Don’t fall into the trap of sleeping on the defending champs when it comes to conversations about the best teams in the NFC. The Saints are about to return from their bye week, and I’m expecting a resurgence.

After watching Michael Vick on Monday night, if there was ever any doubt that he’s an MVP candidate, it was erased in a hurry.

When it comes to Peyton Hillis, don’t let appearances fool you. When you look at him, what you see is a fullback. But he’s really a tailback in a fullback’s body and has the skill set of a featured runner.

The Rams defense has taken on the personality of head coach Steve Spagnuolo and has finally turned the corner. They’re not star-studded, but they’ve made the leap.

James Laurinaitis and Barrett Ruud are both very effective middle linebackers who don’t get recognized a lot, and one element is missing from their respective repertoires.

We’re going to find out more about the Lions when QB Matthew Stafford returns. What the Lions need is some validation by getting some wins, and Stafford is the key.

Matt Ryan is going to be that type of quarterback where there are games that statistics just don’t matter. I don’t care what his numbers tell me during games, because I feel like at some point he’s going to make winning plays.

I know Browns fans might not want to hear this, because they’re probably not enjoying all the losing, but I really think this team is on the right track.

Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith came together to assemble a team built in the image of hustle, and the Falcons are living up to it.

There’s no question Sam Bradford is the leader of the Rams, and his demeanor has made it easier for the coaching staff to put everything on his shoulders.

I got an up close look at the Buccaneers in Week 2, and I came away very impressed with the work of coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Josh Freeman.

The Pittsburgh Steelers proved in Week 1 they have Dennis Dixon’s back. Veterans Hines Ward and James Farriorcalled upon their teammates to pick up the young quarterback in his second career start.

While we all mourn the passing of Don Coryell, I am hopeful that we will reflect on his career, and legacy, with new eyes.

Most of the time, NFL players tend to support fellow players. That doesn’t appear to be the case surrounding Albert Haynesworth in Washington.