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The Philadelphia Eagles turned in a solid 11-5 performance in the 2009 regular season, and they could have put together an even better campaign had they found a way to beat the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas won both regular season meetings, and then it spanked the Eagles again in the playoffs. Getting swept by Dallas should have Philly plenty motivated as it enters the 2010 season, but motivation may not be enough to win the East. Philly could endure an up and down season as it breaks in Kevin Kolb.

Offense: The Eagles finally decided to say goodbye to Donovan McNabb after flirting with the idea for several seasons. For those who were calling for McNabb's head, I say be careful what you wish for. He's in the division, and he'll be out to stick it to Philly just like Brett Favre stuck it to the Packers last season. I won't argue that it may have been time for McNabb to go, but I don't see Kolb giving the Eagles a better chance to win in year one. With that being said, he could in years two or three.

Kolb has some nice weapons in the receiving corps, but he could struggle to find time to throw behind a line that allowed 38 sacks last season. Pro Bowler Jason Peters will get it done, but there isn't any star power in the rest of the unit. The Eagles are counting on a big boost from free agent pick up Stacy Andrews, and that may be asking too much.

In just two seasons, DeSean Jackson has quickly asserted himself as one of the most explosive players in the NFL. He is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the football. Last season, he made 62 grabs for 1,156 yards and nine scores. He also had two punt return scores and another rushing touchdown.

Jeremy Maclin gives the Eagles another speedy playmaker. He made 56 grabs for 773 yards and four scores as a rookie last season.

Tight end Brent Celek is truly one of the best at his position in the entire league. He hauled in 76 passes for 971 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009.

In addition to parting with McNabb, the Eagles also decided to say goodbye to the often injured Brian Westbrook. That means that LeSean McCoy will be asked to step into his role. McCoy has the talent to fill Westbrook's big shoes, but he won't fill them completely in year one. McCoy is coming off a 637-yard season.

Defense: After watching Dallas pick the Eagles apart in an NFC Wild Card game, it was clear that some moves needed to be made on this side of the football.

The Eagles spent their first five draft picks on defensive players and added linebacker Ernie Sims in free agency. The Eagles are expecting big things from Sims as they are depending on him to strengthen their weakest unit. Getting Stewart Bradley back from a knee injury should also help the linebacker corps improve.

The Eagles are solid up front. Defensive end Trent Cole is coming off a 12.5-sack season, and rookie Brandon Graham will also aid the pass rush. Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson hold down the interior. They are two big reasons why the Eagles ranked No. 9 in the NFL in run defense last season.

Asante Samuels, who is coming off an impressive nine-interception campaign, anchors a defensive backfield which should get better with the addition of rookies Nate Allen and Trevard Lindley.

Prediction: 3rd NFC East - The Cowboys have less question marks as we enter the 2010 season, and for that reason I have made them the NFC East front runner. The Eagles will be in a dog fight with New York for second place. They could take it, but Kolb will have to exceed the expectations I have for him in his first full season as a starter. It's not out of the question for the NFC East to send three teams to the postseason.

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Of course quarterbacks and running backs get all the attention. They score touchdowns, they sell Chunky Soup, and they get to bang the homecoming queen. They're the ones with the big contracts and the guys who can be rewarded with either too much blame or too much credit.

Then there are the dozens of free agents that meander into your team's locker room each year. One team's trash is another team's treasure kind of deal. These hired guns are generally heralded as the Missing Link, and you know you're guilty of over-hyping some journeyman nickel back or offensive tackle to your wife or co-workers.

Then there are the rookies. The quick fix. The hotshots. They are the future and the present. Every team is hoping that they scored not only that first-round blue chipper, but that late-round gem that can turn a team from wannabe to world champs quicker than you can say "signing bonus".

This season in the NFL there are a slew of guys whose performances will have a direct connection to their team's win-loss records. It will be very interesting to see how guys like Kurt Warner (Arizona), J.P. Losman (Buffalo), Deshaun Foster (Carolina), Randy Moss (Oakland) and Mike Williams (Detroit) will perform. Very interesting indeed.

That being said, right now I have no interest in any of those subcategories of players. I'll leave the big-name free agents, cocky rookies and pretty-boy quarterbacks to be talked about by the gossip mongers and bobble heads.

Instead, I've compiled a list of players who might make for exciting talk at the water cooler but will play a crucial role in determining the course of their team's franchise in 2005. Some are names you know, some are names you may have heard in passing. In my estimation these guys represent the types of storylines - veterans holding on to that last chance, disappointing draft picks seeking salvation, unheralded role players trying to break into the big time - that make the NFL worth watching.

