Last Week: 5-0

Season: 26-9

Atlanta (6-0) at Philadelphia (3-3)

Things needed to change in Philadelphia if the Eagles wanted to stay in the playoff race, and change they did with Andy Reid firing longtime defensive coordinator Juan Castillo during bye week. Offensive turnovers, however, have  been a bigger issue. Undefeated Atlanta comes off its bye hoping to keep momentum in game planning and execution. The Eagles’ turmoil and the Falcons’ edge at almost every position gives Atlanta the advantage, but count on Philly to counter with a more balanced offense and a more aggressive defense with more man-to-man coverage. Combine that with Andy Reid’s unbeaten record after a bye, and it is a recipe for success for Vick and Co.

Eagles 24, Falcons 20

Washington (3-4) at Pittsburgh (3-3)

The continuous conveyor belt of special players that come into the league — each one able to seemingly do something more amazing than the next — helps make the NFL great. RG3 is the new NFL star you can’t take your eyes off. His playmaking has made the Skins relevant again. But Pittsburgh isn’t getting dreamy over RG3. Instead, Big Ben is pumped to go against the league’s worst pass defense. An improving defense, better special teams and knowing how to win give Pittsburgh the slight edge.

Steelers 27, Redskins 24

New York Giants (5-2) at Dallas (3-3)

Who doesn’t love a great divisional match-up? The Giants want revenge after Dallas embarrassed them in week 1. The Cowboys haven’t looked like the same team since. The Giants have been very good against everybody — outside the NFC East. But the defensive line has not regained its dominance from last year and neither has Eli. Dallas has home field advantage, but the losses of Sean Lee and DeMarco Murrary will be too much to overcome. Look out for a salsa dancing craze in the end zone.

Giants 28, Cowboys 27

New Orleans (2-4) at Denver (3-3)

The first Peyton Manning-Drew Brees matchup since Super Bowl XLIV takes on new meaning with both teams off to disappointing starts. The loser could be in playoff trouble. The Saints have won two in a row, while the Broncos are coming off an historic Monday night comeback against the Chargers. Both teams are more flawed than originally expected. Denver hasn’t realized that there are two halves in a game while New Orleans hasn’t attempted to play defense. Look for the Broncos to get it going earlier as they focus on getting pressure on Brees. The head coaching debut of Joe Vitt won’t mean much, unless it is actually Sean Payton in a Halloween costume.

Broncos 31, Saints 28

San Francisco (5-2) at Arizona (4-3)

The NFC West is the place where great defenses and challenged offenses reside. Arizona has lost three straight, scoring an average of 11 points a game. With John Skelton still at the helm and not a decent running back in sight, it looks like the only way the Cardinals can score is with defense and special teams. San Fran hasn’t been the model of offensive consistency either, but has a good offensive line with weapons in both the running and passing game. Is Alex Smith the quarterback to take the 49ers to the next level, or should Colin Kaepernick be given a shot. If won’t matter Monday night. The 49ers squeak out a win by winning the turnover battle.

49ers 18, Cardinals 13