BRIGHTER SIDE OF THE NFC

New York Giants : Everything looks rosy in the Big Apple. The Giants have won four straight, including back-to-back games against division opponents and are cruising at 8-1. It sure beats the heck out of baseball season for New York fans.

Washington : The Redskins bye week came at a perfect time. They were beaten up in their last game against the Steelers, and they get a chance to gear up for their next opponent -- the Cowboys.

Philadelphia : The Eagles have a winning record (5-4), and they get to play the one-win Bengals next week.

Dallas: The good news for the Cowpokes is they get their starting quarterback Tony Romo back, and they won't have to think of anymore excuses.

Carolina: Quarterback Jake Delhomme picked a good week to play miserably, since they didn't need him to beat the woeful Raiders.

Tampa Bay: The rested Bucs are in the playoff hunt and have four games remaining at home.

Atlanta : The Falcons proved again they've turned things around by whipping up on the Saints at home. Atlanta also has four home games left on its schedule.

New Orleans : The Saints have a MVP candidate in quarterback Drew Brees. (Just think what he could do if he could play against his own secondary).

Chicago : The Bears are still in first despite losing this past week, and their defense showed how stout it could be by shutting down the Titans running game.

Minnesota : The Vikings have rallied to win four of their last five, and they get to watch one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL every week.

Green Bay : Packers fans don't have to worry about Brett Favre retirement threats this offseason.

Detroit : Lions fans can go ahead and make holiday plans, and they can start studying the 2009 NFL Draft board.

Arizona: This is the year Cardinals fans can not only expect to make the playoffs, but they can plan on hosting a game in the desert. The Cards also have a top MVP candidate in veteran QB Kurt Warner.

Seattle: At least the Seahawks aren't threatening to move to Oklahoma City.

San Francisco: After an early blip (two wins), the 49ers have resumed their consistency by losing four straight.

St . Louis : The Rams should be rested for their game at San Francisco next week. They certainly didn't expend much energy in their 47-3 loss to the Jets on Sunday. Do you think Thomas Jones is on Jim Haslett's fantasy team?

AFC FROM EAST TO WEST

New York Jets: The Jets have plenty of confidence -- a drubbing of the Rams and a Thursday win over the Patriots.

New England: After the Patriots' rally fell short Thursday, they no longer lead the AFC East.

Miami: The Dolphins have won three straight, and they have the Raiders at home Sunday.

Buffalo: It was fun while it lasted. The Bills play five of their last seven at home.

Pittsburgh: Even though the Steelers are battered, they are still tied atop the AFC North standings.

Baltimore: The Ravens should be very encouraged they're in first place and in the playoff hunt with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback.

Cleveland: The good news for the Browns is Brady Quinn might not be as bad as all the teams who passed on him in the draft projected him to be.

Cincinnati: Bengals fans can rest easy. They have their guaranteed win for the year.

Tennessee: Not only are the Titans unbeaten, they have four teams left on the schedule with losing records. Things are going so good in Tennessee, coach Jeff Fisher has already started his playoff beard.

Indianapolis: After a slow start, the Colts have put together back-to-back wins against division-leading teams.

Jacksonville: Who knows? Another win and maybe the Jags can watch TV in the locker room again.

Houston: The Texans should be in position again to add another high draft pick. Maybe stockpiling talent will pay off in Houston like it did for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Denver: The Broncos still lead the AFC West despite losing three of their last four. They are the one-eyed man in the land of the blind AFC West.

San Diego: The good news for the Chargers: Eventually LaDainian Tomlinson is almost certain to remember he can perform like a Pro Bowler. San Diego fans can also take encouragement from the fact that as badly as the Chargers have played, they're still only one game behind division-leading Denver.

Oakland: Raiders fans can still take solace in the money they save in Halloween costumes, since it's likely the same attire they wear to home games.

Kansas City: The bright side for the Chiefs is they still have three division games left. They should get a good enough draft pick to make an impact in 2009.