QB Game Ball - Donovan McNabb, Washington - 26/49, 357, 1 TD, 1 INT
There were a few QBs who put up better numbers than McNabb on Sunday but none of them did it in such a hard fought victory. After a couple of sub-par performances against the Rams and Eagles, the Redskins needed to their veteran QB to step up and that's just what McNabb did. Washington ran for just 61 yards as McNabb led the air attack against a tough Packers team. Santana Moss caught seven balls for 118 yards while Anthony Armstrong nabbed the teams only TD on the day.

QB Honorable Mention - Alex Smith, San Francisco - 25/39, 309 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int (new offensive coordinator getting things right for 49ers.)

RB Game Ball - Ray Rice, Baltimore - 27 carries, 133 yards, 2 TD, 4 catches, 26 yards
It was only a matter of time for Rice and the Ravens to get back to running the ball. Sure, Joe Flacco looked good last year and Anquan Boldin was a nice pick-up, but the Ravens have built a reputation for pounding the ball and playing good D. And it has always worked well for them. This was Rice's first 100-yard performance of the season and it's not likely to be his last.

RB Honorable Mention - Matte Forte, Chicago - 22 carries, 166 yards, 2 TD (the more he touches the ball the better the Bears play.)

WR Game Ball - Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants - 12 catches, 130 yards, 2 TD
Nicks stepped up his game on Sunday in Houston in a big win for the Giants. Eli Manning threw for 297 yards while Steve Smith caught 89 of those and a third touchdown. Nicks not only leads his team in all receiving categories but is tops in the league amongst WRs with six touchdowns this season.

WR Honorable Mention - Malcolm Floyd, San Diego - 8 catches, 213 yards, 1 TD (who needs Vincent Jackson?)

Game Used Sock Award - Matt Schaub, QB, Houston - 16/34, 196 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Who are the Houston Texans? The team that won impressively against the Colts back in week one or the team that got whipped byt the Giants on Sunday? Sure, a pourous defense can take a lot of the blame. But Schaub and the offense could not move the ball against New York. Arian Foster had just 11 carries for 25 yards. Andre Johnson returned from an injury and had a nice game with 95 receiving yards. And that leaves Schaub. He is certainly a better QB than those numbers against the Giants indicate and the season is not lost for the Texans who are looking for their first playoff berth. But for now all Schaub gets is a pair of nasty game worn socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City - 16/29, 156 yards, 0 TD (so much for the undefeated Chiefs.)

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QB Game Ball - Kyle Orton, Denver - 35/50, 341 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
It's doubtful anyone expected much fro the Broncos this season, but after four games Orton has them moving in the right direction. While the running game has been non-existent, the young QB has been able to sling the ball around to the likes of Eddie Royal and Brandon Llloyd with good success. Denver may be defying the trend of winning games by running the ball and playing good defense, but at least through four weeks, Orton has the team looking pretty good.

QB Honorable Mention - Sam Bradford, St. Louis - 23/41, 289 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int (looking to shake off that 'rookie' status.)

RB Game Ball - LaDainian Tomlinson, NY Jets - 19 carries, 133 yards, 2 TD, 3 catches, 22 yards
Before the season started LT looked to be a good fit for the Jets. He could spell a young RB and be a nice third-down back for a young QB. Well, that idea sure has changed. Tomlinson is not going to match the numbers he put up in his MVP-type seasons, but he sure is showing that he's still a stud. There is certainly plenty left in the tank for the veteran and he may end up being the key to the Jets success throughout the year.

RB Honorable Mention - Peyton Hillis, Browns - 27 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD (back-to-back huge games against tough D's.)

WR Game Ball - Terrell Owens, Bengals - 10 catches, 222 yards, 1 TD
Through the first few games with his new team, T.O. has been rather quiet. Actually most of the talk has been about the bad play from his new QB, Carson Palmer. But the two were certainly on the same page in Clevelnad on Sunday. Of course a win would have been nice.

WR Honorable Mention - Reggie Wayne - 15 catches, 196 yards (yeah, he's still Peyton's man.)

The Game-Used Sock Award

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks - 20/36, 191 yards, 1 Int
Not much was expected from Hassebeck and the Seattle offense when the season began. But they came out strong in their first couple of games and certainly turned a few heads. So when looking at the oppurtunity to play the lowly Rams most people would assume the veteran QB would put up some nice numbers. So much for assuming. Blame can be placed on the offensive line and even a weak running game. For that matter, Hasselbeck doesn't really have a 'go-to' guy as he spread the ball around - in desperation - to ten different guys against the Rams. But at some point a veteran quarterback has to take the fall. And he has to wear nasty stinking socks on the plane back to Seattle.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Donovan McNabb, Redskins - 8/19, 125 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int (sure, you beat your old team but are you bragging about those numbers?)

