LAS VEGAS - Looking to bounce back after their tough defeat last week, the Las Vegas Dragons squared off this afternoon against one of their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. This game would hold extra meaning for Dragons quarterback Matt Leinart, who never really got his feet grounded down in Arizona and was cut loose during the off-season.

When the Cardinals drafted Max Hall two years ago, Hall won the starting job over Leinart and he spent his fifth season in the NFL as a backup to a rookie. Needless to say, it was a pretty low point for the former USC standout.

"Last year was tough," Leinart remarked. "I learned a lot going through that whole ordeal and this fresh start in Las Vegas was what I really needed."

So when the two squads faced off against each other, it was Leinart's former team that had the upper hand early on. The Cards jumped out to a 24-7 lead, but similar to last game, the Dragons were forced to mount a rally to have a chance at victory.

Much like last week, the Dragons' rally was just not enough, as a conservative gamble late in the 4th Quarter failed to pay off as the Cardinals escaped the Dragon's Lair with a 24-23 victory, leaving Las Vegas still searching for their first victory.

LAS VEGAS - The 2011 season of football is finally here. The Dragon's Lair was rocking with nearly 68,000 fans roaring, screaming and probably gambling their hearts out. All that aside, there was still a football game to play, and the debut of the Las Vegas Dragons was about to begin as they squared off against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A rag-tag team of older veterans who just might be a step beyond productive, combined with a slew of first and second-year players who have loads of potential and a strong desire to fulfill it. Helmed by legendary coach Joe Gibbs, the Dragons were picked by every publication and television pundit across the nation to finish dead last in the NFC West division.

Fighting hard from the first minute to the last, the Dragons rallied from a 13-point deficit to hold a one-point advantage with just 1:56 left in the game. The lead wouldn't last though, and the Dragons dropped their NFL regular-season debut 29-24 at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Head Coach: Josh McDaniels
2010 Record: 7-9

Outlook: Now entrenched in Year 3 of the McDaniels era, the Broncos still find themselves in the exact same boat that they were during the final three years of Mike Shanahan's tenure: No playoffs still. With a defense that's lost Brian Dawkins to retirement and features a slowing down Champ Bailey, the quick linebackers will have even more to make up for on the defensive side, and we haven't even gotten to Kyle Orton, who is still the quarterback. Looks like another rough year in the Mile High City.
2011 Prediction: 6-10

Kansas City Chiefs

Head Coach: Todd Haley
2010 Record: 5-11

Outlook: The Chiefs made a bit of a splash in the free agent market this off-season with the defensive signings of Dhani Jones and Damione Lewis to join new Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel. The offense, still sputtering a bit with Matt Cassel at the helm, will receive a jolt of it's own in the signing of Jonathan Stewart. If the Chiefs can put it all together, they could contend for a Wild Card spot. More than likely, it still won't work, and the Chiefs might be looking for another Head Coach and perhaps a new QB next off-season.
2011 Prediction: 3-13

Los Angeles Raiders

Head Coach: Mike Martz
2010 Record: 6-10

Outlook: With a full rebuilding process hopefully nearing completion, the Raiders, outside of moving back to Los Angeles, made another splash by bringing in "Challenge Flag" Mike Martz as the team's new Head Coach. The one thing that Martz can do is help Sam Bradford blossom into a great quarterback, like he did with Kurt Warner in St. Louis. The question remains if lightning can strike twice like that, but with a young offensive team loaded with weapons around them, the Raiders offense could be one of the most explosive units in the league this season.
2011 Prediction: 8-8

San Diego Chargers

Head Coach: Norv Turner
2010 Record: 8-8

Outlook: With an iron fist clenched upon the AFC West Title over the past six seasons, the Chargers still can't manage to win the big game. Despite getting blown out 38-3 by the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, the Chargers were lucky enough to be playing in a mediocre division last season to win the title at 8-8, much like they did in the 2008 season. With Darren Sproles stepping into the starting spot as LaDainian Tomlinson now serves as the back-up, it'll be interesting to see if Philip Rivers and the other Chargers players can get it done.
2011 Prediction: 10-6

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
2010 Record: 10-6

Outlook: Having captured three straight NFC West Division titles, the Cardinals enter 2011 fully behind second-year Max Hall. Despite his rocky numbers last season, the Cards have high hopes. The only thing hampering him this season is the loss of Anquan Boldin, who signed a 4-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. It'll be on the shoulders of wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston to keep the vaunted Cards passing attack clicking if the Cards want to return to the playoffs.
2011 Prediction: 7-9

San Francisco 49ers

Head Coach: Mike Singletary
2010 Record: 10-6

Outlook: The 49ers keep improving each season under Coach Mike Singletary, having made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Turning the franchise over to the young hands of Jimmy Clausen, the 49ers offensive attack is finally starting to flourish again. With Frank Gore still running hard and Michael Crabtree blossoming into a Top 5 wide receiver, the focus will be on the defense to keep up with the offense. Recent draft selections of Eric Berry and Donovan Warren are trying to help shore up the defense and get the 49ers back to the playoffs once again.
2011 Prediction: 10-6

Las Vegas Dragons

Head Coach: Joe Gibbs
2010 Record: n/a

Outlook: The future is all open and clear for the young Dragons, who will easily take the field this season as the youngest team in NFL history. Can legendary Coach Joe Gibbs work his magic with a collection of 1st and 2nd year players and some veterans sprinkled in? The offensive attack rests on the shoulders of Matt Leinart, who was cut loose by the Arizona Cardinals after five seasons of disappointing results. Odds are that the road will be a bit difficult for the Dragons.
2011 Prediction: 5-11

Seattle Seahawks

Head Coach: Bobby Petrino
2010 Record: 9-7

Outlook: Having cleared out a lot of the players from their 2005 Super Bowl run, the Seahawks are in the midst of a youth movement that seems to paying off quicker than expected. The acquisition of Willis McGahee last season helped power the Seahawks to the final NFC playoff spot, and this season, they'll turn the offense over to former Texas standout Colt McCoy. With Matt Hasselbeck probably in his final season as the team's backup, the Seahawks will still be in decent shape if McCoy struggles.
2011 Prediction: 7-9