 training camp with a six-year contract in which only the first year was guaranteed. He knew he'd have to perform well right away. He did. After completing 356 of 554 passes (64.3 percent) for 4,418 yards and 26 TDs, leading the Saints to a 10-6 regular season record and the franchise's first NFC championship game appearance, Brees was voted an AP All-Pro and the NFC starter in the Pro Bowl. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 selection at the position.
News: According to the Sun Herald, the dislocated left elbow New Orleans QB Drew Brees suffered during the Pro Bowl in February is not an issue. Brees looked good throwing the ball all over the field during a recent minicamp in June and should be fine for the start of training camp.
Analysis: Brees had 4,418 yards passing and 26 touchdowns last season and is looking to build on that performance this year. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top 5 selection at the position.
News: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees dislocated his left elbow in the first quarter of the Pro Bowl on Saturday. Brees, who throws right-handed, didn't break any bones. Brees made the All-Pro team while leading the resurgent Saints to the NFC championship game, but was injured while throwing a fourth-down incompletion on the NFC's second drive at the Pro Bowl. The NFC starter went 2-of-7 for 23 yards in the scoreless first quarter.
Analysis: Brees, who passed for 4,418 yards and 26 touchdowns this season to earn his second trip to the Pro Bowl, didn't return to the game -- but coach Sean Payton wasn't likely to play his New Orleans star much beyond the opening quarter anyway. The All-Pro quarterback's injury seems unlikely to affect next season. He is ranked right behind Peyton Manning on our list of top Fantasy QBs heading into the offseason; expect him to be a second- or third-round pick in all drafts.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees went 20-of-32 passing for 243 yards with a touchdown and a fumble vs. Philadelphia in the Divisional Playoffs. His leading receiver yardagewise was TE Billy Miller.
Analysis: Brees remains a quality QB to use in Fantasy Postseason leagues.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was benched in the first half after completing 4-of-5 passes for 46 yards vs. Carolina in Week 17. The team obviously wants to keep him off the field so he can be healthy and able to play in the playoffs.
Analysis: Brees had one of the best seasons among all NFL players Fantasywise and has pushed himself into elite QB status for 2007 Fantasy play. You can expect Brees to be picked somewhere between fifth and 25th overall in drafts next year.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for just 132 yards in a Week 16 win at the N.Y. Giants. He finished 13-for-32 passing and threw just one touchdown.
Analysis: Brees didn't have a poor game for the Saints, but it was just that for Fantasy owners. After a great Fantasy season, he's put up back-to-back slow games and has cost many in the Fantasy playoffs. To be fair, though, he got many teams there in the first place. For anyone out there still alive in Week 17, consider him a must-start anyway against Carolina.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for no touchdowns and only 207 yards in Week 15 vs. Washington. He finished 21-for-38 passing and was intercepted once in the game.
Analysis: Brees couldn't have picked a worst week to stink up the joint for Fantasy owners that are in the playoffs after posting such great numbers all season. Regardless, he remains a must-start stud QB in any format for Week 16 at the N.Y. Giants.
News: Drew Brees completed 26-of-38 passes for 384 yards and five touchdowns in Week 14 at Dallas. Brees was the first visiting quarterback to throw five TDs in a game in Dallas in franchise history.
Analysis: Brees continues to roll right along and he remains a top Fantasy option for Week 15 when the Redskins pay a visit to the Superdome.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had his personal streak of five consecutive 300-yard passing games end against San Francisco. Brees was bidding to become the fourth player in NFL history to throw for at least 300 yards in six consecutive games. Steve Young, Kurt Warner and Rich Gannon have done it. Brees finished with 178 yards passing, including a 5-yard TD pass to RB Reggie Bush. He completed 17-of-28 passes and was not intercepted.
Analysis: Look for Brees to get back to his outstanding season in Week 14 against Dallas. Consider him a solid No. 1 option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 178 yards in Week 13 vs. San Francisco, including a five-yard TD pass to RB Reggie Bush. He completed 17-of-28 passes and was not intercepted.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have come to expect more from him this season, but Brees remains an elite option at his position. He'll look for more yards in Week 14 at Dallas.
News: With 3,463 passing yards in 11 games this season, Saints QB Drew Brees is on pace to become the second NFL quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. He's also flirting with Dan Marino's all-time record of 5,084 yards set back in 1984. If Brees continues at his current pace in the team's final five games, he'll finish with 5,037 yards. Brees has amassed the second-highest passing total for the first 11 games of a season. Rich Gannon threw for 3,535 yards in the first 11 games in 2002, while Brees has 3,463 yards this season -- putting him 11 yards ahead of Hall of Famer Warren Moon, who had 3,452 in 1990. In last week's win over the Falcons, Brees became the sixth quarterback in league history to throw for more than 300 yards in five consecutive games -- leaving him one shy of the league mark shared by Steve Young (1998), Kurt Warner (2000) and Rich Gannon (2002). Joe Montana (1982) and Kerry Collins (2000-01) authored five-game 300-yard passing streaks. With his seventh 300-yard passing game of the season, which was a 349-yard effort in the win over the Falcons last week, Brees broke Archie Manning's club record of six in a season in 1980. Brees is already third on the club's all-time list in that category behind Aaron Brooks, who recorded 10 300-yard games from 2000-05 and Manning, who had nine from 1971-75 and 1977-82.
Analysis: Brees has been a Fantasy monster this year. Consider him a No. 1 option for Week 13 against the 49ers.
News: In his first season in New Orleans, QB Drew Brees has helped turn around a team that went 3-13 a season ago. Both of his touchdowns against Atlanta last week, including a 48-yard pass he put up for grabs as time expired in the first half, offered further proof of the extent of his recovery from complicated offseason throwing shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff. In the past month, Brees has thrown accurately downfield on touchdown passes of 76, 72, 52, 49 and 45 yards. Brees said he has been gaining strength all season and is approaching the arm strength he had before the injury. "I definitely think my arm's gotten stronger as we've gone along here. ... Week to week, month to month, it's gotten so much better," Brees said.
Analysis: Brees has become a must-start Fantasy QB in all leagues. Expect another stat explosion vs. San Francisco in Week 13.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees threw for 349 yards in a 31-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, marking the fifth straight week he’s topped the 300-yard mark. Brees’ five-game streak ties him for the fourth-longest in NFL history behind Steve Young (1998), Kurt Warner (2000) and Rich Gannon (2002), who went six games each. Brees joins Joe Montana (1982) and Kerry Collins (2000-01) at five games each. With seven 300-yard games this season, Brees broke Archie Manning’s club record of six in a season in 1980. Brees is already third on the club’s all-time list behind Aaron Brooks, who recorded 10 300-yard games from 2000-05 and Manning, who had nine from 1971-75 and 1977-82.
Analysis: Brees has become one of the best Fantasy QBs this year and should be considered a No. 1 option for Week 13 against the 49ers.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 21-of-30 passing for 349 yards and two touchdowns at Atlanta in Week 12. Both of Brees' touchdowns were deep bombs (76 and 48 yards), one of which was a Hail Mary reception.
Analysis: Brees remains a must-start Fantasy QB in all leagues. Absolutely start him vs. San Francisco in Week 13.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw 52 passes, completing 37 of them in Week 11 vs. Cincinnati for 510 yards. He threw two touchdown passes, but was intercepted three times.
