Countdown: Giants, Eagles QBs have been shaky

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This is a huge showdown game in the NFC East, and both teams enter with shoddy quarterback play. Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb have looked shaky and indecisive the past couple of games. McNabb has thrown one TD in his past 81 attempts and has been sacked nine times in the past two games. McNabb could be running for his life again as RT Winston Justice attempts to block Justin Tuck in this game. Two years ago, Osi Umenyiora had six sacks against Justice. The Eagles' offensive line is a mess and the Giants want to pressure McNabb as much as possible, but New York has also been worried about the play of its secondary with the absence of CB Aaron Ross, who is close to returning. If Brian Westbrook doesn't play, one of the drawbacks of rookie RB LeSean McCoy has been his shaky blitz pickup technique. McNabb has struggled (4-for-19 against the blitz lately) in the past two games, and if there's no time to throw, the Eagles might turn to the wildcat and run Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson as much as possible. The Eagles fortunately found an MLB in ex-Ram Will Witherspoon, and you can bet he will be tested by New York's running game of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. RT Kareem McKenzie returns to the starting lineup after missing one game. CZAR'S SCOOP: Even NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke before Congress this week about the fears of concussions, and with the Eagles' training staff actively a part of the NFL studies, coach Andy Reid insists RB Brian Westbrook, who was knocked out early in the Redskins game Monday night, remains 50-50 to play today. Apparently, Westbrook passed his medical test on Friday and wants to play. But why roll the dice with such a prized player? The Giants' Bradshaw has been playing with a cracked bone in his right foot. It's the fifth metatarsal. He got a second opinion this week from foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina, and Anderson concurred with the Giants' plan of treatment. Bradshaw has a walking boot during the week, takes limited practice and then plays. He has not missed a game this year. Even if Bradshaw gets through the regular season, he may undergo a procedure to have a screw inserted into the bone. The Giants believe Manning has been trying too hard to make the big play rather than simply taking what he has. New York's red-zone defense is one of the league's worst, and Arizona scored on all four trips in the red zone last Sunday.

San Francisco at Indianapolis, 1 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Nobody wants to get into a shootout with Peyton Manning, but the 49ers believe new starting QB Alex Smith gives the offense far better ability to throw the ball vertically, particularly to WR Michael Crabtree. If Smith can stay hot (three TDs last Sunday), it could open more holes for RB Frank Gore. However, the 49ers will be tested by the Colts' strong pass rush. Amazingly, 49ers TE Vernon Davis leads the NFL with six TD receptions. The Colts seek to stretch their franchise-record consecutive regular-season win streak to 16. Manning should have WR Reggie Wayne, who strained his groin last week. However, rookie RB Donald Brown could sit out because of a bruised left shoulder. The Colts favor the two-back system with Brown and starter Joseph Addai, but Addai is being pushed for time. Colts president Bill Polian has been unhappy with Addai's hesitant running style when approaching the line of scrimmage. Indy hasn't allowed a touchdown in its past two games, just five field goals. DE Dwight Freeney is on a seven-game sack streak. CZAR'S SCOOP: The 49ers signed CB Tarell Brown to a three-year contract extension through the 2013 season. The deal provides $7.125 million in new money and includes $2.5 million guaranteed. Brown figures to start today as Nate Clements works as the nickel back. The 49ers also got some good news as S Michael Lewis returned to full practice this week and has been cleared to return to the starting lineup after missing one game after sustaining his third concussion since mid-August. Lewis is the 49ers' third-leading tackler with 39. The Colts have only seven turnovers this season, and since 2004 they have the fewest turnovers in the league with 97. San Diego is next with 112. The Colts are 69-17 during that span and have won their past 23 games when not having a turnover; they are 45-3 when they win the turnover battle. Remember, Smith agreed to tear up his 49ers contract at the end of last season in order to remain with the team. Smith said it was a priority for him to remain with the 49ers despite all the negativity that followed him the past two seasons. "The thing that spoke volumes to me is that he had a chance to move on, go to another team and make more money," 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.