Ryan Sims, DT, Kansas City

Remember back in 2002 when the debate between which North Carolina defender - Sims or Julius Peppers - should be taken first nearly reached Manning-Leaf proportions? Well, their NFL careers have almost been as lopsided. Sims is in his contract year, and is the most naturally gifted player on a defensive line that has been a sieve for the last four seasons. The Chiefs will feature as many as five new starters on defense, including two new linebackers and two new bodies in the secondary. But if Sims can't hold down the point of attack (only 30 tackles and two sacks in 2004) those guys will be getting a lot of work.

Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle

Dropped passes grounded the Seahawks last season, and Jackson was as guilty as anyone. Koren Robinson is in rehab and no longer with the team, leaving Jackson as the true No. 1 guy in the Seattle passing game. Jackson had 87 catches for 1,199 and seven touchdowns last season. That's not enough. Jackson will need to not only achieve those numbers again, but set an example by holding onto just about anything he gets his hands on and making clutch catches that keep the sticks moving.

Nate Kaeding, K, San Diego

Kaeding, the cherub-faced kicker for the Chargers, was a revelation as a rookie in 2004. Kaeding was 54 of 55 making extra points, and 20-for-25 with field goals. However, he was also responsible for missing the kick that more or less ended his team's season. He shanked a 40-yarder in overtime in a first-round playoff loss at home to the Jets. That's forgivable, but Kaeding missed his first three kicks off the preseason. Those three kicks were between 40-46 yards and in a steady rain, but if there's one thing a kicker can't have, it's wavering confidence.

Seth Payne, NT, Houston

People are expecting big things out of the Texans this season. If that's going to happen, the defense needs to perform better than its 23rd overall ranking in 2004. Payne will be a huge part of that. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound nose tackle is the fulcrum in the Texans 3-4 system. With young linebackers behind him, Payne needs to cause some havoc up front to take some pressure off guys like Jason Babin. Payne has had injury problems in the past, but the ninth-year man out of Cornell impressed Houston brass enough to warrant them resigning him in the offseason.

John Tait, LT, Chicago

Tait was the Bears prized free agent signing in 2003, inking a $33.65 million deal. Tait, who was part of those dominating Kansas City lines a few years ago, was solid at right tackle for Chicago last season. However, the Bears yielded a league-high 66 sacks which prompted Tait to approach coach Lovie Smith and offer to switch to the critical left tackle position. Well, with Rex Grossman out for the year Tait's importance becomes even greater. If the Bears are going to win with Chad Hutchinson he's going to need plenty of time to survey the field.

DeAngelo Hall, CB, Atlanta

The electrifying Hall suffered a hard-luck hip injury last year that caused him to miss six games. He came back for the end of the season and the playoffs and performed admirably, intercepting two passes and scoring one touchdown. Atlanta had the 23rd-ranked pass defense in the league last season, and didn't make any noticeable upgrades. In a division with Joe Horn, Steve Smith and up-and-coming Mark Clayton, the Falcons are hoping that Hall can be the shutdown corner that their defense has been missing.

Chad Brown/Monty Beisel, LB, New England

Its got to be pretty tough to come in as a low-key free agent and find yourself filling in for the heart-and-soul of the two-time defending Super Bowl Champions. Well, with Tedy Bruschi sidelined as a result of his offseason stroke and tough-as-nails Ted Johnson retired, that's precisely where Brown and Beisel find themselves. To make matters worse, Mike Vrabel suffered a lower leg injury and has been sidelined for the Pats. Beisel came over from Kansas City and their pathetic defense, and Chad Brown is hoping to recapture a bit of the nastiness that he exuded throughout the mid-90's. However, they're replacing two New England legends and better come out of the corner swinging.

Jimmy Smith, WR, Jacksonville

The 36-year-old Smith is hoping that he can keep the magic going for one more season. Smith showed no signs of slowing in 2004, finishing with 74 catches for 1,172 yards and six touchdowns. He is the only proven wide receiver that the Jaguars have and one of the few guys that quarterback Byron Leftwich trusts in the clutch. The Jaguars defense is going to be one of the best in the AFC this season. But the question mark is whether or not this team can put up enough points to earn a playoff berth. The only way that happens is if Smith stays healthy and tutors some of the Jags young receivers.

Jonathan Ogden, LT, Baltimore

The guy is an eight-time Pro Bowler and potentially a Hall of Famer. However, he looked as if injuries and age may have robbed him of a step last season. The Ravens restocked their offense at the skill positions this offseason, and Todd Heap, Jamal Lewis, Derrick Mason and rookie Mark Clayton are ready to put up some points. However, center Casey Rabach and left guard Bennie Anderson both split this summer, and temperamental Orlando Brown declined sharply in 2004. If the Ravens are going to make another push for the AFC crown, they're going to need Ogden to anchor that offensive line.