Analysis: Brees had what Fantasy owners would consider a monster day despite the three interceptions. He's the only passer to reach 500 yards in a game this season and has to be considered an elite Fantasy QB these days. He lost his favorite receiver, Marques Colston, early in the game to injury and still threw for a career-high in yards. Consider Brees a Fantasy stud and an obvious start in Week 12 at Atlanta.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees has been on a huge roll the last three weeks and now leads the NFL in passing yards with 2,604 yards. Brees had 383 yards in a 35-22 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 29, 314 yards in a 31-14 win at Tampa Bay and a career-high 398 yards in the team's setback at Pittsburgh last Sunday. That three-game stretch has produced 1,095 passing yards. Brees also had a 353-yard performance in a win at Green Bay on Sept. 17 and 349 yards in a loss at Carolina on Oct. 1. The six-year veteran already has five 300-yard games in only nine outings with the Saints after posting just four 300-yard games in four seasons as the San Diego Chargers' starter from 2002-05.
Analysis: Consider Brees a No. 1 QB for Week 11 against Cincinnati.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 31-for-47 passing for 398 yards and a touchdown at Pittsburgh in Week 10. Brees has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his last three games and has seven TDs in that span.
Analysis: Brees has entered must-start Fantasy status. With a beleaguered Bengals team coming to New Orleans in Week 11, do not hesitate to start Brees.
News: QB Drew Brees completed 24-of-32 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns in Week 9 as the Saints rolled to a 31-14 win over the Bucs. His touchdown passes went for 15 yards to Marques Colston, and 52 and 45 yards to Devery Henderson.
Analysis: Brees now has 14 touchdown passes on the season and four games where he has passed for more than 300 yards. He is a pretty decent Fantasy start no matter who the Saints are playing. The Saints take on the Steelers in Week 10.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed his first 11 passes in Week 9 against the Bucs for 157 yards and two touchdowns. His touchdown passes went for 15 yards to Marques Colston and 52 yards to Devery Henderson. Both came in the first quarter.
Analysis: Brees is off to a good start Sunday and could be in for a very good game if he keeps this up.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees didn't win the game, but he'll win some Fantasy games in Week 8. He went 24-of-45 passing for 383 yards, three TDs, three interceptions, 6 rush yards and a fumble. Brees made 100-yard receivers out of Marques Colston and Joe Horn, connecting with Colston twice and Horn once.
Analysis: It's the third 300-yard game for Brees this season. Actually, it's his third 350-yard game this season. He's also thrown for three TDs in back-to-back weeks. They don't come any hotter than Brees; start him at Tampa Bay in Week 9.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees will play the Ravens in Week 8, who have been solid on defense. But is that an excuse to sit him in Fantasy play? Well, the Ravens rank seventh against the pass, allowing 180.8 pass yards per game. They've yielded five TDs but swiped the ball in the air 11 times with 19 sacks. Then again, Jake Delhomme lit them up two weeks ago for 360 yards.
Analysis: The Ravens defense is well rested and prepared for a big fight in the Superdome. Expect Brees to do a lot of throwing as the Saint will have a hard time running the football against the Ravens. Consider him a low-end starter in Week 8, possibly worth benching for a better QB option.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 275 yards and three scores in Week 6 vs. Philadelphia. He finished 27-for-37 passing, but was also intercepted twice .
Analysis: Brees and the Saints have put together some nice games in the comfort of the Superdome and the QB is worthy of Fantasy consideration in every league at this stage. You'll have to look to other options in Week 7, however, as the Saints will be on a bye.
News: Drew Brees completed 21 of 33 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay Sunday.
Analysis: Brees has thrown for over 300 yards twice this season, but he has also thrown for under 200 yards three times. He'll face a pretty good Philadelphia defense in Week 6, so start him as your bye-week replacement.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees was 28-of-38 passing for 349 yards with a touchdown and 2 yards rushing at Carolina in Week 4. It's Brees' second 300-yard game this season (353 yards in Week 2).
Analysis: Brees has developed into a strong Fantasy QB, though it would be nice if he could be counted on for multiple TD passes per game. He should be usable vs. Tampa Bay in Week 5, but don't expect another 300-yard game.
News: Drew Brees made his Saints home debut in Week 3 against the Falcons, completing 20-of-28 passes for 191 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Analysis: Brees did not have a touchdown pass for the first time this season, but he also did not throw any interceptions either. He might have a difficult time in Week 4 at Carolina, so only consider him if your primary option(s) have a bye week or tough matchup.
News: With the Saints about to open up their home schedule at the Superdome for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, the team is being bombarded with media requests while tickets to the game are selling at a ridiculous markup. By the way, the 2-0 Saints will host the 2-0 Falcons on Monday night to cap Week 3 play. "Could this game be any more hyped up or bigger than it already is?" Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. "We all know what it is, but the way I'm approaching this week is: It's a football game and we need to win it. That's it."
Analysis: Brees will have a tough matchup, but the Saints may take to the air as the Falcons have been awesome against the run (they've done well all the way around defensively). Consider Brees a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 3; expect a good game out of him, but play the matchups with someone else if they are comparable in ability to Brees.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees had 353 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception against Green Bay. He also had minus-four yards rushing and also lost two fumbles.
Analysis: After a slow start, Brees torched the Packers secondary. He has a tough matchup next week with Atlanta, but he should be considered a No. 1 starter with the weapons he has around him.
News: Saints QB Drew Brees completed 17-of-31 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown in the Saints 19-14 win over the Browns on Sunday. Brees also threw an interception.
Analysis: Brees had an OK game against the Browns. It seems new head coach Sean Payton is going to spend a great deal of plays running the ball rather than trying to stretch the field with the pass. Also, Brees looked a little rusty coming off a shoulder injury suffered last season with the Chargers. Brees is still a safe bet for Week 2 as the Saints visit the Packers.
News: Drew Brees' mostly nightmarish preseason is in the rear-view and he's looking at a Week 1 matchup at Cleveland. However, he'll be going in with only one reliable receiver in Joe Horn, forced to make use of WRs Devery Henderson, Marques Colston and TE Ernie Conwell (who is a better blocker than receiver). Cleveland has a questionable secondary but Brees will see lots of pressure from the Browns' front seven.
Analysis: Brees is a risky start in Week 1; owners should be able to bench him for someone else for the coming week. If not, the Browns' passing defense could assist in giving Brees respectable numbers.
News: Drew Brees was 8-of-12 for 78 yards in the Saints' preseason finale. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. His longest completion was 19 yards to Jamal Jones.
Analysis: Brees is a low-end Fantasy starter in leagues with 12 teams or more. He actually has a nice matchup for Week 1 when the Saints play at Cleveland, so have him active if you own him.
News: The Eagles acquired WR Donte Stallworth from the Saints on Monday, sending veteran linebacker Mark Simoneau and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2007 to the Saints. The trade is pending both players passing physicals with their new team. Stallworth, the 13th overall pick in the 2002 draft, had 70 receptions for 945 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Devery Henderson is expected to start for New Orleans opposite Joe Horn.