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The Philadelphia Eagles traded veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb to their division foes, the Washington Redskins, on Sunday in exchange for the Redskins’ second-round pick next month (No. 37 overall) and either a third or fourth-round choice in 2011.

McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler, has led the Eagles to the NFC Championship game in five of his 11 years. However, with the young Kevin Kolb waiting in the wings and all three of the team’s quarterbacks on the roster with just one-year left, the team opted to go with that route of youth.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 draft, McNabb leaves as the franchise leader in yards passing (32,873), completions (2,801), attempts (4,746), completion percentage (59.0) and touchdown passes (216). He also rushed for 3,249 yards and 28 TDs.

Head coach Andy Reid indicated that is important for the franchise to keep McNabb’s best interest in mind when trading him. Clearly Washington is a better landing sport for the 34-year old than Buffalo, Oakland or St. Louis would have been. Still, how the Eagles traded him to a division rival is mind-boggling.

****

FANTASY IMPACT: Clearly Kolb is the big winner here. He immediately rises into the top 20 with top 12 potential. McNabb’s value could take a minor hit, but he should still be considered a solid starting option. DeSean Jackson is the best wideout to be impacted by the move, but I don’t expect much off a drop off. Give a big boost to all Washington wideouts. Still, none of them excite me at this point. Jason Campbell's value takes the biggest hit. The former Redskins is likely to find a new home.

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The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly listening to offers on all three of their quarterbacks – Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick.

All three are under contract for one more year.  The team would prefer to trade Vick, but there is not much of a market for him at his price tag.

Many inside the organization believe that Kolb is the future. That leaves the 33-year old McNabb as the odd man out.

There are at least 10 teams in the league that need McNabb but the question remains which team will make a move.

The Rams, Bill and Raiders are said to be amongst the front-runners, but none of them make sense for McNabb. The best fit in my eyes in Arizona.

Sure the Cardinals have Matt Leinart still under contact and just signed Derek Anderson, but if they could land McNabb they will once again rise to the top as one of the top contenders for the NFC crown. Without him they may not even make the playoffs.

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JONES SET TO BE RELEASED
In a move that comes as no surprise, the New York Jets will release veteran running back Thomas Jones on Friday. Jones was due a $2 million roster bonus and with Shonn Greene waiting in the wings the soon-to-be 32-year old became expendable...MORE

MCNABB ON THE MOVE?
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has the topic of plenty of off-season trade rumors. The latest has the veteran signal caller landing in St. Louis. According St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell, the Rams have had "intense internal conversations" about a possible trade for McNabb…MORE

BOLDIN OFFICIALLY ON MARKET
Arizona Cardinals’ general manager Rod Graves has confirmed that the team is listening to all offers for disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Though nothing appears imminent, the former Pro Bowl wideout could be shopped around heavily between now and April’s draft…MORE

MANNING EYEING RECORD DEAL
Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning is nearing the final year of his deal and Yahoo.com speculates that as the team works towards a new deal this off-season that the future Hall of Famer could command $25 to $30 million per season…MORE

RYAN-THOMAS REUNION?
If the New England Patriots decide to cut outside linebacker Adalius Thomas, then he probably won't have to wait long to find employment. A call to his previous defensive coordinator should be all it takes. He spent seven years with the Baltimore Ravens and played under Rex Ryan, now the New York Jets' head coach…MORE

PLENTY OF INTEREST IN DANSBY
There are reportedly over a dozen teams that could be interested in pursuing Cardinals’ pending free-agent linebacker Karlos Dansby. The Giants, Redskins, Bears and Dolphins are among the teams showing interest, according to the Palm Beach Post…MORE

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Brett Favre, Vikings - Favre was limited in practice on Wednesday and is listed on the injury report with three injuries -- his foot, ankle and knee.

Matthew Stafford, Lions - Stafford missed practice on Wednesday due to his injured knee. The Lions did not reveal anything else about his status.

Marc Bulger, Rams - Bulger was limited in practice on Wednesday because of his shoulder. He says that he's 50-50 on whether he'll play this Sunday. If the game would have been on Wednesday, Bulger says he could not have played.

Eli Manning, Giants - Manning did not practice on Wednesday but could play on Sunday even without practicing any this week. It's too early to tell whether or not he'll go in Week 5.