Seattle at Dallas, 1 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Cowboys want to get on a roll, and their newest millionaire, ROLB DeMarcus Ware, could have a big day against Seattle LT Damion McIntosh. Ware, who led the league in sacks with 20 last year, has never faced McIntosh, who was signed a month ago. McIntosh will need help protecting Matt Hasselbeck's blind side. The Seahawks need to run, and they could be helped by the absence of NT Jay Ratliff, who twisted his knee in Thursday's practice. Junior Siavii would start if Ratliff is a late scratch. Dallas is averaging 419 yards on offense, and Tony Romo has discovered a deep threat with Miles Austin to go along with the three-headed attack at running back. The Cowboys are pretty healthy on offense, and they have received solid play from defensive newcomers DE Igor Olshansky and S Gerald Sensabaugh. Also, rookie CB Mike Jenkins has become particularly aggressive. Seattle will get LB Leroy Hill and CB Marcus Truffant will play in all nickel situations. Interestingly, DE Patrick Kerney will be used as a nickel rusher while Darryl Tapp starts for him on first and second downs. Nate Burleson is Seattle's main deep threat and Cowboys CB Terence Newman will have him in man coverage. CZAR'S SCOOP: For the seventh time this season, the Cowboys were forced on Friday to practice at a high school complex because their fields were too soggy. The indoor facility collapsed on Kentucky Derby Day and owner Jerry Jones hasn't resolved yet how to proceed with a new structure, something that will be required for the 2011 Super Bowl. "We feel like nomads," Dallas receiver Patrick Crayton said. "We don't have a home right now." The Seahawks were forced to put All-Pro offensive tackle Walter Jones on injured reserve this week. Part of the issue with Jones, 35, is he has a kidney condition that does not allow him to take anti-inflammatory medication, which could help him deal with the pain in his knee. "I think it was a decision they made," Jones said about being placed on IR. "And I'm cool with that because it's tough because I'm been working hard trying to get back on the football field, and everybody knows the limitations I have with the stuff I can take to get back." You can bet Carolina's Julius Peppers will want a contract in line with what Ware received. Dallas rookie David Buehler of USC is tied for the NFL lead in touchbacks with 13. The Cowboys' team record is the 27 that Lin Elliott had in 1992.

St. Louis at Detroit, 1 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Rams have lost 17 straight, but this could be their chance to win if they can somehow contain and rattle rookie QB Matthew Stafford, who has been bothered by a displaced kneecap. Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson are expected to play for the Lions, but neither is close to 100 percent. Yes, the Rams and Lions represent the worst of the NFL. The Lions went winless in 2008, but this year they ended their streak by beating Washington. The Rams won two games last season, but have yet to win this season. The closest they came was a two-point loss at Washington and an overtime loss in Jacksonville. What is killing the Rams is an inconsistent passing game because the receivers are so young. They must be able to run Steven Jackson and hope to control the game on the ground. Rams DEs Leonard Little, James Hall and Chris Long must win the war against Lions OTs Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus. Lions quarterbacks have been sacked 22 times in six games, but the Rams have just 12 sacks in seven games, four by Little. Long is still looking for his first sack. CZAR'S SCOOP: Rams LB David Vobora returned to practice this week, following his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Larry Grant started at strong-side LB last week and Vobora may be a week away from regaining his position. Right now, the Rams have Paris Lenon and Grant alongside rookie sensation James Laurinaitis. The Rams are one of only four NFL teams that played four of their first six games on the road (without the benefit of a bye mixed in). And they are one of only two teams — Minnesota being the other — to open the season with two road games. For a winless team, you don't hear any bickering in the Rams' locker room. The players practice and work hard for first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo. Of the 45 players that dressed the last time the Rams won — on Oct. 19, 2008, against Dallas — 23 are not on the current roster. And 12 of those 23 are not on NFL rosters.