Analysis: Drew Brees will lose a deep threat with Stallworth, but his numbers should be recouped by a corps of hungry receivers including Henderson, rookie Marques Colston, TE Zach Hilton and of course Reggie Bush (who should see plenty of time at receiver as well as running back). Brees remains a top-12 Fantasy QB, albeit at the end of the line.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Todd Bouman is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Colts. Starter Drew Brees is expected to play into the third quarter and then veteran Jamie Martin is scheduled to finish it out.
Analysis: Brees has solid receivers but they are not outstanding. His running backs should not only give him some breathing room on play-action plays, but they'll also catch plenty of passes (especially rookie RB Reggie Bush). Brees is best used as part of a Fantasy QB platoon, worth taking with a middle-round choice on Draft Day.
News: Drew Brews completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards in Monday's preseason game against the Cowboys in Shreveport, La.
Analysis: Brees has solid receivers but they are not outstanding. His running backs should not only give him some breathing room on play-action plays, but they'll also catch plenty of passes (especially Reggie Bush). Brees is best used as part of a Fantasy QB platoon, worth taking with a middle-round choice on Draft Day.
News: According to published reports, head coach Sean Payton said Drew Brees (shoulder) is slated to play the entire first half of Monday's preseason game against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Brees has solid receivers but they are not outstanding. His running backs should not only give him some breathing room on play-action plays, but they'll also catch plenty of passes (especially Reggie Bush). Brees is best used as part of a Fantasy QB platoon, worth taking with a middle-round choice on Draft Day.
News: Drew Brees, returning from a serious shoulder injury, made his debut for the New Orleans Saints in Saturday's preseason game in Nashville against the Titans. He was 5-of-9 for 60 yards.
Analysis: It looks like Brees is fitting in nicely in New Orleans, which means that the Saints will have a nice upgrade at quarterback. His receivers are solid but not outstanding, but his running backs should not only give him some breathing room on play-action plays, but they'll also catch plenty of passes (especially Reggie Bush). Brees is best used as part of a Fantasy QB platoon, worth taking with a middle-round choice on Draft Day.
News: NewOrleansSaints.com reports that Saints head coach Sean Payton is impressed with how Drew Brees' camp has been going thus far, specifically how he plays in red-zone drills. "His progress has been good," Payton said. "When you get into the red zone, I think he understands the accuracy of the throws and the locations of those throws are critical."
Analysis: It looks like Brees is fitting in nicely in New Orleans, which means that the Saints will have a nice upgrade at quarterback. We currently have Brees slotted as the 13th-best Fantasy quarterback, but we couldn't fault you if you wanted to make him your starter. His receivers are solid but not outstanding, but his running backs should not only give him some breathing room on play-action plays, but they'll also catch plenty of passes (especially Reggie Bush). Brees is best used as part of a Fantasy QB platoon, worth taking with a middle-round choice this summer.
News: The team's official website reports Brees (shoulder) was able to participate in the team's training camp on Friday and said that he would be ready to go if the season was ready to start. "I could go right now."
Analysis: Brees is limited to 80 passes per day and no more than 55 yards. He has been cleared for contact, however and looks to be ready for the regular season. Barring any setbacks, he might be a decent pick in the middle- to late rounds on Draft Day.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Drew Brees (shoulder) said he felt "a thousand percent" better in the last two weeks of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). "I'm at the stage where I can do almost anything," Brees said.
Analysis: Brees is a risk due to the shoulder, but he's still well worth a middle-round selection. Barring setbacks, he could be a terrific bargain.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Drew Brees (shoulder) won't participate in team drills at minicamp this weekend.
Analysis: Brees will take part in some other drills, but the Picyaune reports he won't be "gunning 20-yard out routes." He should be fine for the start of the regular season.
News:USA Today reports Drew Brees (shoulder) plans to throw on a limited basis at June minicamp.
Analysis: Brees now throws around 80 passes a day, some of those passes at 25 yards. He should be fine for the start of the regular season, barring setbacks.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Drew Brees (shoulder) continues to insist he'll be ready for the start of training camp.
Analysis: Brees describes his progress as "kind of scary good, actually." He is throwing up to 80 passes a day, and can throw the football about 25 yards now. Expect Brees to be selected in the middle rounds.
News: The Baton Rouge Advocate reports Drew Brees (shoulder) took mental reps with the team during the team's recent minicamp. "There was a lot of information and obviously it was a chance for me to see the pace and the tempo coach [Sean] Payton wants to have here," Brees said. "I was able to evaluate the personnel a little bit, the guys I'll be throwing to. It was just a chance to get in the mix and call the plays again, even if I'm just kind of calling them to myself and taking a few snaps. Obviously, I can't throw quite yet - but we got a lot done."
Analysis: Brees expects to be back on the field for the team's next minicamp, which is scheduled for June 2-4. He has to be considered a gamble for next season due to the shoulder ailment and his presence on a new team. Expect Brees to be selected in the middle rounds.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Drew Brees will head back to Alabama to rehabilitate his shoulder after Saints minicamp. The Saints hope he can begin throwing the football at full strength in June.
Analysis: Brees has to be considered a gamble for next season due to the shoulder ailment and his presence on a new team. Expect him to be selected in the middle rounds.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports the Saints have targeted June minicamp for Drew Brees (shoulder) to start throwing the football. He will not throw at April minicamp.
Analysis: Brees believes he will be 100 percent by training camp, but that remains to be seen. The move to New Orleans could hurt his value in drafts.
News: Free-agent QB Drew Brees signed with New Orleans, agreeing to a six-year deal. Brees entered negotiations with both the Saints and Dolphins, but got a better reception from New Orleans and chose to wear Gold & Black. With the news, speculation is now rampant over what the Saints will do with their pick in the draft, No. 2 overall, which was initially believed to be USC QB Matt Leinart.
Analysis: Brees takes over a team undertaking a major facelift, especially following last season's Hurricane Katrina disaster. Head coach Sean Payton should be dancing down Bourbon Street with this signing as he now has the reliable, intelligent passer needed to run a complex offense. Brees will have terrific targets in Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, a strong running game with Deuce McAllister, and an underrated offensive line, anchored by Wayne Gandy and Jammal Brown. It all adds up to Brees continuing to be a No. 1 Fantasy QB option in 2006.
News: The Miami Herald reports Drew Brees is expected to enter negotiations with the Dolphins and New Orleans Saints. He wants close to $10 million per season and $10 million guaranteed. The Dolphins have offered $5-7 million in guarantees.
Analysis: Should Brees land in New Orleans, the team could look to trade the second overall selection in April's Draft. It also means the Dolphins would make a greater push to acquire Daunte Culpepper, who is on the trade block in Minnesota.
News: The Miami Herald reports the New Orleans Saints have made a serious push to acquire Drew Brees. "From what I know right now, it's set where he's going, and it's not Miami," an anonymous source told the paper.
Analysis: This would mean that the Saints will look to trade the second overall selection in April's Draft and won't land USC's Matt Leinart. It also means the Dolphins would make a greater push to acquire Daunte Culpepper, who is on the trade block in Minnesota.
News: The Miami Herald reports Drew Brees will visit with the Miami Dolphins as he looks to find a new team for next season. Other interested teams include the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, but most experts believe Brees will sign with the 'Fins in the offseason.
Analysis: Brees is ahead of schedule after a surgical procedure to repair his injured shoulder, and Dr. James Andrews has him on a program that is expected to allow the quarterback to start throwing in May.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Green Bay Packers are interested in Drew Brees. It appears new head coach Mike McCarthy isn't sold on Aaron Rodgers as the heir apparent to Brett Favre.
