diens announced on Friday that the veteran forward will retu

This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!New Orleans SaintsOverall: 40 Title track: 14 Ownership: 43 Coaching: 19 Players: 55 Fan relations: 30 Affordability: 42 Stadium experience: 48 Bang for the buck: 83 Change from last year: -7Six years after ranking No. 1 on this list, the Saints have drifted into the middle of the pack -- much like what theyve been doing on the football field. Thats what happens after back-to-back 7-9 seasons, the first consecutive losing seasons in a decade under coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees.Whats goodNew Orleans still ranks high in the coaching category (No. 19 overall), despite Paytons struggles to resurrect the team in recent years. The Saints front office clearly agrees with the fans: The team signed Payton to a five-year extension worth more than $9 million per year this offseason. The Saints also remain strong at quarterback -- which should really be its own category in the NFL rankings. Although Drew Brees is 37, he signed a one-year extension in September, then kicked off the year by averaging 347 yards per game (tops in NFL) and 2.8 TDs per game in the first six weeks..Whats badJust imagine how low the Saints player rating -- already at just 55th, down four from last year -- would be without Brees. The Saints have been missing badly with big contracts in recent years (Junior Galette, Brandon Browner, C.J. Spiller, among others) and lead the NFL with more than $40 million in dead money from players they have released before their contracts are up. And they havent fared much better in the draft. They havent drafted a Pro Bowler since 2011 (though it seems like just a matter of time for LT Terron Armstead and WR Brandin Cooks).Whats newThe Saints took a big dip in the bang for the buck rankings. Prices havent really increased, but the teams results have taken a surprising nose dive in home games. After going 8-0 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in both 2011 and 2013, the Saints are 5-11 in their past 16 home games. The Dome is still known as one of the loudest venues in the league. But struggles on the field can sap the energy of any building.Next: Indianapolis Colts?| Full rankings JaVale McGee Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. Michael Cooper Lakers Jersey . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. http://www.lakersbasketballshop.com/JaVale-McGee-Jersey/ . -- Former San Diego Chargers safety Paul Oliver was found dead at his Atlanta-area home Tuesday night, and a medical examiner said Wednesday that the ex-player committed suicide. Byron Scott Jersey . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Tyson Chandler Lakers Jersey . The Montreal Canadiens announced on Friday that the veteran forward will return to the teams line-up on Saturday night when the Habs visit the Nashville Predators. COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- Sebastien Le Toux scored in the 63rd minute and the Colorado Rapids wrapped up a playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.Marlon Hairston slipped past a defender into the right side of the area and sent a low cross to the middle that Dominique Badji redirected and Le Toux smashed home.The Rapids (12-5-2) clinched their first playoff berth since 2013 and tied a franchise record with 51 points. With four gaames to go, Colorado has the best chance or the remaining contenders to surpass league-leading FC Dallas for the Supporters Shield.ddddddddddddThe Timbers (11-13-8) remained tied for sixth place with the Seattle Sounders. Portland finishes its season with a rematch against Colorado at home on Oct. 16 and a trip to Vancouver on Oct. 23. ' ' '