Russell Bodine, Cincinnati, C
The rookie has held up well in some difficult road environments, but the Superdome — and the New Orleans defense — might be Bodine’s biggest test yet.
Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati, LB
His return to the lineup should give the beleaguered run defense a boost. Stopping the rush won’t guarantee the Bengals a victory against quarterback Drew Brees and the explosive Saints offense, but if Cincinnati is unable to slow New Orleans’ run game, it might ensure a loss.
Drew Brees, New Orleans, QB
Brees has been key to everything the Saints have done since 2006. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 83 of his last 84 games. And in three contests against the Bengals, Brees has a passer rating of 109.7,
Brandin Cooks, New Orleans, WR
The rookie has emerged as one of Brees’ favorite targets, and with the Bengals likely to give a lot of attention to tight end Jimmy Graham, Cooks could be in for a big day.
Junior Galette, New Orleans, LB
He leads the team with six sacks this season and has 18 in his last 25 games. If Galette can take advantage of the crowd noise and put some pressure on struggling Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, it could be another dismal day for the Cincinnati offense.
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