Analysis: At this point is appears the Packers and Miami Dolphins are the top two suitors for Brees, though the Detroit Lions and N.Y. Jets might also be in the mix.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that while Drew Brees' surgeon believes he'll be 100 percent recovered for next season, the quarterback did suffer some rotator cuff damage. At first it was believed the rotator cuff was unaffected.
Analysis: This news could be the reason the Chargers were so quick to release Brees in the offseason. Brees will still receive interest from Detroit and Miami.
News: According to reports, noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews announced that Drew Brees, who tore his labrum in the season finale against Denver, "is ahead of schedule relative to his healing process and recovery." This optimistic news suggests that Brees' shoulder will be just fine after all.
Analysis: Brees has been in the news a lot lately, suggesting that he's not happy with Chargers GM A.J. Smith and that his days with the team could be over. Brees will receive interest from Detroit and Miami in the offseason, but the biggest question is his health: Brees won't be able to throw a football until late May at the soonest. It still might not stop some teams from signing him now.
News: The North County Times reports Drew Brees is upset with the comments Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has made about his rehab from an injured shoulder. The quarterback doesn't believe there's much hope that he will return to the team.
Analysis: Brees will receive interest from Detroit and Miami in the offseason. The biggest question is his health: Brees won't be able to throw a football until late May at the soonest after a surgical procedure to repair a torn labrum.
News: The San Diego Chargers didn't franchise Drew Brees, so he is now an unrestricted free agent. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins are expected to make a "major push" to sign him this offseason.
Analysis: Brees could still end up in San Diego, but there is no shortage of potential suitors for the veteran quarterback. The biggest question for Brees is his health: He won't be able to throw a football until late May at the soonest after a surgical procedure to repair a torn labrum.
News: NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins are expected to make a "major push" to sign Drew Brees, who is expected to become a free agent next month.
Analysis: The offseason quarterback carousel has started to turn. Brees, Daunte Culpepper, Chad Pennington and Steve McNair could all be on the move in the next few months.
News: Chargers GM A.J. Smith told the media that he will not use a franchise or transition tag on QB Drew Brees this offseason, allowing him to test the free-agent market. "Our proposals have not been acceptable at this point and time, but we will continue to talk," Smith said. "Drew Brees wants to be here, we want him to be here. Drew wants a long-term contract, we want him to have a long-term contract. We are working on that and continue to work on it."
Analysis: Brees will be free to negotiate with any team come March 3. However, teams could shy away from him because he tore his shoulder in Week 17 and had offseason surgery. Doctors say he will recover fully, but who knows how his arm will react. If he does indeed leave the Chargers, Philip Rivers would inherit the prolific offense.
News: According to reports, the San Diego Chargers could place the transition tag on Drew Brees.Because he has an injured shoulder, the transition tag might be a better and less expensive option for the team. The Chargers would retain the option to match offers but wouldn't be compensated if Brees leaves.
Analysis: There have also been reports that the 'Bolts could allow Brees to test the open market, which would place more value on Philip Rivers. At this point, however, it would be a shock not to see Brees in a San Diego uniform next season.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Chargers have offered QB Drew Brees a contract extension. "I have no idea where it goes from here," Chargers GM A.J. Smith said. Brees had offseason shoulder surgery and could be a candidate for a franchise or transition tag if he doesn't agree to a new deal with the Bolts.
Analysis: The Chargers want to keep Brees and trade Philip Rivers. Brees' shoulder is definitely cause for concern, but if he stays as the Chargers' starter, he should be a fine No. 1 QB option in 2006.
News: Chargers QB Drew Brees finished 2005 with 3,576 pass yards, 24 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 49 rush yards and one torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. Brees dove for a loose football in Week 17 when the injury occurred. He had successful surgery this offseason, and it shouldn't impact his game too much.
Analysis: Brees is a free agent this offseason but it's expected that San Diego keeps him on staff. Assuming the Chargers keep him as their starting QB, he will surely be a No. 1 Fantasy passer.
News: Chargers QB Brees dislocated his right shoulder in a home loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday, and an MRI on Sunday revealed torn cartilage. The fifth-year pro plans to travel Tuesday to Birmingham, Ala., to get a second opinion from orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and would like to have surgery this week. "Obviously I'd like to get this thing operated on as soon as possible," Brees said. "We're all very optimistic. The doctors are very optimistic, saying that this is something that they've seen before, done before. It shouldn't be a big deal." Brees anticipates a four-month rehab, which means he should be ready for minicamp.
Analysis: Brees' future as a top-notch Fantasy QB could be in question since this injury has been known to limit the effectiveness of the quarterback who has it. Brees cannot be considered a top-five Fantasy passer and could end up with a new team overall in '06. Stay tuned.
News: Drew Brees suffered a dislocated throwing shoulder in the regular-season finale, according to Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer. Brees will undergo more tests to see if he injured the labrum, which would also determine if he needs a surgical procedure.
Analysis: This is a bad way for Brees to end the season, especially with Philip Rivers behind him on the depth chart. Keep tabs on his status in the next few weeks to see if this ailment hurts his keeper value.
News: Drew Brees was forced to leave Week 17 vs. Denver after suffering a shoulder injury while trying to recover his own fumble. He finished with 68 yards on 8-for-14 passing with no touchdowns or interceptions and a lost fumble.
Analysis: What a horrible way to end the season for Brees who broke out in 2004, but ended the season with three straight bad games in 2005. The team has said Brees is their guy, despite having first-rounder Philip Rivers waiting for a shot. It will be interesting to see what goes on during the offseason.
News: According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said that Drew Brees will start Saturday vs. Denver. Philip Rivers will not get the start despite the rumors.
Analysis: The Chargers don't have any playoff hopes so there was speculation that Rivers would get a shot to start, but it won't happen. Consider Brees a decent start, but consider that he could get the hook at some point just to see what Rivers can do. Follow this situation through the week.
News: Drew Brees finished Week 16 at Kansas City with only 161 yards and an interception. He did find Antonio Gates for a touchdown pass.
Analysis: Brees was 18-for-33 and never really got in a groove. He'll make a risky start in a game with no meaning for the eliminated Chargers in Week 17 at Denver. Remember that he didn't play too well in Week 15 at Indianapolis despite the win either.
News: We've learned that it's raining very hard in Kansas City and the winds are picking up as well. This will mean a ball control type of game, not the high-scoring fiasco we first thought.
Analysis: Brees' projections should be halved considering the conditions. He's still startable but isn't as likely to throw for more than 230 yards or so.
News: The Chargers' gameplan for Week 16? Go to RB LaDainian Tomlinson early, then pass, pass, pass. The weak link of the Chiefs' defense is the back end, although they have big-time tackling issues throughout the unit. But if Tomlinson can establish the run early, let QB Drew Brees and Co., test that secondary. Brees has a good history at Arrowhead. Not only is he the first Chargers quarterback to win there since Stan Humphries in 1996, but he has completed 72 of 110 (.655) for 822 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. In last year's win, he went for a career-high 378 yards and two touchdowns with no picks, completing nearly 76 percent of his passes.
Analysis: Use Brees as a top-flight Fantasy QB in Week 16.
