Eagles soar above the rest when handicapping NFC East

Thirteen weeks after the season began we're back where we started -- with the NFC East as the league's toughest, most competitive and most difficult to decipher.

Of course, that's what we thought when the season began. But then we strayed, thinking maybe, just maybe, the NFC North was better. Nope, change that. It was the AFC North. Or was it the NFC South?

In the end, it was none of them, and it took us 13 weeks to figure out. But we got there, and now the NFC East is the place to be again -- with the division going to the wire and, in all likelihood, yielding two playoff teams.

Naturally, the question is: Which two are they? Ah, now that's where things get interesting. So let's handicap the field.

Donovan McNabb and the Eagles are in a good position to win a tight three-team race. (AP)

Philadelphia Eagles

Why I like them: They're starting to peak at just the right time, which is typical of Andy Reid's clubs. I have to laugh when people ask about Reid's contract status. Of course he gets a contract extension. All the guy does is win. He's had the Eagles in five conference championship games the past eight seasons, and tell me what other coach puts that on his resume. I'm waiting. Get real, people. Reid's teams know how to reach the playoffs and how to win playoff games, so leave them alone.

Yeah, the schedule isn't easy, but this is when Philadelphia separates itself from the pack. Star receiver DeSean Jackson should be back this weekend, the Eagles finally got Michael Vick involved in something other than a handful of plays all while the offense revs up -– with 85 points its last three games, all of them wins.

Why I don't: They haven't been right at middle linebacker since Stewart Bradley suffered a season-ending injury in training camp, and the Eagles go no farther than their defense. Remember what happened last season: They didn't lose the NFC Championship Game because of Donovan McNabb; they lost because their defense let them down. It could happen again, especially with the club playing Name That Linebacker every other week.

One more thing: The Eagles still haven't figured out how to solve their Red Zone crisis. They produced touchdowns on 10 of their last 23 series inside the 20, and, sorry, that won't cut it. You don't kick field goals and go far in the playoffs.

Key game: The season finale in Dallas. Some people might tell you it's Sunday's game with the Giants, but I don't believe it. The Giants didn't stop these guys last month, and I don't see them stopping them now. That Jan. 3 date in Dallas could determine the division title.

The forecast: I make them a slight favorite to win the division. They've been there before, plus they don't have the December issues that Dallas does. So they have to go to Dallas the last game of the season. They won two of their last three there. So they're looking for another linebacker, too. Dallas is looking for a lifeline out of this month.

Dallas Cowboys

Why I like them: They have weapons galore. You want to throw? Tony Romo has six 300-yard games and just had a franchise-record 41 completions against the Giants. You want to run? They have Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in the backfield. Their defense is aggressive, with DeMarcus Ware a matchup problem for offenses and Jay Ratliff one of the best defensive tackles in the business. Their secondary is solid, too, with Mike Jenkins an upgrade over Orlando Scandrick at cornerback. In fact, there are those who think Jenkins might be the team's best corner, with his consistent play in the loss to New York last weekend as evidence. In short, there is talent -- lots of talent -- on this roster.

Why I don't: It's December, which means two things are coming -- Santa and a Dallas collapse. The Cowboys are a mess this time of year, failing to produce a winning December the past seven seasons. Under Romo and coach Wade Phillips they're 5-9 in December and 0-2 in the playoffs, and that's not how you finish a season.

These guys don't need Terrell Owens; they need Mariano Rivera. They don't have a closer, and that was apparent last season when they went to Philadelphia needing only a win to make the playoffs and were annihilated.

So let's look at what's next: It's San Diego, and the Chargers haven't lost a game in December since 2005. Uh-oh. Then it's on to New Orleans. The Saints haven't lost a game this year, period. Then it's Washington, a team that should've beaten Dallas 2 1/2 weeks ago, followed by Philadelphia. Based on what I saw last weekend -- heck, based on what I see every year in December -- I have no confidence the Cowboys can win any of those games.

But that's not all. If they're involved in a close call is there anyone out there who believes Nick Folk can win it with a last-minute field goal? The guy is 4 of 10 in kicks from 40 to 49 yards, and there are now questions about his holder. I didn't see a problem with the hold when Folk shanked a 42-yarder against the Giants, but I do see a problem if he doesn't get straightened out and fast.

Key Game: Sunday vs. San Diego. If they lose this one, have Chicken Little dial 911. The doomsayers will be out and Phillips will be tighter than the economy. It could get ugly.

The forecast: Cloudy. If they beat San Diego, they could make it. Ten wins should get someone in as the wild card, and the Cowboys would need only one more victory to get there. But I don't see them beating the Chargers, and I certainly don't see them beating New Orleans. Washington? Maybe. Philadelphia? Yeah, they already beat the Eagles, but it wasn't after Dec. 1. The Cowboys say there is no December voodoo, but if that's the case explain that loss to the Giants. And explain how they got torched by Philadelphia last year. Yes, the Cowboys' demise in December is a big deal, and the only way to get the media off their case is to start winning ... and to start winning now.

New York Giants

Why I like them: They showed me something last weekend when they absolutely, positively had to win and beat a Dallas team that, frankly, is better. But that's what good teams do. They find ways to win, and the Giants did, dialing up huge plays from unlikely heroes Domenik Hixon and Brandon Jacobs. Even defensive end Osi Umenyiora got involved after he was benched as a starter.

Desperate teams at home are dangerous, and the Giants are home again this weekend. Good thing, too. It's Philadelphia, and the Giants haven't been swept by the Eagles since 2004. Moreover, they have a recent history comparable to Philadelphia, and it's a good one: With Eli Manning as the full-time starter, they have never missed the playoffs. They know the drill this time of year, and that experience will only help them down the stretch.

Why I don't: Because these are not your father's New York Giants. They don't play great defense, they struggle running the ball and nothing is easy anymore. Some people complain about Manning's inconsistent play and fret about his injured foot, but Manning is the least of New York's troubles. Of more concern is a defense that hasn't allowed fewer than 21 points in any of its last seven games -- five of which they lost -- and hemorrhaged 40 or more in two of them.

One of those blowouts was against the Eagles, this weekend's opponent, and tell me how the Giants are better now than when Philly sand-blasted them Nov. 1. They aren't. They can't rush the passer. Their linebackers are slow. And their secondary struggles to cover anyone.

Key game: Sunday vs. Philadelphia. If they win they tie the Eagles. If they lose they drop two games back, and it's look out below.

The forecast: Grim. I haven't seen much from these guys lately that I like. Yeah, they beat Dallas in a must-win situation, but the Cowboys have their own demons to deal with. The only reason I think the Giants might catch a break is that season ender in Minnesota. It could be the reverse of last year's Giants-Vikings game there, with the Giants this time needing the win to make the cut and the Vikings resting their starters. The Giants can only hope.