Roy Williams, SS, Dallas

Last season the Cowboys yielded 31 passing touchdowns, fourth-worst in the league. They addressed that problem by signing Anthony Henry from Cleveland this offseason. With Henry and Terrance Newman holding down the outside, Williams should be free to roam the line of scrimmage and wreak havoc in the way that he did in 2003. Williams is at his best when he's delivering vicious hits on running backs and receivers coming across the middle, or flying through the line on a safety blitz. With Dallas switching to the 3-4, and time running out on the Tuna, Williams need a big year.

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For the first time in over a decade, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the NFL season with a new quarterback at the helm and sport a roster flush with young talent. As usual, I have some concerns about this year's team. You'll be surprised who was left off the list.

That's right; I'm not concerned about Kevin Kolb. Not. At. All. If you know me or have previously visited the site, you know I'm a McNabb apologist. However, I'm also a total believer in Kolb. Of course he's going to struggle at times and make stupid mistakes. That's what young quarterbacks do (and old ones too if you've watched the Eagles). Regardless, I don't think Kolb's growing pains will cost the Eagles as much as the potential issues I've listed below. (Here's hoping they'll all be overcome or avoided.)

1. Secondary. Yes, the Eagles enter the 2010 season with an unproven quarterback (only two NFL starts) and my top concern is the defensive secondary. Why? Because the 2009 version of the Eagles defense was the worst I've seen since the Mike Mamula days and the secondary was a big reason why. Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel continuously fell victim to the double move and were abused in the final two contests by Dallas. The platoon (Quintin Demps, Macho Harris, Sean Jones) trying to replace Brian Dawkins at free safety offered zero help in coverage (or anywhere else for that matter), and severely crippled the play of former pro-bowler Quintin Mikell. What's worse, as a collective unit, the secondary tackled about as well as Bobby Taylor. So yes, I'm a little apprehensive. On the other hand, I loved moving the overrated Sheldon Brown, using three draft picks to improve the secondary, and giving rookie Nate Allen every chance to win the starting role at free safety.

2. Health. I know, I know. You're probably thinking; Duh!!!! Normally, I wouldn't include such an obvious concern, but the Eagles are especially vulnerable at key positions. Middle linebacker is one of them. As we witnessed in 2009, losing Stewart Bradley at middle linebacker would be a crushing blow. While the addition of Ernie Sims added some much needed talent to the linebacking core, replacing Bradley in the middle would still be impossible. If Bradley goes down again the defense is in deep trouble.

If it's not too painful for you to think back to the consecutive massacres in Dallas, you'll recall McNabb scrambling for his life on nearly every down. Part of this was due to Reid's moronic game plan. The other part was a result of the injury to starting center Jamaal Jackson. Jackson is still recovering from that same knee injury and the depth across the rest of the line is questionable at best. A severe injury to any of the starters could cost Kevin Kolb a limb or two.

The outlook at running back isn't much better. Behind LeSean McCoy, the depth chart reads; "you're screwed." Ok, not really but it does read; Mike Bell (injury prone), Eldra Buckley (situational back), and J.J. Arrington (looking for a home). If McCoy can't stay healthy, the Eagles just might be out of options. This leads us to my next concern...

3. Running Game. Will the Eagles even have a running game? LeSean McCoy is young, so there's plenty of time to improve, but I'm not convinced he's an every-down back yet. Even if McCoy is capable, will Reid include a consistent rushing attack in his offense? (History says no.) It's one thing for Reid to ask an 11-year veteran to sling it 30-40 times per game. To ask the same of a first year starter is flirting with disaster. The Eagles will absolutely need a ground attack this season to aid Kolb's development and bail him out of a rough outing, which is bound to happen at least once. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that 1. Reid is invested in a running game, and 2. That Reid will even resort to it if Kolb's play requires it. (Unless something drastically changes or Reid leaves town, I'm just going to copy and paste this section on an annual basis.)

4. Experience. Young talent brings explosiveness, enthusiasm, and excitement. Unfortunately, young talent also brings inexperience. Never before in the Reid era have the Eagles entered a season with so much youth at critical positions. It will be interesting to see how the young players respond in big-game situations, especially on offense where Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson are the only veteran voices in the huddle. More importantly, who will push the young players through the tough losses when proven veterans like McNabb and Westbrook aren't around to rally the team?

5. Receivers. There's little doubt that Kevin Kolb is a more accurate passer than Donovan McNabb, but even great accuracy won't complete passes if your receivers aren't in the right spots. I'm nit-picking here, but Eagle receivers, especially DeSean Jackson, struggled immensely against the physical cornerbacks of the Dallas Cowboys last season. Both Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are smaller receivers that rely more on speed and quickness than brute force. Because of this, Dallas' corners were able to disrupt the Eagles' offense by bumping Maclin and Jackson at the line. Before you call me crazy, remember the Eagles play in the physical NFC East. Dallas is the same team that mauled the Eagles three times last season. New York's secondary (injured all of 2009) and pass rush will undoubtedly bounce back from an off year, and the Redskins have improved as well. All three will look to accomplish the same thing; bump the Eagle receivers at the line and disrupt their timing with Kolb to allow the defensive line to pressure him into mistakes. Again, it's not the most critical concern, but for Kolb to survive in the NFC East, he'll need his receivers to get to the right spots at the right time.

