Some NFL teams might want to forget last Sunday. That’s because quarterbacks suffered significant injuries in Week 10 action.  The injuries include a possible season-ending hand injury to Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, a significant foot injury to the Texans’ Matt Schaub, 2 broken ribs to the Eagles Michael Vick and a broken right thumb to the Steelers Ben Roethlisberger.

Kansas City Chiefs Matt Cassel could be lost for the season after suffering a significant injury to his throwing hand in the Chiefs loss (17-10) to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.  The injury occurred late in the 4th quarter when Cassel was sacked by Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. He was replaced by Tyler Palko in the final offensive series against the Broncos.

More on Quarterbacks Suffer Significant Injuries In Week 10

The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys tonight in the first of two NFC wildcard matchups this weekend. And if the playoff history of both teams hold true, then the Eagles should advance in the NFC playoff race.

The Cowboys haven’t won an NFC Wildcard game since 1996 (losing it’s last 5 wildcard appearances in 2007, 2004, 2000,1999 and 1997). Secondly, Eagles coach Andy Reid is 4-0 in wildcard games while Wade Phillips is 0-4.

But not so fast! The Cowboys have won the first two games this season against the Eagles by a combined score of 44-16. And even more importantly, the Cowboys have a new swagger, a new stadium and a QB who is playing his best ball coming into the NFC Wildcard Weekend.

In the regular season, the Cowboys had the 2nd overall offense (6th in passing/7th in rushing). Their opponents, the Eagles, were 11th overall in the NFL offensively (10th in passing/22nd in rushing).

Defensively the Cowboys are ranked 9th overall (20th against the pass/4th against the rush) while the Eagles are 12th overall (17th against the pass/9th against the rush).

When you look at the matchups in this game you need to look at the big play threat of Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Although he has been outstanding all year, against the Cowboys he has only 5 catches for 76 yards in their two meetings. But the Eagles have other go-to players on offense, including TE Brent Celek, RB Brian Westbrook and QB Donovan McNabb.

One of the biggest factors for the Eagles offense is the loss of Center Jamall Jackson to injury just two weeks ago. The Dallas Defense, led by LB DeMarcus Ware should be able to put a lot of pressure on McNabb.

When it comes to the Cowboys offense, they seem to be hitting their stride. Another major factor to consider is the fact that the Eagles linebackers have been in disarray all season, and the secondary has gambled and gotten burned too many times.
QB Tony Romo and TE Jason Witten should have a field day against the Eagles defense.

This is a breakout year for the Cowboys. They have dominated the Eagles, have their “mojo” back and are playing their best ball at the right time. The Cowboys are favored by 4 points and the under/over is 45 points.

Thenflthisweek.com prediction:

Cowboys 31 Eagles 14

Thenflthisweek.com has ranked the top 10 NFL teams going into the NFL Playoffs and Wild Card Weekend. Factors that were used in determining the top 10 include: regular season record, momentum, critical injuries, offensive and defensive stats, coaching and intangibles.

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Although the Colts lost the last two games after winning 14 in a row, they are poised to go far in the 2010 NFL playoffs. Superstar QB Peyton Manning has already won a Superbowl and is always Mr. Clutch. They have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and will benefit from the bye-week. And don’t be misled by the fact they are ranked last in the entire NFL in rushing (#18 defense overall)- it’s their passing game that ranks them #1 in our rankings and passing ability has been the key for the top ranked NFL teams.

2. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
The Chargers high powered passing game is the reason for them being ranked in the number 2 spot. QB Phillip Rivers has thrown for 28 TDs and 104.4 QB rating. Just above the Colts, they have the second worst ranking in the rushing category (#16 overall defense. They have the #10 ranked offense.

3. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
The Cowboys have been impressive over the second half of the season and even owner Jerry Jones hasn’t been able to find anything to be mad at. QB Tony Romo has been extremely effective and the Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders. The Cowboys are ranked #2 in Total Offense in the entire NFL. The Cowboys defense is ranked #9 in the entire NFL. But what puts the Cowboys at #3 is they have their confidence back.

4. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
The Saints are #1 in the NFL in total offense and QB Drew Brees has thrown for 34 TDs and only 11 Interceptions – his QB rating is 109.6. They have three effective rushers in Mike Bell (654 yds 5 TDs), Pierre Thomas (793 yds, 6 TDs) and Reggie Bush (390 yds, 5 TDs). However, the Saints offense is tempered by their defensive ranking of 25th in the NFL. The Saints have slid to #4 in our NFL ranking because they have lost their last three games.

5. New England Patriots (10-6)
What can say about the Patriots. They have arguably, the best coach in the game; combine that with the history of future hall-of-famer Tom Brady and you have a team that ranks at the top in the NFL. The Pats are ranked #3 in total offense and #11 in total defense. In ranking the Pats, the uncertainty of the health of formidable receiver Wes Welker puts them in the #5 spot.

6. New York Jets (9-7)
Surprised? Shouldn’t be! Although the Colts and Bengal fans may feel that the Jets won those games because their opponents had nothing to play for. Regardless, the Jets are hitting their stride and are managing the play of rookie QB – Mark Sanchez just enough to avoid his rookie mistakes. The Jets are ranked #1 in Rushing and #1 in total defense in the entire NFL. The Jets do belong!

7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
You don’t hear much about the abilities of the Green Bay Packers but they are for real. They have the #6 ranked offense and #2 ranked defense – very impressive stats. QB Aaron Rogers hsa thrown for 30 TDs and only 7 Interceptions with a 103.2 QB ranking. Their rushing attack is led by Ryan Grant (1253 yds, 11 TDs). Donald Driver (70 recs, 1061 yds, 7 TDs) and Greg Jennings (68 recs, 1113 yds, 4 TDs) are the 1-2 punch of the Packers passing game.

8. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
The Vikings are led by 20-year NFL veteran Brett Favre. They are ranked #5 in total offense and #6 in total defense – an excellent balance. Early in the season the Vikings defense were just outstanding. However, the season ending injury to E.J Henderson has made the defense more vulnerable. Although the Vikings won their last game against the “lay-down” Giants, in their 3 previous games Brett threw 4 TDs and 3 Interceptions and Adrian Peterson didn’t have a 100 yard game. The Vikings are vulnerable and that’s the reason for their position in thenflthisweek.com ranking. And don’t forget the Brad Childress – Brett Favre episode that happened a few weeks ago. If you think it’s over – think again. There is a power struggle in Minnesota!

9. Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
The NFL top ranked teams all have one thing in common – great QBs, and Kurt Warner is no exception. The Cards offense and defensive numbers aren’t that impressive (#14 total offense, #20 total defense), but they have two proven wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald (97 recs, 1092 yds 13 TDs) and Anquan Boldin (84 recs, 1024 yds, 4 TDs).

10. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
The Eagles have had an impressive season and added some creativity to their offense with the addition of Michael Vick. The Eagles, like all NFC East teams pride themselves on great defense. They have the #11 ranked offense and #12 ranked defense, putting them in top third of the league. Although the Eagles won’t beat the Cowboys in the Wild card weekend game, they are our number 10 ranked team.

There is one commonality of the top 10 ranked teams going into the 2010 NFL playoffs. A great QB and a top ranked passing game. And as long the defense is mediocre in passing defense, being the worst against the rush hasn’t mattered.

source: nfl.com