They Are Who We Thought They Were: NFC South - Week 11

New Orleans Saints (9-0, 1st)
Last week: Def. St. Louis 28-23 on the road
Next up: Tampa Bay on the road
We thought: They'd do enough to beat the Rams, as they had been making habit of doing just enough ever since thrashing the Giants.
They are: Squeaking by could be a trend that leads up to the Pats game, where everyone assumes that the Saints are finally going down, only they absolutely unload on New England with everything they've got, win by 2 scores, and the undefeated talk returns.

Atlanta Falcons (5-4, 2nd)
Last week: Lost to Carolina 28-19 on the road
Next up: NY Giants on the road
We thought: Not as good as advertised, particularly because Matty Ice was getting a pass from the critics despite a mediocre-to-subpar year so far (and that was before Sunday).
They are: Fitting that less than a week after people dismiss the Curse of 370 as it applies to Michael Turner, he hurts his ankle. We'll be shocked if Jason Snelling (or Ryan) goes into the Meadowlands and picks apart a pissed off, rested Giants team.

Carolina Panthers (4-5, 3rd)
Last week: Def. Atlanta 28-19 at home
Next up: Miami at home (Thurs)
We thought: John Fox is a good enough coach to get them to play hard the rest of the way, even if the playoffs seem unlikely.
They are: Very much alive, particularly if they take advantage of the Ronnie Brown-less Dolphins. How hard are they kicking themselves for blowing that home game to the Bills a couple weeks ago?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8, 4th)
Last week: Lost to Miami 25-23 on the road
Next up: New Orleans at home
We thought: Curious to see how long it would take before Josh Freeman's Welcome To The NFL moment.
They are: Hasn't really happened in 2+ games, and judging by the postgame quotes, the Dolphins players were impressed with Freeman. And he's still the only 2009 1st Round QB without a 5-pick game.

They Are Who We Thought They Were: NFC South - Week 10

New Orleans Saints (8-0, 1st)
Last week: Def. Carolina 30-20 at home
We thought: Carolina usually plays them tough, and on a short week, the Saints would struggle.
They are: Nearing the point of needing a loss. It won't come this week in St. Louis, but a loss prior to a Monday Nighter against New England wouldn't be the worst thing. Still the favorite for home-field.

Atlanta Falcons (5-3, 2nd)
Last week: Def. Washington 31-17 at home
We thought: Anyone else think that we may have anointed Matty Ice a bit too soon? He'll probably be a good pro someday, but he's not there right now.
They are: Vulnerable. Sloppy second half against the 'Skins got a little scary there. If Carolina shuts down Michael Turner this week, can we declare the Curse of 370 back in play again after a two-week vacation?

Carolina Panthers (3-5, 3rd)
Last week: Lost to New Orleans 30-20 on the road
We thought: Lose to Buffalo at home, smoke Arizona on the road...basically a microcosm of a difficult-to-figure-out league.
They are: A tough out. Playoffs are nearly impossible with 5 losses already (although a division win vs Atlanta makes things somewhat interesting), but they won't quit. Rough schedule against teams that stop the run coming up, which could mean they need Jake Delhomme to throw more. At the very least, that'll be entertaining.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7, 4th)
Last week: Def. Green Bay 38-28 at home
We thought: Brilliant move to go with the throwbacks, combined with starting the 1st round draft pick QB. Probably the only way to get the fans excited.
They are: Still stink, despite the win. And the majority of their remaining games are on the road, plus 2 with the Saints. At least Tampa fans don't need to switch over to the Lightning just yet.