almost certain to stay in Cleveland for another season. Any movement of the remaining free agents wont shake up the power landscape of the league. By retaining both, the

TAMPA, Fla. -- Welcome to the NFC South, where two games over .500 gives the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a share of first place, and two under has the New Orleans Saints in position to make up ground in a hurry.Talk about playing meaningful games in December.The surging Bucs (7-5), and explosive, but inconsistent Saints (5-7) meet in a key divisional matchup Sunday, then play again in New Orleans in two weeks.In between, the Bucs travel to Dallas for a prime-time date against the NFL-best Cowboys (11-1). The Saints, meanwhile, visit Arizona (5-6-1), which is trying to stay in playoff contention, too.Tampa Bay closes the regular season against Carolina (4-8) and New Orleans finishes at NFC South co-leader Atlanta (7-5), meaning the Bucs and Saints both play three of their remaining four games within the division.The way our division is so tight right now, these games are huge, Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter said. Us and Atlanta sitting there at 7-5, New Orleans at 5-7. Just do the math for New Orleans, and were not too far ahead. So, its going to be huge.Part of the challenge for Koetter down the stretch will be keeping one of the NFLs youngest rosters even-keeled.With second-year quarterback Jameis Winston leading the way, the Bucs have won four straight -- six of eight overall -- to overcome a slow start. Tampa Bay hasnt made the playoffs since 2007, and the winning streak is the teams longest in four years.Koetter, whos in his first year as a NFL head coach, said hes not 100 percent sure of the best approach to helping the players cope with the mounting pressure of a playoff chase.Im feeling my way through, the coach said, adding that he tries to tell it to them straight.They know where they are, they know how important this game is. ... But how you gauge the team and how you feel even-keeled, thats a hard thing to figure exactly, Koetter said. I also count on the leadership of our players to help out with that.The Saints relish the opportunity to get back in the race, though it wont be easy playing three of their final four games on the road. Coach Sean Payton feels its imperative New Orleans focus on Sunday -- nothing beyond.We cant play all four Payton said. Weve just got to play this one.Some things to know about the Saints and Bucs:PUT IT ALL OUT THERE: Payton and Koetter both call offensive plays and insist they arent tempted to hold anything back on Sunday.I dont think youd ever go into a game saying lets hold this for the second game. Certainly were not in a position to save or hold anything, Payton said.Koetter agreed: Ive never been like that, I dont believe in that. Shoot. Who knows where were going to be in two weeks? Our most important game is right now.BRINGING PRESSURE: The overlapping returns from injury of linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins have resulted in considerable improvement by the New Orleans defense in quarterback pressure. Theyve combined for seven sacks in the past four games. Ellerbe, who has been featured in blitz packages, has a sack in each of the Saints past four games. Rankins, a rookie drafted 12th overall last spring, has three sacks in that span.FAMOUS JAMEIS: Winstons steady progress has been a big part of Tampa Bays surge. The first overall pick from last years draft has thrown 15 touchdown passes versus four interceptions over his past eight games. Hes on pace to top 4,000 yards passing again, as well as set a franchise record for TD passes in a season.CHEMISTRY QUESTIONS: New Orleans lack of rhythm on offense last weekend against Detroit begged the question whether there was a carry-over from the dissatisfaction receiver Brandin Cooks expressed after not having a pass thrown to him during a Week 12 win over Los Angeles. Drew Brees threw to Cooks nine times against the Lions, and the third-year receiver had seven catches for 73 yards. Nevertheless, New Orleans struggled to convert third downs -- and, ultimately, to score in a 28-13 loss.GREAT BREES: Brees, who leads the NFL in passing yards, completions, attempts, completion percentage and TD passes, is 87 yards shy of throwing for at least 4,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons. The Bucs, by comparison, have had just two 4,000-yard seasons (Winston 2015, Josh Freeman 2012) in team history.---AP Sports Writer Brett Martel in New Orleans contributed to this report.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Matt-Judon-Jersey/ . Thousands of fans at Mosaic Stadium will be cozying up to each other in an effort to stay warm in chilly temperatures and block the Prairie wind that locals say can knock your socks off. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Carl-Davis-Jersey/ . Louis Blues. Shane Hnidy joins Brian Munz for the broadcast on TSN 1290 Radio at 7pm ct. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Justin-Tucker-Jersey/ . Oaklands loss to Seattle clinched the ALs best record for the Red Sox with one day to spare in the regular season. "I think everybody was kind of watching," catcher David Ross said. "Demp (Ryan Dempster) came out before he went to the bullpen and was just yelling that they lost. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Brandon-Carr-Jersey/ . