The Vikings (5-3) had the NFL's last undefeated record, until their bye week arrived. Since then,Air Max 720 Pas Cher, they've lost all three straight games with issues on offense, defense and special teams all influencing the streak. With both starting tackles on injured reserve and left guard Alex Boone recovering from a concussion that kept him out of the overtime loss to Detroit on Sunday, the protection for quarterback Sam Bradford is going to be a yearlong concern.
PROBLEMS FOR THE PACKERS: With Aaron Rodgers still in his prime, the return of wide receiver Jordy Nelson and many other standouts on the roster, the Packers (4-4) were again a trendy pick to reach the Super Bowl. The offense just hasn't been able to establish a rhythm, injuries have begun piling up and the defense has been vulnerable lately with 30-plus points allowed in three of the last four games.
FALL OF THE FINALISTS: Carolina carried plenty of confidence, coming off a trip to the Super Bowl, along with a reputable defense and the NFL's most recent MVP, Cam Newton. The Panthers (3-5) instead have been one of the league's biggest early letdowns. The team they blew out in the NFC championship game last winter, Arizona, has struggled right along with them. The Cardinals (3-4-1) lost the rematch to the Panthers on Oct. 30.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — How 'bout them Cowboys?
The Atlanta Falcons (6-3) have already escaped their October skid, having rallied to beat Green Bay by one point on Oct. 30 and breezed by Tampa Bay four days later. The league's highest-scoring team, at 34 points per game, has assembled many more threats than just star wide receiver Julio Jones .
IMPORTANT INTERCONFERENCE MATCHUPS: Philadelphia at Seattle on Nov. 20, Minnesota at Detroit on Nov. 24, Green Bay at Philadelphia on Nov. 28, Dallas at Minnesota on Dec. 1, Dallas at New York on Dec. 11, New York and Philadelphia on Dec. 22, Arizona at Seattle on Dec. 24, and New Orleans at Atlanta on Jan. 1.
The Seahawks (5-2-1) have had trouble getting their offense going this year, with running back Marshawn Lynch now retired and Russell Wilson grinding through ankle and knee injuries that have hampered his mobility. The revamped line remains a work in progress.
That fearsome five the Cowboys (7-1) can pass and run behind is not the only factor in their command of the NFC playoff race. Another reason they're ahead is the struggles by other contenders, namely Seattle and Minnesota, to solidify the blocking up front.
After the crushing loss at home to the Lions,Wholesale Football Jerseys, coach Mike Zimmer at least sounded satisfied that some confidence had been restored.

Here are some other facts and figures about the NFC entering the stretch run:
"It's hard for me to say it's Tony's team, it's my team or anybody's team," Prescott said. "It's a true team, and everybody is playing their part in it."
SNEAKY SAINTS: New Orleans hasn't made the playoffs since 2013, and after starting 0-3 the Saints sure weren't part of the conversation about Super Bowl contenders. The Saints (4-4) are still soft on defense, allowing an average of 30 points per game, the third-most in the league. They're in the thick of the wild-card race, though, right there with the New York Giants (5-3), Washington (4-3-1),Air Max Outlet Online Italia, Detroit (5-4), Philadelphia (4-4) and Green Bay.
"I'm hopeful they'll continue to carry it forward through the rest of the season, because if we do that we're going to win some games," Zimmer said.
They've built a healthy lead on the rest of the NFC at the midpoint of this season, for starters. They've been playing like they're capable of finishing on top, too.
"We're at our best when we keep attacking and different guys get the ball," coach Dan Quinn said.
"We're so dynamic it's crazy," said two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant, whose three-game absence due to a knee injury went largely unnoticed.
That's partly because of the polish and poise displayed by Prescott, the fourth-round draft pick from Mississippi State thrust into action when Tony Romo hurt his back during the preseason. The other significant factor in the first-half surge by the Cowboys, as sure a sign as any that it's sustainable, is the success Elliott has had carrying the ball behind that dominant offensive line built by three former first-round draft picks.
FANTASY FOOTBALL STARS: Elliott, Arizona's David Johnson and Atlanta's Devonta Freeman have been productive running backs,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, as expected, but Chicago rookie Jordan Howard has been quite the revelation. Matt Ryan is in the MVP mix for the Falcons, and M

