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New Orleans Saints: The Bountygate debacle is over, finally, and no longer hanging over them (and excuse me if I am still completely hazy about what exactly allegedly went on there and why this franchise deserved the unprecedented penalties). That alone is a huge lift. Sean Payton is back, and thus standards will be raised and all of the uncertainty and distractions from 2012 are behind them (who will be suspended? Can Vilma play this week? What latest appeal was filed? Remember all of that crap?)

Payton's presence alone will get Drew Brees back to his MVP form and away from the interception-happy ways that helped doom New Orleans. Payton is the best playcaller in the game, and this team will be a monster on offense. And losing their left tackle won't be a big deal; Brees is so good and so quick getting rid of the ball that he can bolster the line.

The issues in this case are on defense, where the team was historically bad a year ago. Mere continuity will help here -- no more position coaches shuffling to head coach -- and while I am not a huge Rob Ryan guy, there is nowhere to go but up for this group. They'll manufacture a pass rush and scheme a few things up and this team is poised to be a factor again. Remember, they have Brees and Payton extended, long-term, which is massive.

Rams and Saints will surprise, but don't believe Dolphins hype - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy

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