News: Drew Brees threw for 255 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 26-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Analysis: Despite the poor performance, Brees is still a nice option for Week 16 at Kansas City.
News: Drew Brees threw 279 yards on 35-for-52 passing. He threw two touchdowns and one interception.
Analysis: Brees will face a tough Colts defense in Week 15.
News: Chargers QB Drew Brees has been stellar at home this season, throwing 14 touchdowns against four interceptions. Over the past three games, all Chargers wins, Brees has completed 67 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and one interception. The Dolphins, before getting right against the Bills last week, allowed three touchdown passes.
Analysis: Brees is ripe for a good statistical output, and should have one here. Look to use Brees as your starting QB in Week 14.
News: Drew Brees completed 17-of-22 passes for 160 yards and two TDs in a Week 13 win over the Raiders. He now has 20 TDs on the season and has thrown for over 2,800 yards.
Analysis: Brees and the Chargers should keep the momentum going in Week 14 when they host Miami. Consider Brees a must-start option.
News: The Union-Tribune reports Drew Brees should post solid numbers this week against Oakland. In his past four games against the Raiders, he has thrown eight touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes. "It's Raiders Week," said Brees. "Obviously, (head coach) Marty (Schottenheimer) takes a lot of pride in beating the Raiders. So it's always a big, big game for everybody. It's a big game for San Diegans. Everybody gets fired up for that, especially when we have it at home."
Analysis: Brees struggled last week in a win over the Washington Redskins, but he should be considered a solid starter in most leagues in Week 13.
News: Drew Brees threw for 215 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Washington Redskins.
Analysis: Look for Brees to bounce back in Week 13 when the Chargers host the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
News: Drew Brees threw for 339 yards on 28-of-33 passing with four TDs in Week 11 vs. Buffalo.
Analysis: Amazing. Brees is an absolute must-start in Week 12 at Washington.
News: According to the Union-Tribune, Drew Brees is unhappy with the amount of INTs he's thrown already this season. He had seven picks all of last year and he has eight through nine games. "That is absolutely our first priority, to clean that up," Brees said.
Analysis: Brees and the Chargers were on a bye-week in Week 10. Brees will have a tough time passing against the highly ranked Bills defense at home in Week 11, but is still worth starting.
News: Chargers QB Drew Brees was 20-of-27 for 270 yards with a touchdown and interception with minus-two rushing yards at the New York Jets in Week 9.
Analysis: The Chargers are on bye in Week 10. Brees will have a tough time passing against the highly ranked Bills defense at home in Week 11, but is still worth starting.
News: Drew Brees completed 25-of-43 passes for 324 yards and three TDs in San Diego's 28-20 win over Kansas City. He now has 13 TD passes on the season.
Analysis: Brees should now be considered among the upper echelon of signal callers in Fantasy. Consider his a solid starting option for Week 9 at the Jets.
News: Drew Brees threw for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Analysis: Brees should be considered a nice starter in most leagues against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8.
News: Drew Brees (calf) was able to play in Week 6 at Oakland. He completed 14-of-20 for 164 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Brees looked decent in the game and did not show any lingering effects of the injury. The Chargers head to Philadelphia in Week 7 to play the Eagles.
News: Drew Brees (calf) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to start in Week 6.
Analysis: Brees is listed as questionable, but it appears safe to start him against the Oakland Raiders.
News: The Union-Tribune reports Drew Brees (calf) was wearing a protective boot Tuesday that he called "precautionary."
Analysis: Brees is expected to start in Week 6 at Oakland and is a nice option in leagues with 12-plus teams.
News: Drew Brees completed 20-of-35 for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Week 5 against the Steelers.
Analysis: Brees and the Chargers will next face the Raiders in Oakland in Week 6.
News: Funny how much easier life has been for Drew Brees since the Chargers started giving the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson. Brees has four touchdowns and no interceptions while feeding LT the past two weeks; he had two TDs and three interceptions in San Diego's 0-2 start.
Analysis: Brees has a tough matchup in Week 5 vs. the Steelers' rugged defense. Consider reserving him for this one, but he's a solid sleeper when the matchup is better. The Chargers look like they could be developing into one of the best teams in the AFC.
News: Drew Brees threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 41-17 win over the New England Patriots.
Analysis: Brees was spectacular in his important AFC contest, but he faces a formidable Steelers defense in Week 5. Start him with caution.
News: Chargers QB Drew Brees was 19 of 22 passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns vs. the N.Y. Giants in Week 3.
Analysis: Brees must be kept away from when he plays at New England in Week 4. Do not use him.
News: San Diego QB Drew Brees connected on just 15-of-23 passes for 175 and an interception in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. Brees has thrown three interceptions in his first two games.
Analysis: Brees should be considered a No. 2 QB in Fantasy at this point. The Chargers host the Giants in Week 3.
News: Drew Brees completed 18-of-25 for 209 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 1 against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Even though it was not as bad a performance as some other quarterbacks in the league, he will look for better results in Week 2 at Denver.
News: Drew Brees left Thusday's preseason win over San Francisco with an injured ankle. The ailment is not considered serious.
Analysis: Brees should be fine for the start of the regular season.
News: Drew Brees threw for 68 yards and one touchdown in Friday's preseason contest at Minnesota.
Analysis: Brees is worth a middle-round selection as a starter or reserve, based on the size of the league.
News: Drew Brees came out misfiring in the Chargers' first preseason game against the Packers. He completed 2 of 5 passes for 27 yards and threw the ugliest interception you'll ever see, overthrowing his receiver by 10 yards and floating the ball to a wide open safety in the end zone.
Analysis: Brees will improve, but you could tell he missed having Antonio Gates out there as a security blanket. Chalk it up to rust and see what he does in his next few preseason battles.
News: San Diego quarterback Drew Brees disclosed Friday that he separated his left shoulder in the fourth game last season and played the rest of the year with the injury. He said he had arthroscopic surgery in the offseason to repair the problem.
Analysis: Despite the injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Brees had his best season, throwing for 27 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl and it stands to reason that with a healthy shoulder and a better receiving unit, he can duplicate those numbers. He'll need TE Antonio Gates to get into camp though for his best chances.
News: At training camp, Chargers QB Drew Brees told reporters that he played with a separated left shoulder for most of the 2004 season. He hurt it in Week 4 and never had it repaired until the offseason.
Analysis: Despite the injury, Brees had his best season, tossing 27 TDs and leading the Bolts to the playoffs. Fantasy owners who select him to be their No. 2 Qb will demand he hurt himself again if it means playing well.
News: According to reports, the San Diego Chargers have signed Drew Brees to a one-year contract.
Analysis: Brees was the team's "non-exclusive" franchise player, which means he will receive a salary that is the average of the top five QB salaries from last season.
News: The San Diego Chargers have used their franchise tag on Brees and will offer him a one-year contract at around $8 million. "Franchising him is a no-brainer because if we didn't, we wouldn't get any compensation and he wouldn't be here, he'd be going to the airport," GM A.J. Smith said. "We want him to be our quarterback. I mean, a little bit over $8 million for one year, for a quarterback, I think, tells you clearly what we think of his abilities and his talent. We want him to be our quarterback."
Analysis: Brees had a career-best season in 2004, leading the Chargers to 12 wins and an AFC West title. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl.
News: According to reports, the San Diego Chargers could franshise Drew Brees and then trade him this offseason.