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General manager Doug Whaley said the team supported Dareus' decision,Artie Burns Jersey, but he provided few other details. Whaley said Dareus was still with the team but would not play against the Giants. He didn't know when Dareus would check into a rehab facility or how long the process would take.
Last year,Cheap Shoes Wholesale China, he arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after being stopped by Alabama State Police in May 2014.
Dareus announced his decision the same day that the Bills released backup running back Karlos Williams, who also was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has been a starter since Buffalo drafted him with the No. 3 pick in 2011.
In April 2015, he reached a plea agreement to have misdemeanor charges dropped for crashing his Jaguar into a tree near a busy suburban intersection the previous spring.
Dareus said he took "careful consideration" before announcing his plans in a statement released by the Bills on Saturday, about an hour before Buffalo hosted the New York Giants in a preseason game.
That wasn't his only run-in with the law.
Dareus said his latest suspension was the result of a missed drug test,Yeezy Boost 350 China Wholesale.
ORCHARD PARK,Arthur Moats Jersey, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus says he will enter a rehabilitation facility after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy for a second consecutive season.
"I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career," Dareus said. "I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process."
Dareus' decision to enter rehab comes four days after the NFL suspended the Bills' top-paid player for the first four games of the season. Last year, he was suspended for the season opener for another violation of the policy.
"He's family and we are being supportive of him in this step in his life," Whaley said. "I told you guys we wouldn't give up on him. And we wholeheartedly support this effort."
Dareus avoided trial, during which he would have faced felony drug charges, by agreeing to enter an NFL substance abuse program.

Most importantly, Wilson was sacked Jerseys Football Wholesale only once 鈥?his own fault for holding the ball too long 鈥?and was hit just Vapormax Scontate three times after getting beat up the previous two Nike Just Do It Scarpe Uomo weeks against St. Louis and Tampa Bay.
On the defensive side, Seattle had Discount Nike NFL China Wholesale given up at least 200 yards rushing to St. Louis and Tampa Bay, the first time the Seahawks allowed that to happen in Brandon Finnegan Jersey consecutive weeks since 2002.

Owner Jimmy Haslam isn't ready to call it over.
The Browns may have already decided to move on from Manziel and will trade or release him.
"I think we made clear, I don't have any different feelings than we had on Sunday January 3rd,Scarpe Adidas Vendita Online," Haslam said referring to the final day of the season when Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer were fired hours after a loss to Pittsburgh.  "I think Johnny made progress on the field last year. I think that's undeniable. We have a certain expectation for our players and that includes Johnny and he's got to live up to those expectations."
Manziel was benched last season by former coach Mike Pettine for off-field misbehavior, and Haslam was asked if he was concerned that more videos have surfaced of the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, who spent 73 days in rehab last year, partying.
"I don't want to see him traded or anything like that."
Speaking with reporters backstage at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards along with wife and co-owner, Dee,Alex Ovechkin Jersey, Haslam discussed several topics before the event, including his recently hired and restructured front office and Manziel, who has had two tumultuous seasons with Browns.
The Browns have the No. 2 pick in this year's draft and will likely use it on a quarterback, perhaps California's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, who met with Jackson this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
"I know a lot of kids that if you don't know how to deal with them you lose them," said the greatest Brown of them all. "They don't come ready made. But on the other hand the argument is that he's a man. He should know how to conduct himself. He has an opportunity. We've got all of that. But I like him and I hope that they are able to relate, and I think if they're able to relate that he will respect the coach.
"Look, one of the reasons the Browns are in the condition they're in is they've not drafted well,Authentic Air Max 720," he said. "Our predecessors didn't draft well and we didn't draft well. Any time a number one draft pick or any high draft pick is not successful and is not a big contributor, that's disappointing to the organization."
Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown doesn't think that would be the right move.
Manziel's off-field antics,Bengals Color Rush Jersey Cheap, which led to him being benched last season and include new videos of him partying, have concerned the Browns but Haslam isn't ready to publicly say the quarterback's days in Cleveland have ended.

