As the undefeated Colts and Saints march closer to perfection, the debate rages whether the two juggernauts should rest their stars for the playoffs or chase after a flawless 19-0 record.

Screw all that. Coaches Jim Caldwell and Sean Payton have a more important thing to consider: the impact playing it safe will have on America’s fantasy squads. I mean, really, they need to get their priorities straight here.

In all seriousness, winning a Super Bowl should be the goal, and it’s up to the coaches to figure out how to make that happen. As for winning a fantasy title, this sort of thing goes with the territory — though usually not in Week 15.

Payton says the Saints will keep the pedal to the medal (good news for fantasy owners). Caldwell has indicated that the Colts’ healthy starters will play Thursday, but who knows for how long? Though their first playoff game is more than a month away, I wouldn’t rule anything out. If you’ve got good backups, don’t risk playing Colts studs. If not, you’re going to have to keep your fingers crossed.

This Week’s Studs: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Thomas Jones, Davone Bess, Chad Henne, DeSean Jackson, Vernon Davis, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Laurence Maroney, Jamaal Charles, Fred Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Kurt Warner and his top two targets, Ray Rice, Antonio Gates, Knowshon Moreno, Brandon Jacobs and Jason Campbell.

This Week’s Duds: Tony Romo, Roddy White, Ricky Williams, LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook, T.O., Matt Forte, Vincent Jackson, Jay Cutler, Ryan Grant and Carolina-style Steve Smith.

He’s Heating Up: Week 14 (the first week of the playoffs in most fantasy leagues) was defined by huge weeks from stars such as Brandon Marshall, Andre Johnson, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Drew Brees.

He’s On Fire: But no one had a more monstrous week than Chris Johnson, who once again played the role of fantasy savior with 186 total yards and three TDs.

Fantasy Doghouse: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers screwed over owners with a mediocre showing, but that’s not as bad as Randy Moss getting negative fantasy points.

Lose These Zeros…: Joe Flacco has little fantasy value until Week 17. I’d also ditch Jeremy Maclin, Steve Breaston, Chris Brown, Donnie Avery and Rock Cartwright.

…And Get With These Heroes: I picked up Quinton Ganther in one league over the weekend, and, well, that worked out nicely for me. Also worth a look: Kyle Orton, Hakeem Nicks, Antonio Bryant, Fred Davis, Justin Forsett and Jermichael Finley.

Trainer’s Table: Tom Brady, who is banged-up all over, will play. But he hasn’t looked like himself lately, has he? … Steven Jackson has a herniated disc but should keep trucking along. … Brian Westbrook (head) could return. I wouldn’t feel comfortable playing him, though. … Don’t worry about Larry Fitzgerald and the “Madden” curse. His knee should be OK. … I doubt Matt Ryan (toe) and Michael Turner (ankle) play this week, but keep an eye on their progress. … Kevin Smith (knee) is out for the season. … Vince Young (hammy) is day-to-day. … Raiders TE Zach Miller (head) is out.

Extra Point: If you’ve had the patience (and the extra roster spot) to wait for Dwayne Bowe to return from his four-game suspension, you must now decide if playing him in Week 15 is worth the risk. Considering he’s rusty, out of shape and rejoining a struggling Kansas City offense, Bowe is at best a No. 3 wideout or flex guy if you don’t have a better option.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. E-mail him at matt@bthesite.com.

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