Analysis: Brees led the Chargers to 12 wins last season, but the presence of Philip Rivers remains an issue.
News: The North County Times reports Drew Brees would make $8.078 million next season if the Chargers decide to franchise him.
Analysis: The presence of Philip Rivers makes this situation a bit uncertain, though Brees is still likely to remain in San Diego.
News: The North County Times reports Drew Brees' agent, Tom Condon, expects the Chargers to place their franchise tag on the QB before he can become an unrestricted free agent.
Analysis: Brees is looking for a long-term commitment from the team, but the presence of Philip Rivers is a real issue.
News: Drew Brees completed 31-of-42 passes for 319 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Saturday's Wild Card game against N.Y. Jets.
Analysis: Brees was named the NFL's comeback player of the year. He is looking for a long-term commitment from the Chargers now that the season is over, but it is unclear exactly how things will shake out with Philip Rivers also in the mix.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Drew Brees is seeking a long-term deal from the 'Bolts. "I want a long-term commitment from the Chargers – if not the Chargers, then from someone else," Brees said.
Analysis: With Philip Rivers also in the mix, it will be an interesting offseason for Brees and the Chargers.
News: Drew Brees was rested as a precaution in Week 17 against the Chiefs.
Analysis: With Brees serving as a spectator, veteran Doug Flutie got the starting nod in his absence.
News: According to the Union-Tribune, coach Marty Schottenheimer might sit QB Drew Brees against the Chiefs in Week 17. Even if he does start, backups Doug Flutie and Philip Rivers will see plenty of action. "Doug has not played a whole lot of football of late," Schottenheimer said. "The good Lord forbid we go into a playoff game and we have an early injury at that position, I'm going to feel a lot more comfortable if he's had some (recent) time under center."
Analysis: The Chargers have nothing to play for so the best owners can hope for is a half out of Brees.
News: Drew Brees passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16 against the Colts. He also was intercepted once.
Analysis: Brees is worth starting in all leagues when the Chargers host the Chiefs in Week 17.
News: Drew Brees completed only four of six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 at Cleveland in adverse weather conditions.
Analysis: With a snow-covered field, Brees just fed the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson and Jesse Chatman. He should see much better production in Week 16 indoors against the Colts in Indianapolis.
News: Drew Brees and the Chargers might be in for a long day, as the forecast for Cleveland has freezing temperatures, winds gusting to 25 miles per hour and perhaps a foot of snowfall.
Analysis: The San Diego offense might be mostly ground-based, especially if they are able to get a big lead. The adverse weather conditions and poor Cleveland defense should benefit LaDainian Tomlinson greatly.
News: Drew Brees completed 17-of-23 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 14 against the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Brees bounced back for a decent day from a Fantasy perspective. He should have a much better day in Week 15 at Cleveland unless there is inclement weather.
News: Drew Brees completed 14-of-27 for 106 yards and an interception in Week 13 against the Broncos.
Analysis: Despite the poor day, Brees led the Chargers to a win and two-game lead over the Broncos in the AFC West. San Diego hosts Tampa Bay in Week 14.
News: Drew Brees threw for 378 yards and two TDs in Sunday's 34-31 win over Kansas City.
Analysis: Brees continues to shine for owners. Keep him active for Week 13 vs. Denver.
News: Drew Brees completed 18 of 34 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown at Oakland Sunday. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Analysis: Brees has been one of the best surprises of the year. Start him in all leagues at Kansas City in Week 12.
News: Drew Brees will start against the Raiders in Oakland in Week 11. He has thrown nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in the past two games.
Analysis: Brees has thrown 18 touchdown and just three interceptions this season. That touchdown total surpassed his previous career-high of 17 set in 2002. Brees was 22-for-25 for 281 yards and five touchdowns against Oakland in Week 8, so keep him active for this game.
News: Drew Brees completed 22-of-36 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns in Week 9 against New Orleans.
Analysis: Brees has 15 touchdown passes and only one interception over his past six games. The Chargers have a bye in Week 10 before heading to Oakland.
News: Drew Brees completed 22-of-25 (88 percent) of his passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns in Week 8 against the woeful Raiders.
Analysis: Brees has thrown for 10 touchdowns against no interceptions over his past three home games. He should be in line for a huge afternoon in Week 9 against New Orleans and their spotty secondary.
News: Drew Brees was 21-of-32 for 196 yards in a Week 7 win at Carolina.
Analysis: Brees had no touchdowns but at least he didn't have any interceptions either. He is worth owning as a No. 2 quarterback in all leagues. The Chargers host the Raiders in Week 8.
News: According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers talked with the Chargers about acquiring quarterback Drew Brees from San Diego before the trading deadline. Apparently, no deal is imminent.
Analysis: The Packers will likely go after Brees this offseason when he is a unrestricted free agent.
News: Drew Brees threw for 227 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's loss to Altanta.
Analysis: Brees is worth starting in leagues with 12-plus teams in Week 7 at Carolina.
News: Drew Brees (shoulder) completed 17-of-26 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 against Jacksonville.
Analysis: Brees has been impeccable over his past three starts, tossing for 538 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. He is a solid selection in Week 6 at Atlanta if your primary starter has a difficult matchup or bye week.
News: According to the Union-Tribune, quarterback Drew Brees (left shoulder) is listed as probable for Week 5 against Jacksonville.
Analysis: Brees is coming off one of his best games as a Charger when he torched the Titans in Week 4. He will face a much tougher defense in Week 5 and should only be considered a No. 2 or 3 option.
News: Drew Brees completed 16-of-20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns in Week 4 against Tennessee.
Analysis: Brees has six touchdowns and only two interceptions through the first four games. He is worth using if your primary Fantasy starter has an unfavorable matchup or bye week.
News: According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Drew Brees will start in Week 4 against Tennessee.
Analysis: With Philip Rivers now second on the depth chart, Brees could be demoted sooner than later.
News: Drew Brees completed 14-of-29 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Week 3 at Denver. He was able to run for a score.
Analysis: Brees is not a recommended Fantasy starter for Week 4 against the Titans.
News: Drew Brees (concussion) was able to start in Week 3 at Denver.
Analysis: Brees is only a recommended Fantasy starter when he has a favorable matchup and your primary starters are either banged up or on a bye.
News: According to the Union-Tribune, despite suffering a "mild" concussion in Week 2 against the Jets, quarterback Drew Brees said he expects to start in Week 3 against Denver. "This was not a Grade 3 concussion," Brees said. "This is not one of those. It was good enough to put me in a state where I probably shouldn't have been out there, but not one that is going to risk me further down the road."
Analysis: Brees should only be considered in larger leagues.
News: According North County Times, Drew Brees will remain the Chargers starter for Week 3.
Analysis: Brees will lose the spot to Philip Rivers at some point, but he's still the starter at this time.
News: After an impressive Week 1 performance, Drew Brees was replaced by Doug Flutie after suffering a concussion in the fourth quarter against the Jets Sunday.
Analysis: Brees finished 8-for-19 for 146 yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. He is only worth owning in larger leagues as a No. 2 quarterback.
News: Drew Brees completed 17-of-24 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 at Houston.
Analysis: Despite the solid effort, Brees is only worth using in Fantasy leagues with 14 or more teams when your primary starters have an unfavorable matchup or bye week.