Quarterback Josh McCown, who started for Cleveland last season and grew close to Manziel,Sac Fjallraven Kanken Pas Cher, isn't sure a change of scenery would be best for the Browns and the young QB.
New Browns coach Hue Jackson has not yet spoken to Manziel, but Haslam is confident that meeting will take place soon. Haslam said there would be obvious disappointment if that day comes.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Johnny Manziel's relationship with the Browns may be strained and showing sizeable cracks.
"It's hard for me to comment on that," he said. "I want what's best for him, and he's a member of our team, so it's what can we do for him to help him be the best member of the Cleveland Browns that he can in whatever role that is? So that's what I'm for."
Haslam said any decision about Manziel's future with Cleveland will be made by Jackson and new vice president of football operations Sashi Brown.

"It's fun, educational, and there's a business story there, so it's good for sports fans and anyone early in their investing," Patricof says. "For Gronk and the athletes, I think it is a good service to them. ... We read all these things about athletes losing their money. This is a smart, interesting way for people to speak about what are the important decision points you make whether endorsing or investing in something.
Now, Gronk is spreading his enterprising wings with the Wednesday night "MVP" series on Verizon's Go90 mobile TV network . The program offers an inside look at how sports stars such as Antonio Brown, Kevin Durant and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk get connected with brands people see and use every day.
Gronk and the other athletes taped the shows in less than a week last summer. To him, it was an excellent chance to branch out and prepare for when football no longer is his livelihood.
"I wish nothing but the best for the team, they've been working so hard all year, they are warriors. Seeing the guys work so hard, you know that has motivated me just to do (rehab) hard, like they do it. It's my job to be there for them and support them, and that's what I'm doing."
HOUSTON (AP) — While his Patriots teammates are dealing with the business of trying to win another Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski is handling business of another sort.

"Getting into these deals was one thing, so the questions needed to be asked: 'How do Gronk and Antonio and Marshall and the guys get money out of it? How do these guys get their money back or monetize this deal?' I thought there was always a healthy dialogue in that area."
Gronkowski still has a strong presence with the Patriots regardless of his availability to make catches, run over defenders and score touchdowns.
"It's a chance to be with the athletes and see what their minds are thinking, and the opportunities they get,Fj?llr?ven K?nken Rea," Gronkowski says,Super Bowl 53 Jerseys, "and to talk about what other type of sports guys do, to collaborate with that. Just going on the show and having a good time and possibly seeing the products we endorse succeed.
"When the opportunity is right, when I'm in the offseason and have a whole day to myself, a week to myself, I'll check out those business opportunities, and maybe some TV shows, and possibly hop on," he says. "Football will not be around forever.
The sidelined tight end produced and starred in an online TV series that basically is "Shark Tank For Jocks." And while Gronk can be an overwhelming force on the football field, he's something of a novice at the television game.
Gronkowski's business acumen impressed Mark Patricof, managing director of Houlihan Lokey's Technology Media Telecom Group and the resident financial expert on "MVP." Patricof says his job on the show was made easier by the way the athletes quickly grasped the tasks at hand — and whether guests making presentations had valid and profitable products.
Sure, he and his brothers, both of whom spent time in the NFL, worked in the family business growing up. But football was their calling.
"It's great value for me to be on the show, meeting other athletes and potential business partners."
"I mean, he's still walking up and down through here all the time," linebacker Rob Ninkovich says. "So whenever he walks in we're having a great time with him. So, he's still here, just doing his best to rehab. It's still great to see him,Cheap Football Jerseys, and he's always in great spirits."
"MVP is a good chance to get something going and maybe find other opportunities in the business area,Wholesale Shoes China Free Shipping."
"I see players all the time and it's great being all around them," Gronkowski says. "There's a positive energy around the facility, and being part of it throughout the whole year, it's been a great journey for sure.
Yeah, well, that's Gronk. Whether he's offering some expertise to his replacement, Martellus Bennett — who has been superb for much of the season — or keeping things light with his antics,Carolina Panthers Jersey Cheap, he very much wants to be considered a major part of the team.