Kurt Warner, Cardinals - Warner is listed on the injury report but participated fully in practice on Wednesday.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks - Hasselbeck was limited in practice on Wednesday with his rib injury. It's unsure if he'll be able to gain enough strength between now and Sunday to make his Week 5 start.

Donovan McNabb, Eagles - McNabb was back at practice and participated fully. He may wear a protective jacket to cover his ribs but he should start this Sunday.

Frank Gore, 49ers - Gore has been ruled out for Week 5. He will not play against Atlanta this Sunday.

Jamal Lewis, Browns - After missing last week's game, Lewis returned to practice but on a limited basis due to his hamstring.

Marion Barber, Cowboys - Barber returned to practice on Wednesday and participated fully. Coach Wade Phillips said that Barber looked better than he did last week.

Willie Parker, Steelers - Parker did not practice on Wednesday due to turf toe and he's not likely to play on Sunday.

Kevin Smith, Lions - Smith participated fully in practice on Wednesday and claims he is ready to go.

Cedric Benson, Bengals - Benson did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Fred Taylor, Patriots - Taylor was held out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. His status is questionable for Sunday.

Correll Buckhalter, Broncos - Buckhalter did not practice on Wednesday and could miss one to two weeks with his high ankle sprain.

Felix Jones, Cowboys - Jones did not practice at all on Wednesday and had a brace on his knee for the duration of drills.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants - Bradshaw was unable to practice on Wednesday and was back in a protective boot on his ankle and foot. The same was true last week and he was able to play.

Michael Clayton, Buccaneers - Clayton is what head coach Raheem Morris called, "a little dinged up." Clayton was limited in practice on Wednesday with a rib injury.

Donnie Avery, Rams - Avery was limited and eventually taken out of practice on Wednesday with hamstring issues. He is listed as probable for Sunday.

Nate Washington, Titans - Washington is listed on the injury report with a concussion but practiced in full on Wednesday.

Calvin Johnson, Lions - Johnson was not able to practice on Wednesday due to a thigh injury. His status for Sunday is in question.

Steve Breaston, Cardinals - Breaston was limited in practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Breaston should be able to play on Sunday.

Wes Welker, Patriots - Welker was limited in practice on Wednesday but says he's feeling good and looking forward to the weekend. Sounds like he'll be ready to play.

Derrick Mason, Ravens - Mason missed practice on Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Randy Moss, Patriots - Moss missed practice on Wednesday but his absence was not injury related.

Roy Williams, Cowboys - Williams was unable to practice on Wednesday with a rib injury but told the media that he hopes to play on Sunday.

Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers - Bryant was limited in practice on Wednesday with a knee injury.

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The annual GSI Mock Draft is rolling right along. Don't miss our takes and explanations and offer your take too...

RECAPS: Round One | Round Two | Round Three

ROUND FOUR
37. BROERING - QB D. McNabb (PHI)
38. SIMON - WR B. Marshall (DEN)
39. DINSMORE - RB R. Brown (MIA)
40. BRYANT - WR W. Welker (NE)
41. WETZEL - QB A. Rodgers (GB)
42. SCHMITT - RB C. Benson (CIN)
43. SIMS - TE J. Witten (DAL)
44. MURDICO - WR R. Williams (DAL)
45. ANSELMO - RB K. Smith (DET)
46. CLASGENS - RB R. Bush (NO)
47. FISCHER - RB J. Stewart (CAR)
48. HUMBERT - QB P. Rivers (SD)

POSITION BREAKDOWN: RB (5), QB (3), WR (3), TE (1)

MY PICK: Like many others in the league, the time to get my RB2 came in Round 4. This league is not a PPR league, so Reggie Bush loses some of his luster. However, he is still a nice grab with the 46th overall pick and a steady RB2 option with upside. Injuries have been a problem, but he's worth the risk here. One look at his numbers through the first seven games (two rushing TD's, three receiving TD's, and 660 total yards) last season though so his potential to be a solid starting option.

BEST VALUE PICK: Aaron Rodgers will be valued much higher this season than last and rightfully so after he had 10 multiple-touchdown games in '08. I don't put him in the same ballpark as the top three quarterbacks, but he definitely is nice value 18 picks after Tom Brady went and 19 picks following Peyton Manning.

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: Count me as somebody that is not buying into the Roy Williams being an automatic replacement for Terrell Owens in Dallas. Of the three receivers selected within this round, he by far has the best chance to be a bust. He had problems adjusting mid-season in Dallas and suffered a foot injury down the stretch. The potential is there, but at this point I can find somebody that had more than seven touchdown catches over the past two years.

