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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFC South is holding a private party this weekend, and you can't get in without a franchise quarterback. Drew Brees and the Saints visit Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers, while Cam Newton and the Panthers travel to face Matt Ryan and the Falcons in a weekend of divisional games. Does any division have a better quartet? Fantasy vote: What to do with Freeman?
- "I'm sorry Panthers fans, but if we held Aaron Rodgers to two touchdowns and put Mike Vick out of the game, then Cam Newton's future at the Georgia Dome doesn't look too promising." -- SN commenter rjharrington24
- "Carolina will stack eight in the box and dare Ryan to beat them, which he hasn't really done to any team yet." -- SN commenter Roys3428
The pick of the franchise quarterbacks?
Drew Brees is sort of the quarterback emeritus in the division, but is Cam Newton the best bet for success among the three young guys?
Who puts on the best show?
Bringing Brees back into the equation, does he still put on the best show in charge of the high-flying Saints?
Which team wins the division?
The Saints could emerge from Week 6 with a two-game lead on the rest of the division, or they could find themselves tied with Freeman's Bucs.
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
With the exception of the hapless Panthers, who rode a 2-14 record to the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, the NFC South was competitive until the end. The Falcons are the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Saints made the playoffs as a wild-card team, and the Buccaneers barely missed the playoffs despite a 10-6 record. What grade would you give each team in the NFC South? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | North | South | West | NFC Grades: East | North | West
Carolina Panthers
The only good thing about the Panthers this season is that their haplessness will allow them their choice of marquee prospects in the 2011 NFL draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Freeman certainly resembled an elite QB this season, and the Buccaneers will be a force to be reckoned with if he turns the corner.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees reached a career high in INTs this season, but he's still Drew Brees, and the Saints are still able to defend their title.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were seldom dominant but made few mistakes and shut down opponents' offenses to the tune of a 13-3 record.
Vote: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks
1. Has Sam Bradford exceeded expectations?
2. Which quarterback helps the Seahawks more?
3. Which team would be harder to beat at home?
4. Should a losing division winner make the playoffs?
5. Which team will win in Seattle?
Have your say on Rams at Seahawks
Vote: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
1. Is this a fair quarterback fight?
2. Does Lovie Smith deserve a new contract?
3. How should the Bears play this game?
4. Are you buying the Bears?
5. Which team will win in Green Bay?
Have your say on Bears at Packers
Vote: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
1. Do the Saints need to go all out?
2. Is Drew Brees regressing this season?
3. Which rookie running back is a bigger find?
4. Has Josh Freeman proven himself?
5. Which team will win in New Orleans?
Have your say on Buccaneers at Saints
Vote: New York Giants at Washington Redskins
1. What is the Giants' biggest flaw?
2. Is Eli Manning more problem or solution?
3. Who starts at quarterback in D.C. next season?
4. What grade does Mike Shanahan get?
5. Which team will win in Maryland?
Have your say on Giants at Redskins
Vote: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
1. Are the Colts Super Bowl contenders?
2. Is Peyton Manning starting to decline?
3. Are the Colts really improving against the run?
4. What will Jeff Fisher do next season?
5. Which team will win in Indianapolis?
Have your say on Titans at Colts
Vote: New York Jets at Chicago Bears
1. Will Rex Ryan be a distraction?
2. Is Ryan better than Lovie Smith?
3. Which quarterback is a safer investment?
4. Are these teams legit contenders?
5. Which team will win in Chicago?
Have your say on Jets at Bears
Vote: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
1. Is this a fair quarterback fight?
2. Which team is a better playoff sleeper?
3. Which sack artist is toughest to stop?
4. Which coach is better?
5. Which team will win in Green Bay?
Have your say on Giants at Packers
Vote: 49ers at Rams
1. Has Sam Bradford hit the rookie wall?
2. Which Smith should Mike Singletary start?
3. Which roster has more talent?
4. Should the NFC West get a playoff spot?
5. Which team will win in St. Louis?
Have your say on 49ers at Rams
Vote: Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Do the Bucs have a championship foundation?
2. Is third time the charm for Pete Carroll?
3. Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst?
4. Would Seahawks be better off missing playoffs?
5. Which team will win in Tampa?
Have your say on Seahawks at Buccaneers
Vote: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
1. Is Matt Ryan in Drew Brees' league?
2. Which defense has the edge?
3. Will the NFC South send a team to the Super Bowl?
4. Which team's history is more woeful?
5. Which team will win in Atlanta?
Have your say on Saints at Falcons
Vote: New York Jets at New England Patriots
1. Is Mark Sanchez a championship-caliber QB?
2. Which could would you rather play for?
3. What do the Jets' close wins mean?
4. More impressive comeback season?
5. Which team will win in New England?
Have your say on Jets at Patriots
Vote: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
1. Who has the edge at quarterback?
2. Which defense is better?
3. Which running back is having the better season?
4. Who do you NOT want to get hit by?
5. Which team will win in Baltimore?
Have your say on Steelers at Ravens
Vote: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Are Falcons Super Bowl contenders?