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Maxx-Williams-Jersey/ . That left plenty of energy for pitching books and swatting away free agency questions. Anthony had 24 points and nine rebounds, and the Knicks avenged an embarrassing home loss with a rout of their own, beating the Boston Celtics 114-88 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. With NBA free agency winding down, we asked our experts:Who were the big heroes and villains of the offseason?Which players and executives are being praised for their dazzling moves? And which ones are getting the most criticism -- fairly or unfairly? Heroes of the offseason came off looking like winners, but villains seemingly lost the offseason. And surely the salary cap and parity played a part in how teams and players fared.As Kevin Durant said during his introductory press conference with the Golden State Warriors, We live in a comic book world where either youre a villian or a superhero if youre in this position.5-on-5 also welcomes two guest panelists -- Zhang Weiping, former player for and head coach of the Chinese mens national basketball team and current NBA commentator for Tencent, and Marc Spears, senior NBA writer of The Undefeated.1.?Who is your top hero of the offseason?Ethan Sherwood Strauss, ESPN.com: Tim Duncan, whose quiet exit helps the Spurs move forward while allowing a platform for us to praise all that he has been. Its not necessarily morally superior for a player to take team-friendly contracts in his waning years (one could argue that making as much money as possible can reflect loyalty to family), but for Spurs fans, its an act of heroism. Duncan played well forever, and he left at the right time. People in San Antonio should be thankful for that.Mike Mazzeo, ESPN.com : Jerry West, Bob Myers, Steve Kerr and the Warriors, who?emerged from the Hamptons with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Thank you so much, added national TV money. The pressure on these guys is going to be immense, but theyre certainly going to be a marvel to watch.Justin Verrier ESPN.com: Kevin Durant, for making a reasonable decision. Its hard to fault KD when the Warriors positives column is replete with all the ingredients for entertaining basketball: a large passionate crowd; a free-flowing, exciting style of play; and teammates who also do amazing things. And all talk of inevitability to next season ignores the 73-win team that just blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.Zhang Weiping, Tencent: The Golden State Warriors. They just had 73 wins in the regular season, and now Durant is on board. Now the Warriors can provide more options on the offensive end, allowing them to better distribute the firepower. This will tremendously help them in the championship run next year. As a Warrior, Durant can reduce his chance of getting injured by playing fewer minutes, which will benefit his career in the long run.Marc Spears, The Undefeated: The Utah Jazz. Theyve made some very surprising moves in the offseason. Theyve constantly been beaten up for being a small-market team that cant get any free agents, but they convinced Joe Johnson to sign and traded for Boris Diaw and George Hill. To me, the only thing that kept Utah from making the playoffs last year was a lack of talented veterans, especially at point guard. Hill allows Dante Exum to grow. I really feel the Jazz have solidified themselves as a playoff contender.2. Who is your top villain of the offseason?Strauss: I suppose its the Warriors, for -- as David Stern once coined the term --basketball reasons. Adding Durant to this mix just comes off as decadent, and many will choose to root against Goliath. Ironically, Goliath lacks a hulking rim protector, but thats another matter for another day.Mazzeo: Parity. The Warriors are going to be compelling and people will watch, but how many fan bases have realistic hopes of a championship? Not that this is any different from past years or anything, but arguably, two of the top three players in the entire league now play on the same team. Meh.Verrier: Pat Riley, and not just because his trademark slick, manicured look evokes Al Pacinos character in The Devils Advocate. The Heat have been the subject of league-wide grousing over the years for rumored handshake agreements and transactions that exploit gray areas in the collective bargaining agreement, but the departure of?Dwyane Wade?--?the franchises native son -- amid reports of?initial lowball offers felt a whole lot like comeuppance.Zhang: The Oklahoma City Thunder. Are the Thunder true villains? Perhaps not. But they definitely lost. The departures of Durant and Serge Ibaka?have triggered a series of issues. They were a championship-level team just a few months ago, but now they face lots of uncertainties. Without Durant, Russell Westbrook now has to carry the entire team by himself, and he only has one year left before becoming a free agent next summer. Now the Thunder really feel the urgency to deal with Westbrooks contract situation and consider whether he will be part of the teams future.Spears: Kevin Durant. Look, I have no problem with his decision, but I think a lot of people see Kevin Durant as a villain by going to the Warriors after having a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals and losing it. I understand why Thunder fans will be upset. But he has earned his right to be a free agent; its