By Gene Wang
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 14, 2006

The New Orleans Saints are the darlings of the fantasy world these days. They have won three straight thanks in large part to their prolific offense, which ranks first in total yards and passing yards and third in scoring.

What's more, the Saints are coming off a 42-17 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys in which they amassed 536 yards of total offense. The final score could have been more lopsided had New Orleans not run out the clock after advancing to the Dallas 4-yard line with three minutes to play.

With games remaining against the Redskins, Giants and Panthers, New Orleans is well on its way to becoming one of the most complete fantasy offenses in recent memory.

It all begins with Drew Brees, whom the Saints thought so highly of that they parted ways with former starter Aaron Brooks this past offseason to sign a quarterback coming off major shoulder surgery. Brees has rewarded New Orleans with the best season of his career. He leads the league with 4,033 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes and has thrown for more than 300 yards in six of his last seven games.

Thanks to Brees's confidence and precision, just about each of the Saints' skill-position players has become a must-start regardless of matchup. The first name that comes to mind among that group is Reggie Bush, who is listed as a running back but has prospered at wide receiver. The rookie selected No. 2 overall is first on the team in receptions and second in receiving yards.

Against Dallas, Bush turned a short pass from Brees into a 61-yard highlight-reel scoring run. It was the fifth touchdown in two games for last season's Heisman Trophy winner, who has made up considerable ground in the rookie of the year chase.

Coincidentally, one of Bush's principal challengers for that award is teammate Marques Colston, who leads the Saints with 917 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches despite missing two games with an ailing ankle. Meantime, wide receiver Devery Henderson has emerged as the Saints' most productive wide receiver over the past six games. During that stretch, Henderson has 544 yards and four touchdowns and has carried many fantasy owners into the postseason.

And don't forget wide receiver Joe Horn. He has missed three of the past six games with a sore groin, but remains a good option at No. 2 wide receiver in most leagues when in the lineup. Even No. 4 wide receiver Terrance Copper has some value as a flex starter. He had three straight games with a touchdown to close out November and, depending on the health of Colston and Horn, could be a late-season sleeper.

Amid all that flash, the Saints achieve ideal balance with running back Deuce McAllister. He is a punishing runner who gets the difficult yards between the tackles. He's another must-start with team highs of 901 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.