2. Which coach has the done best job?
3. How many NFC South teams in the playoffs?
4. Bigger surprise for the Buccaneers?
5. Which team will win in Tampa Bay?
Have your say on Falcons at Buccaneers
Vote: Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts
1. Who or what is to blame for Manning's INTs?
2. What does Jason Garrett need to do?
3. Are the Colts still Super Bowl contenders?
4. Which team's running game is worse?
5. Which team will win in Indianapolis?
Have your say on Cowboys at Colts
Vote: Washington Redskins at New York Giants
1. Which coach would you rather have?
2. Giants or Eagles more Super Bowl-ready?
3. Will Giants' offensive line play continue?
4. Will Donovan McNabb's past success help?
5. Which team will win in New Jersey?
Have your say on Redskins at Giants
Vote: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
1. Which quarterback is having better season?
2. Who do the Colts miss most?
3. Will Vincent Jackson help Chargers?
4. Does Norv Turner help or hurt?
5. Which team will win in Indianapolis?
Have your say on Chargers at Colts
Vote: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
1. Better quarterback for the next decade?
2. Which team needs home-field advantage?
3. Who is the best defensive playmaker?
4. Packers' defense or Falcons' offense?
5. Which team will win in Atlanta?
Have your say on Packers at Falcons
Vote: Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
1. Which quarterback is more likeable?
2. Do you remember the Fog Bowl?
3. Does Lovie Smith deserve extension?
4. Which division is tougher?
5. Which team will win in Chicago?
Have your say on Eagles at Bears
Vote: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens
1. Better quarterback of the future?
2. Are the Buccaneers legit?
3. Is LeGarrette Blount the real deal?
4. How good is the Ravens' offense?
5. Which team will win in Baltimore?
Have your say on Buccaneers at Ravens
Vote: Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants
1. Is Eli Manning that much better?
2. Is benching Ahmad Bradshaw right call?
3. Which wide receiver steps up?
4. How many wins do Jaguars need?
5. Which team will win in New Jersey?
Have your say on Jaguars at Giants
- Vote: Week 9 Pick 'Em | Start 'Em or Sit 'Em | "Sunday NFL Countdown" questions
- Rank: NFL Power Rankings | Quarterback rankings | MVP rankings
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for Colts at Eagles
- Is Peyton Manning more fun to watch than Michael Vick?
- Which team has the better pass defense?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Colts at the Eagles!
Richard (Point Pleasant, NJ
The Eagles still have two games with the Giants, do they have a chance of catching them in the next 9 weeks?
NFC East blogger Matt Mosley
You bet. I like the Giants to make the playoffs, but it's not like they have the Beast on lockdown. The Eagles could get on a little roll with Vick. They can beat Indy in Philly. I truly believe that, although that secondary was pretty weak last time out. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for Chiefs at Raiders
- Do you like having the Raiders meaningful again?
- Which quarterback in this game is better?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Chiefs at the Raiders!
John (PA)
[I]t seems to me that Cassel might be the least improved player on that roster this season. Granted he is not turning the ball over like crazy this season, but I think in the end ... Cassel looks to me the weak link in the chain. ... In the off season do we have a better chance to get a franchise QB if Cassel fails to deliver?
Football Scientist KC Joyner
Cassel's issue is, has been and will be vertical passing. He's never done well in this area, even when he was paired up with Randy Moss. It is very hard to keep an offense going if the vertical game isn't in order, and that could mean the Chiefs might need to consider a change there long-term. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for Dolphins at Ravens
- Does either defense have a significant advantage?
- Is Brandon Marshall better than Anquan Boldin?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Dolphins at the Ravens!
Joey (DC)
How about my boy up the beltway, Ngata?
Matt Williamson
Certainly should be in the conversation [as best defensive tackle]. STUD! Love the guy. Smitten. Been saying he is ELITE now for quite some time. Actually, when asked (even two years ago) which D player I would start a team with, Ngata is always in my top 3. Animal. Not like anyone else in the league. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for Buccaneers at Falcons
- Are you already sold on the Buccaneers?
- Is Josh Freeman in Matt Ryan's league?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Buccaneers at the Falcons!
Nick (Melbourne FL)
What do you think of LeGarrette Blount and how the Buccaneers stole him off of the Titans practice squad. Beyond having Chris Johnson don't you think that was short sided of the the Titans to try to sneak him through on waivers?
Chris Mortensen
These things happen. Give the Bucs credit for pouncing on Blount. It could be quite a story. The Bucs are quite a story. Lot of good, young talent there so GM Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris deserve a lot of praise. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for Giants at Seahawks
- How tough of a road trip is New York to Seattle?
- Is Charlie Whitehurst a long-term answer for Seahawks?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Giants at the Seahawks!
Ben (Portland)
There's a strong sentiment in certain parts of Seahawks fandom that all of the offenses troubles come down to a decline or lack in Matt's arm strength. Everything from the problems in protection to Carlson not catching the ball to the Raiders playing press coverage to problems running the ball have been laid at his feet.Is there any truth in this or is Matt just being made a scapegoat? What really is the problem with the Seahawks offense?
NFC West blogger Mike Sando
Matt Hasselbeck does have some limitations along those lines. He has usually or always been more effective throwing between the numbers. His stats drop off dramatically throwing outside. At the same time, he hasn't had great outside-the-numbers targets, either. And he's been bouncing from one offensive system to another, with vastly different personnel around him. Hasselbeck is at his best when he's comfortable with those around him. I've seen flashes of that this season. Overall, the Seahawks do need to be thinking about how to upgrade that position. Hasselbeck's career is winding down. Full transcript
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