6. Pass rush. For what feels like the millionth time, the Eagles are convinced an offseason acquisition (draft/trade/free agency) is the solution at the defensive end position opposite Trent Cole. I love Brandon Graham and it's hard not to believe he's the real deal, but I've seen this act before. Jerome McDougle never panned out, Victor Abiamiri can't get healthy, Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse were both disappointments, and after only seven sacks in two years, Chris Clemons is gone. Forgive me for not declaring Graham the left end savior just yet.

Football starts exactly three weeks from tonight. More to come.

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1st Round (#13) DE Brandon Graham, Michigan

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DE Derrick Morgan, S Earl Thomas

Analysis: The Eagles' defense took a step back last season and putting more pressure on the quarterback was needed. Graham went higher than many expected, but he deserved it. The former Michigan star may be undersized for an NFL defensive end, but his combination of power, technique and quickness should serve him well. Graham is an intense player who will complement Trent Cole. Derrick Morgan also would have been a very solid choice. Graham is a much more fundamentally sound player than Pierre-Paul, at this point. He also is ready to contribute in 2010 and is not a project. The Eagles wisely went for the pass rusher over help at free safety. They figured help could be found at safety later in the draft and they were right.

2nd Round (#37) FS Nate Allen, South Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: FS Taylor Mays

Analysis: Allen and Mays were very closely rated on our draft board. They are extremely different players. Allen is the superior ball hawk and will hold-up better in coverage. Mays is the more physical player who can bring some explosive hitting to a defense. The Eagles wanted to improve their pass defense and find another player who can take the ball away. Allen is the better fit for Philadelphia. The upgrades made to the Eagles' front seven should make them a more physical team. Nate Allen can be the opportunistic centerfielder who is ready to capitalize on a quarterback's mistakes.

3rd Round (#86) DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Washington

Key Player(s) Passed On: LB Navorro Bowman

Analysis: Te'o-Nesheim was a very productive four-year starter for the Huskies. He plays with excellent technique and never stops attacking. Washington's career leader in sacks (30.5) is undersized (6' 3" and 263 pounds) and his ability to hold-up in run support is a big question. Te'o-Nesheim looks like a 3rd down pass rush specialist. He could struggle against professional offensive tackles who play with sound technique and can engulf him. The Eagles passed on Navorro Bowman. The team traded for Ernie Sims, but linebacker was a big weakness last year. In addition, Sims is in the last year of his rookie contract. Bowman was a playmaker at Penn State and it never hurts to have quality depth. Bowman has the athletic tools and football instincts to develop into a fine starting weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

4th Round (#105) CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Walter Thurmond

Analysis: Lindley has solid ball skills, but has average speed and a small frame. Walter Thurmond is coming off of a serious knee injury, but was more productive than Lindley was. The success rate from knee injuries and subsequently playing well is high today. Philadelphia needed more depth at cornerback. Lindley was an ok choice, but Thurmond may provide more in the long-term. Thurmond was a legitimate 2nd or 3rd round talent prior to the knee injury.

4th Round (#121) LB Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Jason Fox, CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah

Analysis: Clayton is an undersized outside linebacker with good speed. He is a better athlete than football player. He will likely struggle defending the run. Clayton can provide depth and special teams help. This pick underscores why we would have liked Philadelphia to have selected Navorro Bowman earlier. Bowman is a better prospect than Clayton. Jason Fox is a smart and tough offensive tackle. He could have added to Philly's depth on the offensive line. Every team can always use another athletic corner with good size. Owusu-Ansah has potential and would have provided the team with another kick returner.

4th Round (#122) QB Mike Kafka, Northwestern

Key Player(s) Passed On: QB Dan LeFevour

Analysis: Kafka can make the Eagles as a 3rd string quarterback. He is a gunslinger who has to learn to check the ball down more often and avoid turnovers. Kafka has a decent arm and is a good athlete. LeFevour also would have fit into the Eagles' offense as a backup. LeFevour was higher rated on our board, but neither quarterback figures to be a starter in the NFL.

4th Round (#125) TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State

Key Player(s) Passed On: TE Andrew Quarless

Analysis: Harbor will provide depth behind Brent Celek and competition for Cornelius Ingram. Harbor runs well and can catch the ball, but provides little as a blocker. Quarless is a more well rounded tight end who played against much better competition. The Eagles passed on Quarless likely due to character concerns. Harbor is very similar to Ingram. Quarless has some baggage, but at least he could have provided the Eagles with a tight end who can block and catch the ball.

5th Round (#134) DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Perrish Cox

Analysis: PFDN evaluated Sapp to be a one-dimensional pass rusher who we did not like as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. Philadelphia will try the former Clemson standout as a strong-side linebacker. Sapp was a hybrid defensive end/linebacker in college. He is a project at linebacker in the 4-3, but in the 5th round this pick made a lot of sense. Sapp is a terrific athlete and the team has little invested in him. He also will be another year removed from knee surgery. Sapp has the athleticism to play linebacker in the NFL, but it remains to be seen if he has sufficient instincts for the position.

5th Round (#159) WR Riley Cooper, Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: RB Anthony Dixon

Analysis: Cooper has some size and speed, but has erratic hands. He also cannot be counted on to be a precise route runner. The former Gator thinks he is better than he is. Cooper is not better than Jason Avant. He is faster than Hank Baskett. Cooper can be a reserve receiver at an inexpensive price. However, how about adding a thumper of a running back to compete with Mike Bell? The Eagles like to throw the ball, but they still need to find some help for LeSean McCoy. Dixon is a powerful back who could have pushed Bell.

6th Round (#200) RB Charles Scott, LSU

Key Player(s) Passed On: S Myron Rolle

Analysis: The Eagles needed a big back to push Mike Bell. Charles Scott made sense in the 6th round. Scott did not run hard in 2009 and then broke his collarbone. He has to run with determination and get in better shape to make the Eagles. Scott has some talent and was a decent selection in round 6. Myron Rolle could have provided some depth at strong safety. However, he has average instincts and a long NFL career may not be of interest to him.

7th Round (#220) LB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State

Key Player(s) Passed On: G Reggie Stephens

Analysis: Chaney was a bargain in the 7th round. He has experience playing inside and outside linebacker. Philly will likely try him at outside linebacker because he runs well and does not take on blockers with authority. Chaney can provide help on special teams and depth.

7th Round (#243) DT Jeff Owens, Georgia

Key Player(s) Passed On: WR Freddie Barnes

Analysis: Owens can provide some depth at defensive tackle. The former Bulldog is decent against the run, but lacks lateral quickness and intensity. Freddie Barnes was a player who PFDN thought should have been drafted. He has excellent hands and could have been the eventual replacement for Jason Avant.

7th Round (#244) S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Donovan Warren

Analysis: Coleman was a fine selection this late in the draft. He is undersized, but the former Buckeye likes to hit and finds the football. Coleman has a legitimate shot at making the Eagles because of his play on special teams.

Bottom Line: Philadelphia had more selections than any other team in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Eagles are one of the better-run organizations in the league and understand that football is a young man's game. The team loaded up on defense (9 picks, 3 linebackers). Brandon Graham and Nate Allen should help in the pass rush and coverage departments. Ricky Sapp, Jamar Chaney and Kurt Coleman were intriguing late selections.

Grade: B+

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Our full-time, year-round analysis of game footage, discussions with coaches and trainers and live practice observations are the basis for our ratings and draft board. Talent evaluators must be thorough, but should always remember that this is more art than science. Good NFL player forecasting involves doing your homework and trusting your gut instincts.

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What an absolutely insane first few weeks it's been in the NFL. Seventeen teams, 17!!!, are still over .500. And it's just crazy how one week a team (let's say, the Giants) can look like total crap and then the following week come out and smoke a top-five team like the Falcons. Powerhouses like the Bengals losing to junk teams like the Buccaneers and surprises like the Saints are making this season something to watch. It's almost impossible to tell who's going to be left standing at the end of the year.

Especially after Monday night's Bears-Cardinals game. Chicago has looked like far and away the best team in the NFL. The offense was rollin' up the points, the defense was shuttin' teams down and appeared to be playing with such consistency. Then, Arizona, a dreg of a team, gets them at home and blows their doors off. But, in the blink of an eye, two lucky defensive plays, a special teams score and a missed Neil Rackers FG later, the Bears are still undefeated.

What Monday night's game showed me is that the Bears are not invinceable. In fact, they may not be as good as we all thought. They've played most of their games at home and haven't really faced a tough road challenge yet. Rex Grossman and Bernard Berrian have yet to show what they can do against a good defense on the road. I'm not sold. However, they stay at #1.

The big movers up this week, the Carolina Panthers, jump up nine spots all the way to #5, while the Falcons fall 11 spots to #16. Meantime, the Birds' second tough loss of the season drops them out of the top 5, but not out of the top 10. Not yet, anyway.

Now... onto the rankings...

(1) Chicago Bears (5-0) - They escaped from the desert by the skin of their teeth, in one of the most bizarre games I have ever seen. To have your quarterback turn the ball over six times and come back from 20 points down in the second half without an offensive touchdown is simply incredible.

(2) Indianapolis Colts (5-0) - Their trade for Bucs' DT Booger McFarland should help out that run defense, which has been the achilles heel of the Colts so far in '06. They paid a steep price though, giving up a second-round pick. We'll see if picking a Booger works out for Indy.

4) San Diego Chargers (4-1) - The Colts are higher because they're undefeated, but for my money, the Chargers are the best team in the AFC, if not the NFL. Of course, Schottenheimer will find a way to sabotage their Super Bowl chances, but we're still at least a couple months away from that. Philip Rivers is for real.

(9) Seattle Seahawks (4-1) - It hasn't been pretty for the Hawks this season, with Shaun Alexander's foot injury and the loss of Steve Hutchinson drastically affecting the running game. However, last Sunday's monster comeback win in St. Louis, with the division lead on the line, was monstrous. Seattle needed that game.

(14) Carolina Panthers (4-2) - Since Steve Smith returned to the lineup, the Panthers are 4-0. It's hard to believe that one wide receiver can make that much of a difference, but the facts are the facts. That was one impressive performance by Jake Delhomme in Baltimore on Sunday, too.

(7) New England Patriots (4-1) - The Pats drop down a spot on the bye week, amid rumors of a possible trade for disgruntled Raiders WR Randy Moss. It didn't happen. Can you imagine Moss and Belichek co-existing? Talk about oil and vinegar. Of course, Tom Brady still has no one to throw to.

(10) Denver Broncos (4-1) - I hate their offense and I think Jake Plummer is a terrible quarterback. But their defense has convinced me to finally move them up a bit. Only one touchdown through the first five games of the season? Never been done before.

(8) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) - I may have these guys rated a bit too high at the moment, I realize that. They're a very uneven team, you just don't know what you're going to get from these guys. But I just feel like this team is ready to really start clicking on offense. Once that happens, watch out.

(12) New Orleans Saints (5-1) - I don't think they're more talented than the Eagles, but they definitely showed they are for real on Sunday. After the Birds completely stole momentum from New Orleans early in the fourth, the Saints took it right back and dominated the entire fourth quarter. Quite an impressive win by a quality team.

(3) Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) - Yes they should be 6-0 but they're not. Frankly, the defense has not been good enough for this team to be undefeated. And we can talk about all the mental breakdowns and the talent level all we want to. But until this team is able to give tacit commitment to the running game and stop the big play on D, they will continue to beat themselves.

(6) Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) - What is going on in Cincinnati? Perhaps all the police blotter activity has caused these guys to lose their focus, but there is no way, NO WAY, a Super Bowl contender should lose to a winless team, I don't care where it is. These guys have been up-and-down all year and they better get it fixed soon.

(11) St. Louis Rams (4-2) - Despite losing a huge intra-division game at home to the Seahawks, they were quite impressive on Sunday. It was quite a slugfest between Hasslebeck and Bulger. Unfortunately, the Hawks got the ball last and scored on a monster FG as time expired. But the Rams appear to be for real too, as long as Bulger keeps playing mistake-free football.

(16) Dallas Cowboys (3-2) - One question... do you think Bill Parcells is happy or disturbed that Terrell Owens caught three touchdown passes on Sunday? It is an absolute zoo in Dallas, with a fight between Owens and his receivers coach, rumors of fines or suspensions that never came about, and reports of severe friction between Owens, Jones and Parcells. Yikes.

(17) New York Giants (3-2) - Despite a very impressive win over the Falcons on Sunday, I just can't put these guys any higher, not until I see it on a more regular basis. This team, along with the Redskins, are two of the most stupefying teams to figure out in the NFL. Some weeks they look like Super Bowl contenders, other weeks they look like crap. I have no idea what the Giants are, so I'm sticking them here in the middle of the pack until I find out.

(13) Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Again, another team with a very good defense but serious issues on offense. The solution? Fire Jim Fassel. I have no idea if this is going to help anything, and the bye week should give Steve McNair time to be ready to go following his concussion on Sunday. But the offense was misfiring even with McNair in there, and Brian Billick thinks he's the solution. We'll see.

(5) Atlanta Falcons (3-2) - I've said it before and I'll say it again. You stop Mike Vick from running and shut down Warrick Dunn, you beat the Falcons. It's not a difficult formula. Kudos to the Giants for once again showing us all how it's done.

(15) Minnesota Vikings (3-2) - It's becoming apparent that no one's catching the Bears in the North, so the Vikes must focus their attention on the Wild Card. The bad news, there are a bunch of times with more talent who appear to have the inside track.

(20) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3) - Finally, the Steelers looked like the Steelers of old. The extra week of rest seemed to do Ben Roethlisburger a lot of good, Willie Parker showed that flash that makes him special, and Hines Ward found the end zone. They've got a long way to go still, but the Stillers are not dead yet.

(22) New York Jets (3-3) - This just feels like an 8-8 team to me. They've got no running game whatsoever, you just don't know what you're going to get from Chad Pennington from week to week, but they play a bad enough schedule to allow them to beat up on some of the dreggier teams in the NFL.

(18) Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) - Have I mentioned that Herman Edwards can't coach? Granted, they played the world champs after a bye week on their home field. That's like lambs to the slaughter. But 45-7? Good teams don't lose like that.

(19) Washington Redskins (2-4) - How on earth, with all that talent and all that money and all those high-profile coaches, do you lose a game at home to a rookie quarterback and the Tennesse Titans? How on earth did that happen? The Skins are proving once again that money isn't always the answer.

(21) Buffalo Bills (2-4) - While Willis McGahee may be having a fine year yardage-wise, he just can't seem to find the end zone yet. The Bills' red-zone offense is almost non-existent and they do just enough each week to lose.

(23) San Francisco 49ers (2-4) - Alex Smith continues to play well, but the San Fran defense is a mess. They've given up 48, 41, 38 and 34 points in their four losses. Yet, they've beaten the Rams. This is a wacky league, friends.

(30) Tennessee Titans (1-5) - Despite my Redskins bashing just a moment ago, that was quite an impressive win by a team that most had counted down-and-out. And while they're certainly not going to the playoffs this year, they do have a young quarterback they can get excited about... Vince Young. He showed the poise of a player much older and calmly led the Titans to a big win on the road on Sunday.

(24) Cleveland Browns (1-4) - Unfortunately, the Browns don't have any young, great player to give them hope. Unless you're counting Kellen Winslow, Jr., who has yet to show he will be worth the investment. It's a long climb up for the Brownies.

(25) Miami Dolphins (1-5) - OK, so we're officially declaring this season for Miami a wash, right? I mean, Daunte obviously came back too soon from injury which is the reason the entire team has flushed its season down the toilet, correct? C'mon guys, show some heart! This season has been as much about the putrid play of the offensive line and the terrible defense as it has Culpepper. No heart in Miami.

(27) Green Bay Packers (1-4) - During the bye week, Brett Favre threw three interceptions during a family picnic. His QB rating actually went up.

(29) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4) - A very impressive first win of the season for Jon Gruden and the Bucs, beating the Bengals at home. You've got to like how Steve Gradkowski has kept them in both games they've played since Sims went down with a busted spleen. And Cadillac Williams is finally starting to show some life, too.

(31) Detroit Lions (1-5) - Congratulations to the Detroit Lions for their first win of the season over the Bills. And congratulations to Roy Williams who, after I traded him away in week 3 of my fantasy football league season, finally showed a little heart and put up a big week. Friends, if you've got Roy Williams on your fantasy squad, get rid of him now. Because he won't do that again until Week 12.

(28) Houston Texans (1-4) - How many teams were on the bye this week? Geez! I hate this new bye system. It seems like a third of the league didn't play in Week 6.

(26) Arizona Cardinals (1-5) - Wow. What to say about Monday night's loss. Just a staggering, mind-blowing choke job. It wasn't just the fact that they blew a 20-point lead, it's the fact they did without giving up an offensive touchdown. Think about how difficult that is. It's nearly impossible! But not for the Cardinals. The one bright spot... Matt Leinart is going to be a very good quarterback in this league for a long, long, long time.

(32) Oakland Raiders (0-5) - The good ship lollypop was in high spirits during the bye week. Randy Moss almost got traded to the Patriots and Jerry Porter was suspended. How did both of these guys not get traded for draft picks, especially considering how many teams could use a good wideout? I don't get it.

For more NFL News and Philadelphia Sports Info please visit www.phillysportsline.com

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions

Both squads try to stop a two week losing snide. The Lions' Jeff Garcia and Joey Harrington are banged up. Coach Mariucci isn't sure which QB will start on Sunday. The injuries are mounting for the Cardinals as well. Last year's sac leader, DE Betrand Berry, has a torn pectoral muscle and could be out for the season. Kurt Warner returned under center last week. He was intercepted 3 times and sacked four times.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are coming off a big win over their AFC nemesis New England Patriots. Peyton Manning and the Colts appear to finally be over the hump as Manning won for the first time at Foxboro last Monday night. The 1-7 Texans will have their work cut out for them but showed signs of improvement last Sunday in a 7 point loss to Jacksonville in which they held the Jaguars to just 88 yards on the ground.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

Manning, who has made great strides since last season, will try to keep the Giants unbeaten at home where they are currently 4-0. Their defense has only allowed 6 points and a total of 288 yards in their past two games. The Vikings are coming off a big win over the Detroit Lions led by Brad Johnson who is filling in for the injured Culpepper. Brad Johnson always plays well at Giants Stadium where in two starts he has completed 70% of his passes for 520yards with 5 TDs and no INTs.