Minnesota at Green Bay, 4:15 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: You have to believe the Packers went back to the drawing board after being ripped by Brett Favre and the Vikings defense in the first meeting of these division rivals. The Packers want to put more pressure on Favre than last time and look for rookie Clay Matthews and Aaron Kampman to bring it. However, on offense, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers probably will have rookie T.J. Lang at LT because Chad Clifton's ankle remains sore. Scott Wells will start again at center. The Packers probably won't have TE Jermichael Finley and definitely won't have WR Jordy Nelson. To keep Rodgers upright, look for the Packers to chip Minnesota DE Jared Allen, who had 4 1/2 sacks in the first game. It seems unlikely Lang can handle Allen. On the flip side, Rodgers believes he can attack Minnesota's secondary, which is minus Antoine Winfield, and wants to get the ball out quickly to Greg Jennings. However, Karl Paymah and Benny Sapp played well last week in Pittsburgh, and the Vikings believe they gained some confidence there. The weak links, though, could be safeties Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson. Favre won't have WR Bernard Berrian, which means Greg Lewis will play a lot, but he does have rookie Percy Harvin and new deep threat Sidney Rice. The key matchup could be Matthews against Minnesota rookie RT Phil Loadholt. CZAR'S SCOOP: Favre is 7-0 with a 102.0 passer rating against teams with Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers as the head coach or coordinator. There are amazing similarities between Favre and Denver's John Elway. Both had biceps surgery on their throwing arms late in their careers, and both played with great running backs — Favre with Adrian Peterson and Elway with Terrell Davis. What is fascinating to NFL followers is how well Favre is protecting the football and playing this season. But the key to that could be Peterson. Favre, like Elway, knows he doesn't have to win every game by himself anymore. As great as Elway was, he didn't win a Super Bowl until Davis arrived, and Davis was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII — against Favre and the Packers, no less. When the Packers didn't want Favre after he unretired, there is no question why he wanted to be in Minnesota. To a veteran quarterback, it makes perfect sense. Favre won't be introduced at Lambeau Field today. The Vikings will come onto the field as a team. This game may be a lot about Favre, but don't forget how important it is for Rodgers. He'd like to make a statement, too — that Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson made the right choice in picking him over Favre. Although it rained on Saturday, the weather forecast is for 48 degrees and clear skies today.

Carolina at Arizona, 4:15 ET

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: In an odd turn of events for the Cardinals, they are 3-0 on the road and only 1-2 at home this season. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner will tell you that last season's playoff win in Carolina turned the team's psyche around. Panthers coach John Fox has decided to stick with Jake Delhomme, knowing once he pulls the plug on his veteran, there is no turning back. To help Jake, look for the Panthers to run pass patterns out of the middle of the field, where most of errant, sailing throws have occurred. The Cardinals have become a very solid 3-4 defensive team and have been getting great play from DE Calais Campbell, S Adrian Wilson and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. With Mushin Muhammad out, WR Dwayne Jarrett will be asked to take the heat off Steve Smith. DeAngelo Williams wants to take over this game — he told the offensive linemen just that — but can Carolina win with just a running game? The Panthers have only three interceptions, so they will have to put extreme pressure on Warner to keep the game close, especially with rookie CB Sherrod Martin starting for S Charles Godfrey. Carolina CB Chris Gamble will try to cover Larry Fitzgerald everywhere. CZAR'S SCOOP: Maybe it made sense for Fox to stick with Delhomme, who will get a rematch with the team that sent his play spiraling out of control. Carolina was 12-4 before hosting Arizona in the playoffs Jan. 10, but the Panthers are 2-4 since losing that game, 33-13. Delhomme had six turnovers (five interceptions and a fumble) in the playoff game, which took place on his 34th birthday. So far this season, he has thrown four touchdown passes (none to a wide receiver) and a league-high 13 interceptions. Of his 13 picks, two have been returned for touchdowns and five more have resulted in TDs, including four that were returned to the Carolina 10 or closer. Panthers WR Steve Smith on the QB situation: "I can't worry about what's going on in somebody else's kitchen, because I've got grilled cheese burning on the stove myself." Smith still doesn't have a touchdown catch. Smith, who faces almost constant double-team defense, is tied for 33rd in the NFL with 27 catches. Panthers kicker John Kasay turned 40 on Tuesday, becoming the seventh active player in the NFL in that advanced age group. He's the 51st player ever to play into his 40s and the 10th full-time place-kicker. The league's oldest player is Saints kicker John Carney, 45. The Cardinals have a chance to get hot, considering they play only two teams with winning records in the final 10.