his right to do whatever he wants. I dont see this villain as a true villain. Regardless of what I think, however, he and the Warriors will be vilified going into the season.33.dddddddddddd Who could be a potential hero in the remainder of this offseason?Strauss: Can Cavs general David Griffin bring back?J.R. Smith? Those of us who enjoy being entertained?are waiting on that one with bated breath. Theres just something about the J.R. experience in a championship-contending situation thats wonderfully whimsical.Mazzeo:?The Sixers. They could go into the 2016-17 season with?Dario Saric, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid all healthy (hopefully). The team might have struggled during summer league, but they are going to get better as the season approaches. Thats so exciting. Trust the process, indeed.Verrier: Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers are certainly having a moment, one in which shirts are optional, and Team USA is the last big event on the NBA calendar. The rosters trio of Warriors -- Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson -- figures to dominate storylines, but Irving was at his bucket-getting peak in the NBA Finals. And he has surged past other elite-level teammates on this stage before.Zhang: The Cleveland Cavaliers. The reason is simple: the two best free agents still available --?LeBron James and J.R. Smith -- are almost certain to stay in Cleveland for another season. Any movement of the remaining free agents wont shake up the power landscape of the league. By retaining both, the Cavaliers will be nearly guaranteed to return to the Finals next year.Spears:?Kris Dunn?could end up being a hero. Im probably a little biased, but he has got such a great story. His life has been amazing -- and sad. So I think there are a lot of people rooting for him, and hes in a situation where he very well could be rookie of the year. Dunn is the rookie most ready to make a significant impact immediately, and I expect him to do so.4. Who could be a potential villain in the remainder of this offseason?Strauss: Pat Riley, if he makes the mistake of taking shots at Dwyane Wade. I doubt he will, as the Miami Heat organization tends to keep a tight lid after these separations, but theres the potential for an even messier divorce.Mazzeo: Restricted free agency. In the case of the Nets, things got pretty crazy when the Nets made calculated risks in offering Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson a combined $125 million in offer sheets. Restricted free agent?Dion Waiters is still available. Will he get a similar massive offer sheet from a team? And will it be worth it? Maybe the Heat and Blazers got Nets got off the hook, but those two teams had to spend a lot of extra money to keep players they might have let go otherwise.Verrier: LeBron? Not only because people enjoy being angry at him for various (often silly) reasons, but James, despite publicly declaring that hell re-up with the Cavs next season, hasnt yet made it official. It seems like a formality at this point, but Passive-Aggressive LeBron has raised blood levels before.Zhang: The Cavaliers, but only if they lose LeBron James and J.R. Smith to other teams. This scenario exists only in theory, though.Spears:?Pat Riley. There are a lot of people in Miami who could get mad at the start of the season, especially if this team doesnt do well. This is a franchise that has been spoiled -- they had LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade for so long, and Alonzo Mourning before that. Theres been a Hall of Fame-type face of the franchise for years. And now, they dont have one anymore. So I think Riley could get a lot of, uh, heat.5. Was the salary cap a villain or hero this offseason?Strauss: The salary cap keeps raising its game and making dudes richer than ever before. Though its been villainous in the past, its now more committed than ever to getting guys paid. Hero.Mazzeo: For the players, a hero. For the teams who signed them, well have to wait and see. There had to be some overpays, right?Verrier: Good for NBA players and their agents, with the likes of Kent Bazemore banking nearly $18 million on average, but bad for teams cap sheets to shell out such a premium for league-average quality. Solomon Hill, for instance, will make nearly $1 million for every minute of play he averaged last season (14.7), and that deal seems like a prudent expenditure in this market.Zhang: Both. The increased salary cap is a double-edged sword. Teams are spending more, big contracts get signed and exciting trades occur. So its a hero for players and NBA fans. However, since the new salary cap allows some players to be overpaid while others remain underpaid, this can potentially cause problems for the league. If wealth keeps getting unevenly distributed, we could see another lockout. By then, everybody will be a villain.Spears: I think it was a hero. Not only was it great for the players, but it was great for the owners and the health of the game. If theyre getting this much money, that means the NBA is correspondingly that healthy. Its got a bright future for a long, long time. I daresay besides the NFL, its the second most popular sport in the U.S., and besides soccer, its the second most popular sport worldwide. I think the money is a good thing, because it shows the league is so healthy. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '