The NFC East is certainly one of the tightest divisions in the NFL, with all four teams have a viable shot at entering the playoffs. However, with only 5 weeks to go, time is running out, making each direct matchup that much more critical. While it seems as though the Giants can’t not make the playoffs (10-1), the Redskins (7-4) need this win. 7-4 is a great record…but only great enough to be in 3rd place in the NFC West. A game behind the Cowboys and only 1 (or 1.5?) ahead of the Eagles, the Redskins are looking for wins that can sneak them by in the wildcard slot. Expect a lot of intensity this weekend from the Skins.

After a lackluster performance in the first of the Eagles versus Ravens matchup yesterday, Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid benched Donovan McNabb in favor of backup QB Pat Shurmur. It was an effort desired to put a spark in the Eagles offense. However, it only worsened the situation and led to further embarassment. When McNabb left it was 10-7. When the game was over it was 36-7. It’s clear that McNabb is not the problem. Furthermore, it may finally happen where McNabb leaves after the end of this season.

Even Donavan McNabb didn’t know that you could end an NFL game with a tie.  He just thought they would keep playing until someone scored.  And if those had been the rules, it may have been several hours/days longer. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals played pretty badly on Sunday. McNabb, one of the best in the league, threw 3 interceptions and fumbled the ball.  The Bengals have been stinking it up this year; it’s just a mess for them and they feel lucky to have wins and a tie this year. The Eagles shouldn’t be in this kind of position, they are competitive in the NFC East, but they sure didn’t show it. They are in the record books, however: it is the first NFL Tie in 6 years, with a score of 13-13.

The surprise turnaround team Arizona Cardinals have shocked and awed the nation this year with their (so far) impressive season. Holding a 6-3 record over the other three 2-7 teams in their division, the Cardinals have put their hopes in Kurt Warner and he has not often failed to serve his team exceptionally. With only seven games to go, Arizona will face the Seahawks this Sunday in a huge divisional game. They can either close the door on the Seahawks’ comeback hopes or give them hope. It’s a big game for the Cardinals. Learn more about it right here.

The San Francisco 49ers went up against the Arizona Cardinals last night.  Or should I say, 2-6 SF went up against divisional leader Arizona.  San Francisco that has, after last night, dropped 6 games in a row, dropping to 2-7 on the season thusfar. But aside from that buildup, it was actually a very impressive game.  The 49ers held out until the VERY end of the game, missing a 1st and 1, a bunch of times.  They kept running the ball, and the runners kept falling down.  It was a fun standoff on the goal line, but it turned out very much not the way SF would have hoped.  In the end, they lost 29-24.  It was closer than anyone had expected but also very frustrating for the 49ers. Better luck next time.

This week should be another monster performance for San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers will be facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team they have utterly dominated in their last four meetings. L.T. was especially potent, averaging 175 yards per game for 7 total touchdowns. Add in the fact that the Chiefs are the worst in the league for rush defense and L.T. has got a beautiful picnic set up for himself. Check out more information about L.T. on NFL.com.

I’m sorry.  I know I’ve written about the Cowboys much too much lately.  I wrote about Jason Witten last Friday and whether he would play.  I wrote about the Cowboys in other ways, because there’s a lot happening with the team.  Well yesterday, there was a very impressive game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, NFC East rivals.  Everyone in NFC East are rivals, because everyone’s over .500 at the moment.  Dallas had an awful day yesterday, losing 53-14.  The Giants just took them out of their game, they weren’t able to score points or defend.  To be fair, the Giants are a great team this year, with lots of confidence.  But Dallas just couldn’t get it done and they’re frustrated about it now.  Too bad.  They hope to have Tony Romo back for next week’s game though.