San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears

The Bears are riding a 4-game winning streak and boast one of the top defenses in the league. They have shown glimpses on the '85 Monsters of the Midway. Rookie QB, Kyle Orton, continues to get better each week and is the current favorite for rookie of the year. The 49ers are on their fourth QB of the season, 2004 second round draft pick Cody Pickett, as Tim Rattay, #1 draft pick Alex Smith, and Ken Dorsey, are all injured.

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars

Kyle Boller will return under center for the Ravens to try to put to rest a 3-game losing skid. Safety, Ed Reed, and Linebacker Ray Lewis, winners of 3 of the last 5 defensive player of the year awards, will miss another game this week. The Jaguars have won 3 of their last 4. Byron Leftwich continues to play well. He directed two scoring drives of 80+ yards in the fourth quarter last week to beat Houston.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

With Priest Holmes out for the season Larry Johnson will be getting even more carries as we saw against Oakland last week when he looked like a Pro Bowl back, rushing for 107 yards and two TDs, including the game winner when he jumped over the pile with seconds remaining. Buffalo is coming off of a bye week, and despite being two games under 500, they are sitting at second in the division behind New England.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

The Patriots fell to 4-4 on the season after going down to the Colts last Monday night, and they look to avoid losing consecutive games for the first time since December 2002. Their 4 losses total the number they've had in the previous 2 seasons. The Dolphins have lost 3 of their last 5 but with a win Sunday can overtake New England in the AFC East. Miami's two pronged running attack of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams is averaging over 5 yards per carry for 133 yards the past three games, compensating for Gus Ferotte's 29th ranking among NFL QBs.

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

The first place Broncos take on the last place Raiders for the 90th time during the regular season. Despite these teams being at opposite ends of the AFC West, expect a close game. Kerry Collins is having a phenomenal season and Lamont Jordan is finally looking like a feature back as he ran all over the Chiefs in the first half last week. Denver's running attack of Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell is the second best in the NFL, combining for 1,366 yards on the season, and it has taken some of the pressure off of Jake Plummer who is having an excellent year, limiting the costly INTs which have plagued his career.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers

Despite a slow, 1-2 start the Panthers have turned it around and are now one of the NFC favorites for the Super Bowl. Despite one of the best back fields in the NFC with Jake Delhomme and Stephen Davis, the Panthers Defense has made them a Super Bowl contender. They have 15 sacks in their last three games and 17 during their winning streak. Brooks Bollinger will be making his 2nd career NFL start for the Jets for injured vet Vinny Testaverde. Bollinger came in last week in the third quarter, throwing for 2 TDs in a comeback attempt that just fell short against the Chargers.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta is coming off a 17-10 victory over Miami in which Michael Vick put up his best passing numbers of the year. The Falcons also boast the league's top ground game led by Warrick Dunn. The Green Bay Packers are having a dismal season at just 1-7--too bad for Brett Favre who strongly contemplated retirement after last season. Favre has never lost more than 8 games in his previous 13 seasons at Green Bay, but it looks as if that mark will be surpasses this year.

Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington is coming off a big win against last year's NFC Champion Eagles which moved them into 2nd place in the division along side idle Dallas. Mark Brunell looks like the QB he was in Jacksonville, scrambling outside the pocket and making throws on the run, while Clinton Portis mounts a solid ground attack. After starting the season 4-0, the Bucs have been sliding. They suffered a 34-14 defeat to Carolina last Sunday, and Brian Griese's replacement Chris Sims continues to struggle, throwing 2 INTs and losing a fumble while being sacked five times last week.

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are 17-3 in their last 20 regular season games at home under Holmgren. Shaun Alexander is the NFL's leading rusher with 949 yards on the season. He rushed for over 170 yards last week with two TDs. The Rams' skill players have been out hurt but are expected back this Sunday. With Bulger, Holt, and Bruce back the Rams will bring a much improved offense to the table.

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers

A rusty Charlie Batch took over the quarterbacking duties for Ben Roethlisberger last week as Roethlisberger endured knee surgery. It was Batch's first start in four years. The Steelers' leading rushers Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker are also banged up and listed as questionable. The Browns are coming off of a victory against Tennessee last week after losing their three previous games. Reuben Droughns is coming off a stellar performance in which he had a season best 116 yards on the ground and added another 73 yards receiving.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Owens will not be in uniform again this week as the Eagles take on the Cowboys Monday night. It seems as though Owens' apology was too little too late. Philadelphia, at 4-4, is just a glimpse of the NFC powerhouse they were a season ago. They are the leagues worst rushing team, but Westbrook figures to get more carries in TO's absence. Dallas is coming off of a bye week which will allow running back Julius Jones to return to the lineup. Drew Bledsoe has risen from the dead and is having a very solid season throwing the football.

Jimmy Boyd is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at [http://www.procappers.com/Jimmy_Boyd.htm]