New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has made a decision regarding the playing status of one of his offensive stars for Sunday's game: Quarterback Drew Brees will play against the Carolina Panthers. However, Payton didn't specify exactly how much Brees will play in a relatively meaningless game for the Saints.

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Update: Payton added in this little nugget also today, according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune: "We're going into it full speed ahead." Payton also said continuity is one reason why he wants to play his starters fully this week. So it looks like the Saints won't be resting any of their usuals after all. The injured Lance Moore is probably the only fantasy-worthy player who will not play at all this week.

Fantasy Analysis:

Payton could leave Brees in for the majority of the game so that he can pad his single-season passing record and stay ahead of Tom Brady in yards. However, this game doesn't mean much to the Saints, and would present a nice opportunity for Payton to give some of his guys a rest before the playoffs. True, the Saints still have a chance to clinch a first-round bye. But that would only happen if the Saints win and the San Francisco 49ers lose to the 2-13 St. Louis Rams. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that's not going to happen. And Payton probably realizes that. Brees, Marques Colston , Jimmy Graham and Co. are some other studs who could make for iffy fantasy plays this week.