TheSpread.com

Struggling in The North

The last two AFC North champions are not playing like they have a shot to win it this year.

The reigning division champion Baltimore Ravens hope to get their offense going as they face one of the league's worst defenses in a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Classic Division Battle

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak to the Green Bay Packers in 19 years. Record-breaking rookie running back Adrian Peterson may give them a good chance to do so.

Can Philly Recover?

After Donovan McNabb suffered a season-ending knee injury last November, a backup quarterback led the struggling Philadelphia Eagles to an improbable resurgence, closing the season with five straight victories to win the NFC East.

If the Eagles can make a similar comeback this season, they will most likely do it with McNabb under center.

Despite rumors of McNabb's demotion, Eagles coach Andy Reid says he'll stick with the nine-year veteran for the rest of the season, including Sunday when the Eagles visit the division rival Washington Redskins.

Still Fighting

With a home win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers can move into a tie for first place in the NFC South - an amazing feat for a team that could be starting its fourth different quarterback of the season.

Marching Back

While it's been a tale of two seasons for the Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, it's been one long nightmare for Steven Jackson the St. Louis Rams.

Following an 0-4 start, the Saints look to move above .500 and keep the Rams winless when the teams meet at the Superdome on Sunday.