News: Drew Brees will be under center for the Chargers as they start the season at Houston this weekend.
Analysis: It only seems to be a matter of time before San Diego hands the job to Philip Rivers. Brees should only be used as a No. 2 or 3 quarterback in larger leagues.
News: Drew Brees was named the starting quarterback in San Diego on Monday. Doug Flutie will serve as the backup to Brees and Philip Rivers, the fourth pick in the 2004 draft, will be the No. 3 QB. "It doesn't really change anything for me," said Brees. "There's still a lot of work ahead, and that's what I'm focused on."
Analysis: Brees has little Fantasy value except in larger leagues as a reserve.
News: Head coach Marty Schottenheimer announce on Monday whether Drew Brees or Philip Rivers will start Week 1 at Houston.
Analysis: Drew Brees has had an outstanding preseason and might be the favorite over Rivers, who is still catching up. Either way, neither is worth using in most formats.
News: According to the San Diego Union Tribune, coach Marty Schottenheimer said he doesn't know who will be his starting quarterback this season and probably won't announce it until right before the season opener. "Just before the opener we'll name a guy," Schottenheimer said. "We could do it the week of that (game)."
Analysis: Rookie Philip Rivers hasn't been with a Chargers a week after a long contract holdout. They either must really like what they are seeing from him or be really down on Drew Brees. Either way, neither quarterback should be considered as anything more than a reserve in larger leagues at this point.
News: Drew Brees completed only two of five pass attempts for 33 yards and an interception in Friday's preseason game against Seattle.
Analysis: The quarterback picture is very muddled in San Diego, as veteran Doug Flutie looked the best of the bunch on Friday. Brees is still likely to get the starting nod on opening day in Houston over first-round pick Philip Rivers, who is still getting used to the playbook. Flutie might also be an option, but avoid all three until a clear-cut starter emerges. That might happen by mid-season.
News: Drew Brees has been having a strong preseason, but he might not be able to hold onto the starting job for too long. The team agreed to terms with first-round pick Philip Rivers on Monday.
Analysis: Brees' Fantasy value takes a major hit with the signing. It is likely he will open as the team's starting quarterback on for the opener at Houston on Sept. 12, but he is not expected to retain the job past mid-season at the latest. Avoid him on Draft Day in all but the largest of leagues.
News: Drew Brees completed 13-of-21 passes for 172 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's preseason game at Arizona.
Analysis: Brees has completed 69 percent of his pass attempts for 328 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in his first two preseason games. He is looking fantastic, but should not be overrated on Draft Day. He is still best used as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy quarterback in most formats.
News: Drew Brees turned in a nice performance Saturday night in a preseason game against the Colts. Brees hit his first seven passes and finished 11-of-14 for 156 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the first half, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. "I thought the quarterback played extremely well," coach Marty Schottenheimer said.
Analysis: While everyone waits for San Diego to sign rookie quarterback Philip Rivers, Brees just goes about his business and is having a nice preseason. Still, whoever is the quarterback in San Diego this season will have little Fantasy value.
News: According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Drew Brees will compete with Philip Rivers during training camp to be the Chargers' No. 1 quarterback.
Analysis: Brees has looked sharp in spring minicamps, but he has to sustain his level of play to have value to owners.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports Drew Brees is disappointed that his future in San Diego is in question with rookie Philip Rivers on the roster. "I think maybe the writing on the wall says this is my last year in San Diego," Brees said. "What disappoints me more than anything is that I feel like all of this -- the (trade for) Philip Rivers -- is a result of what happened last year. There were so many variables and so many scenarios that happened that sometimes I feel like I'm the one getting the blame for all of that. Is it partially my fault? Yeah. But I think it's partially everybody's fault."
Analysis: Brees might begin the season as the starter, but it's apparent that Rivers will see plenty of time under center in his rookie campaign.
News: The Biloxi Sun Herald reports the Chargers have apparently decided that Drew Brees is not their long-term answer at quarterback. The team is reportedly very interested in selecting Mississippi's Eli Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Analysis: Brees could be holding a clipboard for much of next season, which greatly decreases his Fantasy value.
News: Drew Brees will be back as starter in Week 17 even though he was yanked in the final minutes of a 40-24 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday
Analysis: Brees should not be used in Fantasy leagues that continue their season in Week 17.
News: Drew Brees was removed from Week 16 at Pittsburgh after tossing an interception which was returned by CB Deshea Townsend for a touchdown.
Analysis: Niether Brees nor Flutie is worth using if your Fantasy league has the championship in Week 17.
News: Brees has been named the starting quarterback for Week 16 at Pittsburgh after his 363-yard effort against the Packers in Week 15.
Analysis: Coach Marty Schottenheimer said it was likely Brees would start the finale in Week 17 against Oakland as well, but he is not a recommended starter during the Fantasy postseason.
News: Drew Brees got his first start since Week 9 at Chicago. He completed 28-of-48 passes for 363 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 15 against Green Bay.
Analysis: Despite the solid offensive production, Brees is not a recommended starter during the Fantasy postseason in Week 16 at Pittsburgh.
News: Drew Brees was named the starter for Sunday's game against Green Bay over Doug Flutie.
Analysis: Brees is not a recommended Fantasy starter despite the promotion.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Drew Brees might be named starter for Sunday's game against Green Bay.
Analysis: Brees is not a recommended Fantasy starter.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune says Marty Schottenheimer hasn't ruled out using Drew Brees as a starter again before the season ends. "I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility that he might start at some time, down the road. But not this week."
Analysis: The starter will be determined on a week-to-week basis, with Doug Flutie remaining the No. 1 QB for now.
News: Drew Brees officially lost his starting job on Friday, as coach Marty Schottenheimer tabbed Doug Flutie as the starter for Week 10 against the Vikings.
Analysis: Brees is still worth keeping on a Fantasy roster, as Flutie's success is no guarantee. Drop him in all other formats, however.
News: According to the San Diego-Union Tribune, all signs are pointing towards Doug Flutie starting over Drew Brees in Week 10. Marty Schottenheimer has yet to make an official announcement, but Flutie is taking the majority of the snaps in practice.
Analysis: Consider releasing Brees from your roster in yearly Fantasy leagues.
News: Even though he was benched after three quarters in Week 9, Drew Brees might get another chance to start in Week 10. Marty Schottenheimer said after Sunday's game his first impulse was to start Brees against Minnesota, to the reported chagrin of some of his players. "The decision as to who the starting quarterback will be," Schottenheimer said, "will be made by me, nobody else."
Analysis: Brees should only be used in desperate situations right now. He might get benched again in favor of Doug Flutie if he continues to struggle.
News: Drew Brees was benched in the third quarter of Sunday's game at Chicago.
Analysis: Brees was replaced by Doug Flutie. Brees threw for just 49 yards and was intercepted once.
News: Marty Schottenheimer told the San Diego Union-Tribune he will not make a QB change for now, but he did not indicate there wouldn't be a change in the future if needed. "This is a performance-driven business. I think Drew would be the first one to tell you that he can perform better," Schottenheimer said.
Analysis: Brees has been a disappointment this year, and should not be used as a starter in any format.
News: Drew Brees completed 19-of-30 passes for 190 yards and three interceptions in Week 8 against the Dolphins. He was also sacked six times.
