[calia]

Looking over the schedules, Dallas and Philly are in trouble, and I think the division comes down to the Redskins and Giants.

Dallas probably has 3 more losses (and maybe more) in its future. They play: Panthers (10-0), Packers (7-3), Jets (5-5), Bills (5-4), and Redskins (4-6) twice. I don't see them beating the Panthers, Packers and both the Bills and Jets (even taking us out of the mix). That puts them at 10 losses and out of contention.

The Eagles situation is arguably worse. They will probably lose at least 3 more and possibly more, as they play: Lions (3-7), Patriots (9-0), Bills (5-4), Cardinals (8-2), Redskins (4-6), and Giants (5-5). I don't see them beating the Patriots, Bills or Cardinals, and right now I like our chances and the Giants' chances against them too. That puts them at 9 losses (or more).

The Giants are the team to beat, and we simply must win this weekend in order to be in contention. Their schedule is a bit tougher than ours, but we cannot assume we can lose to them twice and win the division. The play: Redskins (4-6), Jets (5-5), Dolphins (4-6), Panthers (10-0), Vikings (7-3), and Eagles (4-6). I figure they likely lose to the Panthers and Vikings, and maybe the Jets. So maybe 8 losses.

As I see it, we have to go 4-2 with one of those wins against the Giants if we are going to take the division. Our opponents have a combined record of 21-28: Giants (5-5), Bears (4-6), Bills (5-4), Eagles (4-6), and Cowboys (3-7) twice. If we can beat the Giants, I think we have to beat the Bears, Eagles, and Dallas (at least once), and then we're both at 8-8, with a better record in the NFC than the Giants.

Both teams ought to be thinking that this weekend's game will likely determine the winner of the NFC East. And I hope we come to play. Since we seem to play every other weekend, let's hope this weekend our D and running game decide to show up.