CAN HEAR CLEARWATER CALLING
Here's our weekly look at the NFC East.
The Eagles will either gain ground or lose ground on Thanksgiving when the Cowboys host the Raiders and the Giants travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.
Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Division record: 2-1
Remaining schedule: Oakland, at Giants, San Diego, at New Orleans, at Washington, Philadelphia.
Record of remaining opponents: 35-25
Home games remaining: 3
Road games remaining: 3
Division games remaining: 3 (at Washington, at New York, Philadelphia)
I watched the Cowboys-Redskins game this morning. That was ugly. Tony Romo and his receivers are having all sorts of trouble getting on the same page. They ran the ball effectively, but just looked like a confused football team. Dallas' defensive line might be good enough to carry it to a division title though. The Cowboys get the Raiders (no gimme) on Thanksgiving and then begin a difficult stretch with a date at the Meadowlands.
New York Giants (6-4)
Division record: 2-1
Remaining schedule: at Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia, at Washington, Carolina, at Minnesota.
Record of remaining opponents: 35-25
Home games remaining: 3
Road games remaining: 3
Division games remaining: 3 (Dallas, Philadelphia, at Washington)
The banged-up Giants needed overtime to get past the Falcons, almost blowing a two-touchdown lead in the second half. They previously had not won since Oct. 11 during a four-game losing streak. New York takes on Brian Dawkins and the reeling Broncos during the Thanksgiving night game. Then it's three straight against divisional opponents. It'll be interesting to see if the Vikings need that game in Week 17, or if it's a situation where they sit their regulars.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)
Division record: 2-1
Remaining schedule: Washington, at Atlanta, at Giants, San Francisco, Denver, at Dallas.
Record of remaining opponents: 31-29
Home games remaining: 3
Road games remaining: 3
Division games remaining: (Washington, at Giants, at Dallas)
If you go by the records of their remaining opponents, the Eagles have the easiest road ahead. Of course, that could fluctuate on a weekly basis. The Birds stole one in Chicago, coming from behind to beat the Bears, 24-20. Donovan McNabb has been very good in his last six quarters, and LeSean McCoy looked capable of carrying the load. The defense has been gritty, but is a legitimate concern with the rotating linebackers and banged-up secondary. The Eagles get the 'Skins at home before two tough road games against the Falcons and Giants.
Earlier today, we did the Eagles' weekly penalty count.
Thanksgiving Day Picks
Last week: 9-6
Overall: 79-77-1
LIONS (+11) vs. Packers
RAIDERS (+13.5) at Cowboys
BRONCOS (+6.5) vs. Giants