Other games

Miami at N.Y. Jets: It may be interesting to note the Jets have a better rushing attack than the Dolphins. Believe it or not, the Jets average about 185 yards per game, while Miami is second at 170. In fact, the Jets are the first team since O.J.'s Buffalo Bills to notch consecutive 300-yard rushing games. In Miami's 31-27 win earlier in the season, the Dolphins ran the wildcat 16 times and wore out the Jets. Jets coach Rex Ryan will miss injured Miami LB Channing Crowder. Meanwhile, look for Mark Sanchez to continue to throw deep to Braylon Edwards against Miami's rookie cornerbacks. Ted Ginn Jr. may not start, but he'll play a lot for the Dolphins. The Dolphins have won six of their past seven games in the division. Denver at Baltimore: When it comes to the playoffs, this looks like a must game for the Ravens, who have three losses and can't afford to go 3-4. The unbeaten Broncos have a suffocating run defense, and they've allowed only 10 second-half points in a 6-0 start. The keys will be whether the Ravens can find some running room for Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. Baltimore's three losses have been by a total of 11 points. Denver DE Elvis Dumervil is making a run at Michael Strahan's sack record; he has 10 in six games. The Ravens need to press Denver's receivers because everything is short and timed routes. Look to see when Kyle Orton decides to go deep, because he is finally getting a good feel for Brandon Marshall, who basically missed most of training camp. Cleveland at Chicago: The Browns are 1-12 in their past 13 games and have four offensive TDs over that period. The Bears should get well against the visiting Browns, who have failed to score a touchdown in three of four road games this year. DT Tommie Harris, who was benched last week by coach Lovie Smith, is expected to start for the Bears. With the Bears switching to a passing offense with Jay Cutler, they have forgotten how to run block for Matt Forte, who has been a factor in only one game this season. The most exciting segment of the game should be special teams. The Browns' Josh Cribbs has eight TD returns, while Devin Hester has 11 TD returns for the Bears. Cribbs will play some wildcat QB. Houston at Buffalo: The Texans have been in existence since 2002, and they've never been 5-3 in a season. The Bills' Terrell Owens called his 18 catches for 242 yards and one touchdown "pathetic" stats. "Definitely, for myself, it's very, very frustrating. I hear a lot of people saying I've hit the wall, I can't play anymore, this and that. I mean, I know I can play. I also understand what's going on with this team." Well, the no-huddle offense has been scrapped, and QB Trent Edwards will miss his second straight game. This is T.O.'s slowest start in his 14-year career as a starter in the NFL. Buffalo's offense is sixth-worst in yards and ninth-worst in points per game this season. Houston WR Andre Johnson, who suffered a bruised lung last week, is expected to start. Oakland at San Diego: The Chargers have won 12 straight in this series, although they had a close call in the opener, pulling it out in the end, 24-20. The Raiders were run over by the Jets last Sunday, allowing the second-worst rushing total (316 yards) in franchise history. The good news is San Diego and Philip Rivers prefer to throw the ball because the run offense is one of the league's worst. Richard Seymour suggested maybe the Raiders conduct a live practice (shoulder pads and real contact) in order to learn how to stay in their gaps on run defense. JaMarcus Russell is back as the starter, although Tom Cable isn't afraid of pulling him. Jacksonville at Tennessee: One good omen for new Titans starter Vince Young is the Jaguars have only five sacks this season. Young should have time to throw, but will Tennessee allow him to go wild back there? It was in last year's opener when Young got hurt on a hit by Jacksonville LB Daryl Smith and Kerry Collins took over, and the Titans went 13-3. Good news is the Pro Bowl CB Cortland Finnegan returns for the Titans after missing the past four games. The Jaguars have a chance to sweep the series for the first time since 2005. In the first game, David Garrard passed for 323 yards and three TDs. Atlanta at New Orleans: Someone will be disappointed: The Falcons haven't won in New Orleans since 2002, while the Saints haven't been 7-0 since 1991. The Falcons must gear up to stop the Saints' running game, which has been their surprise element this season. On the flip side, the Falcons need to generate a more ball-control offense in order to keep Drew Brees and Co. off the field as much as possible. The Saints are the NFL's most-balanced offense with 201 run plays vs. 206 pass plays. Falcons QB Matt Ryan has struggled in his past two games, registering passer ratings below 70 for the first time in his short career.