Fantasy Player Projections

Drew Brees

Brees struggled in the early going against the Redskins, until he finally put it together to put up his standard 300-yard game with three TD passes. But it took him 52 passes to do it (second-most in the NFL). No worries here, though. The Saints are built to pass.

Darren Sproles

This “running back” had just one carry the entire game in Week 1 -- during a two-point conversion. He did catch five passes (on eight targets) for 35 yards, and he remains a score-from-anywhere threat.

Mark Ingram

In Week 1, the Heisman winner from Alabama had just 15 yards on six carries, but then again, the Saints had to turn to the passing game relatively early. He's still a better fantasy reserve than starter.

Marques Colston

While Colston was the least successful of the big receiving options for the Saints, he still finished with a respectable 71 yards against the Redskins. Keep him active at Carolina. He averaged six catches for 107 yards and a TD in two games against the Panthers last year.

Lance Moore

With Robert Meachem in San Diego, Moore was expected to see an increase in his stats. With a team-leading 120 yards on six grabs against the Redskins, he's now a viable flex option in most leagues.

Jimmy Graham

Those who spent a first- or second-rounder on Graham were happy with their investment in Week 1. He averaged over 115 yards receiving in two games against the Panthers in 2011, with one touchdown.

Garrett Hartley

Hartley is officially back from injury, although, he didn’t get much of a chance to show off his healthy leg in Week 1. Just one field goal and three extra points.

The Saints defense struggled with rookie QB Robert Griffin III, and now they get QB Cam Newton in Week 2. The Saints gave up an average of 22 points per game against the Panthers in two games last season. They're a mediocre fantasy option in Week 1.

Cam Newton

The second-year quarterback had a tough time with a surprisingly tough Buccaneers defense, although he still finished with his fourth career 300-yard game. He averaged about 190 passing yards in two games against the Saints last year, with two passing TDs and one rushing TD.

DeAngelo Williams

Williams was shut down in Week 1 at Tampa Bay, with minus-one yard on six carries. He started in place of Jonathan Stewart, who is expected to be back in Week 2. Reserve Williams against the Saints.

Jonathan Stewart

An ankle injury kept Stewart out of Week 1, but he's hopeful of getting on the field in Week 2 against the Saints. He had nine carries for 79 yards and a TD the last time he played the Saints last New Year's Day.

Steve Smith

Smith was one of the few Panthers players who had success in Week 1 at Tampa Bay. Seven catches for 106 yards is a nice opener for anyone. He averaged 82 receiving yards and a TD in both of his games against the Saints in 2011.

Brandon LaFell

Many tabbed LaFell as a nice fantasy sleeper entering his third year with the Panthers. He didn't disappoint with three grabs for 65 yards and a touchdown at Tampa Bay. More games like that and he'll work his way into fantasy starting lineups.

Greg Olsen

Olsen is a nice option in Week 2, as QB Cam Newton is realizing he always seems to get open. He caught six passes for 56 yards in Week 1. Only Jermichael Finley caught more passes among tight ends.

Justin Medlock

Just one field goal and one extra point for Medlock in Week 1, but the scoring should take an uptick against the Saints. He’s a mediocre fantasy option, however.

While the Panthers defense didn't play poorly against the Bucs in Week 1, it didn't play great, either. The Saints come in with one of the best offenses of the decade, which makes the Panthers an unwise fantasy start in Week 2.