FINAL TAKE: This round was predictable. We saw our first tight end go off the board in Jason Witten (nice pick), five teams go with RB2 and a few quarterbacks and wideouts. In general, waiting on quarterback didn't prove too badly for the three owners that took signal callers here.

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Three more freakin' games, that's all we have left of the NFL in 2008. This weekend's slate looks nothing like I predicted in the NFC, but I pretty much nailed it in the AFC. Either way it makes for an interesting  Sunday of football. Here's how I see the games unfolding this weekend:

PHILADELPHIA (9-7) at ARIZONA (9-6-1) - Eagles favored by 4
Outlook: For the thrird straight week it's hard to find anybody that wants to pick the Cardinals, but they just keep finding ways to win. In my mind they've already beaten two teams that are just as good as Philly.

The Eagles are riding high, but outside of drilliing an overrated and unfocused Cowboys' team to get into the playoffs, outlasting a Tavaris Jackson-led Vikings' squad, and a Giants' offense that failed to find an idenity what have the Eagles done? All that's right, they tied the freakin' Bengals, got drilled by the Ravens, and blew a must-win game late in the year to a weak Redskins' team.

Arizona looked terrible down the stretch of the regular season, but post-season surge of the defense and the committment to get a running game going has breathed life into the Cardinals at the perfect time. They looked impressive against Atlanta and shut down Michael Turner. Then they went to Carolina and did something eight other teams couldn't do this year as they beat the Panthers. And not just beat them, but drill them.

The Eagles jumped out to a 21-0 lead before rolling the Cards on Thanksgiving Night, but this time its in Arizona and believe it or not I am going to think that makes a difference.

My Pick: CARDS 24, EAGLES 20

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook, Edgerrin James, Tim Hightower, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, David Akers, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Correll Buckhalter, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, L.J. Smith, Eagles DEF, Cardinals DEF

BALTIMORE (11-5) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6
Outlook: The Steelers have already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beating a team three times in one season is a tough task, but it's not unheard off. Just ask the 1999 Jaguars, they went 14-2 before with both losses coming to the Titans, then they lost to Tennessee in the playoffs. It happens. Baltimore has had quite a run to get this point, but they look tired. They haven't had a bye since Week 2 and the veterans on the defense have played at such a high level I think that could hurt them.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is enjoying fresh life in the running game as Fast Willie Parker finally gets to 100%. His speed to the outside could present problems for the Ravens, who are likely to be without linebacker Terrell Suggs. Ben Roethlisberger is going to be playing looser than Joe Flacco, but that could lead into turnovers. To me that is the key to this game. If Baltimore is going to have a chance they will need to limit Big Ben and capitalize on mistakes. I don't see the Steelers, who have the best homefield advantage in the league, making too many mistakes though.

My Pick: STEELERS 20, RAVENS 13

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, LeRon McClain, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Derrick Mason, Heath Miller, Jeff Reed, Matt Stover, Steelers DEF, Ravens DEF; DON'T PLAY -Willis McGahee, Mewelde Moore, Mark Clayton, Nate Washington, Todd Heap

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Man each week the NFL season draws closer to an end, and each week the depression kicks in a little more. Still, there are some great games on tap this weekend and I am going to try to enjoy them to the fullest. Let's take a look each game as I tell you how I see things unfolding and give you my picks.

BALTIMORE (12-5) at TENNESSEE (13-3) - Titans favored by 3
Outlook: The Titans won the Week 5 meeting 13-10 in Baltimore and this one promises to be another slugfest. Baltimore comes into the game off an impressive opening-round victory and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. In the Week 5 meeting the Ravens controlled the clock and limited Tennessee to 47 yards rushing. Tennessee will need more effective running the ball this time around. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco threw two picks in the first meeting, but hasn't been turning the ball over as much of late. The two teams are extremely similar statisically in PaYd per game, RuYd per game, points scored, points allowed, give-aways, and take-aways. The game could easily come down to which team can put points on the board with their defense of special teams.

My Pick: Ravens 20, Titans 16...The one underdog I like to win straight up this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Chris Johnson, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas, Matt Stover, Ravens DEF, Titans DEF; DON'T PLAY - Joe Flacco, Kerry Collins, LenDale White, Any Titans' WR, Todd Heap.

ARIZONA (10-7) at CAROLINA (12-4) - Panthers favored by 10
Outlook: Talk about two teams that are completely different, the Cardinals and Panthers have gotten to this point in completely different manners. The Panthers have a top-notched running game and an above average defense. The Cardinals boast the league's most prolific passing attack, but struggle to move the ball on the ground and has played inconsistent this year on defense. The game is in Carolina and that could be the difference. Arizona is just 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the desert and and the Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Kurt Warner has passed for twice as many TD's as Jake Delhomme (30:15), but Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower collectively were nearly outproduced by the Panthers' No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart on the ground (913 yards to 836 yards). DeAngelo Williams finished thrid in the NFL in rushing with 1515 yards.