Analysis: Brees might rebound to have a nice game in Week 9 at Chicago, but he is not a recommended Fantasy starter in most leagues unless your primary quarterbacks have bye weeks or are injured.
News: Drew Brees threw for 74 yards, no TDs and was not intercepted in Week 7.
Analysis: Brees should not be used as a starter in Week 8 against Miami.
News: Drew Brees faces a difficult matchup in Cleveland. The Browns secondary has only allowed four touchdowns through the air this season.
Analysis: Brees is not a recommended Fantasy starter this week.
News: Drew Brees completed 24-of-41 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns in Week 5 at Jacksonville.
Analysis: Brees gelled with David Boston well against the Jaguars. The duo will look to continue their impressive play in Week 7 at Cleveland after the team's bye.
News: Drew Brees completed 21 of 31 passes for 187 yards in Week 4 at Oakland. He had one touchdown pass, an interception and he also caught a touchdown from LaDainian Tomlinson.
Analysis: Brees is still too inconsistent to be used as a Fantasy regular in most formats.
News: Drew Brees threw three interceptions against Baltimore on Sunday. He also completed 28 of 45 passes for 270 yards and no touchdowns.
Analysis: Brees connected with David Boston six times and will likely begin to capitalize on his receivers' talent. They play at Oakland in Week 4 and Brees is not a recommended Fantasy starter.
News: Drew Brees completed only 20-of-41 passes for 182 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Denver on Sunday.
Analysis: Brees faces another difficult defense with the Ravens coming to town in Week 3. Consider reserving Brees if you have better alternatives.
News: Drew Brees threw for 217 yards and no touchdowns in his last game against Denver.
Analysis: Brees is a good No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in most leagues, he is not a recommended starter in this unfavorable matchup.
News: Drew Brees leads the San Diego Chargers into Kansas City in Week 1. Brees threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns in his last game against the Chiefs.
Analysis: Brees is worth using in larger Fantasy leagues that require two starting quarterbacks.
News: Brees is on track to be ready for training camp, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He underwent surgery to remove calcium deposits from his lower right leg last month. Brees is currently rebuilding strength and flexibility in his Achilles' tendon. He also mentioned that it's possible he could be ready for the team's mandatory minicamp in June. Barring any setbacks, Brees could be a decent sleeper option next season.
Analysis:
News: The team announced Brees underwent minor surgery Monday. The procedure was to remove calcium deposits from his lower right leg. He is expected to wear a protective boot on the leg and will sit out of the team's offseason conditioning program for four to six weeks.
Analysis:
News: Brees will remain San Diego's starter for now. Doug Flutie, who replaced him in the fourth quarter on Sunday, said he accepts his backup role. "Let's set the record straight. Drew's the starter on this team. I'm just thankful to have an opportunity to be a part of this," Flutie said. "My future is Monday. I come in and we watch the film and we keep going forward." Neither QB should be used in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Brees was removed from Sunday's game at Buffalo in the fourth quarter. He was replaced by Doug Flutie, who finished the game. Brees has not thrown a TD pass in four consecutive games, and should not be used in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Brees is a risky starting option in Week 15. If the young quarterback struggles against Buffalo, Doug Flutie might see some playing time.
Analysis:
News: Brees will remain San Diego's starter. "You know how I am about changing quarterbacks. I really don't like to do that," Marty Schottenheimer said. "He's done an excellent job for us." Brees should not be used in yearly Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Brees was intercepted three times in Week 14. He has not thrown a TD pass in the past three games. Brees should not be used in yearly Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Brees passed for 217 yards and no scores in Week 13. Although he was not intercepted in the game, Brees is not productive enough to warrant starting during the Fantasy playoffs.
Analysis:
News: Brees is not a recommended starter for Week 11. He might have a tough time accumulating Fantasy points against a stout San Francisco defense.
Analysis:
News: Brees will be a good starting option for larger leagues in Week 10. He struggled in Week 9, but should rebound in his next few games. Brees has at least one touchdown pass in seven of his eight games.
Analysis:
News: Brees might post good numbers in Week 9. He'll face a Jets defense that will be vulnerable to downfield strikes to the San Diego wideouts.
Analysis:
News: Brees threw for 319 yards and two TDs in Week 6. He was also intercepted twice. Brees is a respectable Fantasy backup, but he should only be used when the matchup is right.
Analysis:
News: Brees threw for 163 yards and a TD against Houston. He was also intercepted once. Brees has performed respectably in the first two weeks of the season, but he still hasn't faced a top quality defense.
Analysis:
News: Brees threw for two TDs and no interceptions against Cincinnati. He completed 15 of 19 passes for 160 yards. Brees has good composure for a young QB and he is a solid Fantasy backup.
Analysis:
News: Brees is a risky start this week. He is a very talented player, but his inexperience might get him in trouble against a formidable Bengals defense. Brees is better suited to be a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback right now.
Analysis:
News: Brees was 12-of-17 for 150 yards in Thursday's game. He played the first half and was impressive at times, but the Chargers got only three points with him in the game. Brees will be efficient, but he might have a hard time throwing touchdown passes. Fantasy leaguers shouldn't rely on him to be anything more than a backup.
Analysis:
News: Brees has been named the starting quarterback. Doug Flutie will be the backup. Despite his promotion, Brees is only worth using as a Fantasy backup. He lacks the experience needed to be a good Fantasy starter.
Analysis:
News: Brees was 6-of-11 for 47 yards on Friday. Marty Schottenheimer still has yet to decide on a starter, and Brees' lack of experience makes him nothing more than a Fantasy backup even if he wins the job.
Analysis:
News: Brees was 8-of-13 for 60 yards on Saturday. Brees' second pass, on the second play of the second quarter, was intercepted. Neither he nor Doug Flutie seemed to gain a decisive edge in the starting QB race.
Analysis:
News: According to published reports, Brees will split snaps with Doug Flutie during minicamps. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer will not name a starting quarterback until the end of the preseason, however, so don’t overrate Brees’ Fantasy value just yet.
Analysis:
News: According to new Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brees will get the opportunity to win the starting quarterback job during the preseason. Schottenheimer is a firm believer in giving players the opportunity to compete for a starting role, which means veteran Doug Flutie is no lock as the No. 1 man. If Brees wins the job, he could be a huge Fantasy sleeper in 2002.
Analysis:
News: There still seems to be a chance Brees might play this week or before the season ends, says the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been taking snaps with the first team in practice. "I'm not going to say that he will play, (but) could he play? Yes," Mike Riley. "But I'm not going to say he will for sure.
Analysis:
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune says Mike Riley has now altered his stance on using Brees anytime soon. "For the sake of this team, for what we've tried to accomplish and what we're still trying to accomplish this year, I want to show them in every way that we're trying to win," Riley said. "I think Doug is our best chance to win. There are arguments to (play Brees), for sure. But I think you just get into a whole lot of stuff."
Analysis:
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune says Mike Riley has left the door open for Brees to possibly play in San Diego's final three games. "There's no denying that the question will come up about Drew and we just haven't gone through it. I don't have to make that decision on this Monday, so I haven't really decided how to do that yet." Brees lacks the experience to be a useful player during the Fantasy playoffs.
Analysis:
News: Brees was impressive in his professional debut, completing 15-of-24 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. While there will be no quarterback controversy in San Diego, Brees might be worth considering in a keeper league with a few more solid performances during the preseason.
Analysis:
