Shifting to the NFC South, no team in the conference might be a potential fantasy bonanza as the Saints. If only Reggie Bush can stay healthy for an entire season …

Quarterback: Drew Brees enters 2009 as the top fantasy quarterback after 5,069-yard, 34-touchdown 2008. Topping 5,000 might be a stretch, but the Saints are now primarily a passing team behind his success. Expect 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, and don’t be afraid to take him in the late first/early second round.

Running backs: Bush is coming off knee surgery and a few inconsistent seasons. When he’s healthy, he scores touchdowns (mostly receiving) and gets plenty of receptions, but he’s too much of a risk to rely on as more than an RB3, albeit an RB3 with potential if he avoids injuries. Pierre Thomas stepped in last season and scored nine touchdowns. With Deuce McAllister gone, the Saints will find a way to get both Thomas and Bush the ball, meaning Thomas also is an RB3, with even more potential than Bush.

Wide receivers: Marques Colston’s yards were down last year, and he’s also coming off surgery, but as the top WR in Brees’ offense, he’s still too tempting to pass up as an WR1. Either Lance Moore or Devery Henderson will emerge as the team’s second receiver, but it’s a good bet both, if healthy, could put up WR4 numbers, or even a little better. Monitor both, especially Moore, through training camp.

Tight ends: Jeremy Shockey is coming off a season cut short by injury, and Billy Miller took over and finished 2008 with 45 receptions but only one TD. The two might cannibalize each other’s fantasy prowess, thus rendering each no better than a low-end TE2 on draft day. Pay attention if one, particularly Shockey, pulls ahead in September.

Kicker: Garrett Hartley enters the season as the full-time starter after the Saints’ kicking shuffle last season. He scored 67 points over eight games to finish 2008. Double that, consider he plays in the division with best kicking conditions in the league, and you’ll realize why he’s being seen as a top-five kicker, one that might fly under the radar on draft day.