2007 Previews: New Orleans Saints

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 10-6 (NFC South champs)

Best addition: Brian Simmons (LB, Bengals)

Key personnel loss: Joe Horn (WR, Falcons)

2007 outlook: Last year's pleasant surprise after all New Orleans had been through, the Saints are out to prove that last year was no fluke and any offense that lines up Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister has a chance to put up big numbers. However, with the departure of Horn, the only proven (and I use the term loosely) WR entering the season is Marques Colston, who was a pleasant surprise himself last year.

On defense the addition of Williams should make a sturdy defense even more consistent but there is not necessarily anyone on this side of the ball that will blow you away. The line will put pressure on the QB, the LB corp should be able to stop the run and defend the pass and the DB's should be able to keep receivers in check but it will be done in a very workmanlike way. Flashy players need not apply to play D for the Saints.

Key to success: If the Saints can replicate what they did last year, they should be in the thick of it once again in an NFC that seems to have 8-8 teams on the verge of the playoffs almost every season as of late. Without many additions or subtractions on either side of the ball, the only real question mark this team has is at the receiving position. And if there are any Colston's in this year's bunch the Saints will be fine.

Against Washington: The last of the Skins 5 wins from last season came in New Orleans with three weeks left in the season. One of Jason Campbell's shining moments in his first campaign, the Skins won that game 16-10 and will not see the Saints this season.

Fantasy sleeper: Devery Henderson. Like many other WR's in the league this year, the time for Henderson to show what he has is now. With promising 1st round pick Robert Meachem also looking to fill the spot opposite Colston, Henderson's speed is his greatest asset. If he can get open downfield, look for him to score 6-8 TD's this year and become a valuable third WR in deep fantasy leagues.