My Pick: Carolina 31, Arizona 20...The Cards will have some success on offense, but will not be able to stop the run this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, DeAngelo Williams, Edgerrin James, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin (game-time decision), Mushin Muhammad, John Kasay, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Tim Hightower, Stephen Spach, Donte Rosario, Panthers DEF, Cardinals DEF.

PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NY GIANTS (13-3) - Giants favored by 4.5
Outlook: I am still trying to figure out the Eagles even got this point. It wasn't too long ago I went and watched them tie the Bengals. Much has happened since then and the Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games to get to this point. The Giants are the defending champs and come into the game well rested. While the Eagles finished the season red hot, the Giants were a bit sluggish down the stretch as they dealt with problems on and off the field. The two teams split in their head-to-head match-ups with Philly, winning 20-14 in Week 14 at the Meadowlands. Eli Manning has looked rough down the stretch (only averaging 153 PaYd per game w/out Plaxico). The G-Men will enjoy a healthy return of Brandon Jacobs.

My Pick: Giants 20, Eagles 14...the rubber match should be a good one, but I still like the champs coming off two weeks of rest.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, Eagles DEF, David Akers, John Carney; DON'T PLAY - Eli Manning, Correll Buckhalter, Amani Toomer, Giants DEF.

SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6
Outlook: A little over a month ago I pegged the Chargers as the most overrated team and declared Norv Turner one of the worst coaches in the league. It's amazing what five straight wins can do for job somebody's job security. Behind the Pro Bowl caliber play of Phillip Rivers and the speedy Darren Sproles San Diego has caught a bolt of lightning. Pittsburgh's defense is as good as ever and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to find ways to win. The Steelers' ground attack has been disappointing, but it hasn't matter much as they've continue to beat good team after good team. They have the best homefield advantage of any team in the playoffs and that could make the difference here. San Diego lost at Pittsburhg in Week 11 in the first 11-10 game in NFL history.

My Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Chargers 14...as much as I hate them the Steelers are my Super Bowl pick right now and I am sticking with it!

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, Steelers; DON'T PLAY - Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles (fear the Steelers' D), LaDainian Tomlinson (hurt), Chris Chambers, Chargers DEF, Nate Kaeding, Jeff Reed.

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Some parting shots from the first weekend of the NFL playoffs:

*I forgot what is was like to watch commericals during NFL games, oh how I already miss the NFL Ticket and the Red Zone Channel

*Matt Ryan had a great season and has single-handedly turned out the fortunes of the Falcons' franchise, but stopping RB Michael Turner is still the key to beating Atlanta. The Cardinals' defense suprisingly held him to 42 yards on 18 carries. For the record Ryan finished the game 26 of 40 for 199 yards and 2 TD's, but he also threw two big picks.

*Larry Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the NFL...period. The TD catch he made was amazing, but it is just one of many he had during the season.

*The Colts can't win playoff games without a running game. Joseph Addai only mustered 44 yards on 16 carries. Running the football is a must in winning come playoff time.

*L.T. is done. I don't see him ever returning to his former self. Do you think the Chargers would like to have Michael Turner back now?

*Darren Sproles is the man - and was a stellar sleeper pick in my playoff fantasy football lineup! He produced the third most total yards in playoff history, including 105 yards rushing on 23 carries and 2 TD's!

*How did Phillip Rivers miss the Pro Bowl?

*The Ravens were my sleeper pick of all of the wildcard teams. Their defense is nearly as good as their 2000 unit that won the Super Bowl. Their running game can wear any team down and rookie quartberback Joe Flacco is much better than Trent Dilfer. Can you say Super Bowl? Let's not get too carried away yet, but it wouldn't suprise if it happened.

*Flacco became the third rookie QB to win their first post-season start. Everybody knows Ben Roethlisberger did it, but I completely forgot about Shaun King (Tampa Bay 2001), where did he go?

*Chad Pennington had a great season and certainly deserved his second Comeback Player of the Year award, but on Sunday he remembered that he indeed was Chad Pennington.

*If the Vikings are serious about winning they cannot go in to next season with Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte as their quarterbacks.

*It's hard to believe that a little more than a month ago the Eagles actually benched Donovan McNabb. Expect both him and head coach Andy Reid to return to Philly in '09.

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