|  | | Dave McGinnis's Cardinals are red hot. |
It wasn't that long ago when the NFC East provided comedy relief for the rest of the NFL. However, the much-maligned division is getting the last laugh. First, the Redskins did a remarkable about-face with a five-game win streak after their 0-5 start. Now, the Cardinals are talking playoffs -- yes, the Cardinals -- after escaping the Black Hole in Oakland with a 34-31 upset win over the Raiders. Arizona's rise from the conference's dregs to postseason contention has paralleled the emergence of wide receiver David Boston, who's pushing Randy Moss for a Pro Bowl spot, writes ESPN.com's John Clayton.
Stat leaders | Fantasy review | PT Players gallery
Clayton: Patriots play Brady Ball | Martin's nightmare
Pasquarelli: Fast Faulk | Rams' 911 | Vick's long road
| Tuesday Blitz |
NFL Power Rankings
The Steelers, at an AFC-best 9-2, look to be the perfect test for the Rams.
Mort: Favre adds to folklore
Add another brilliant comeback to the growing legend of Packers quarterback Brett Favre.
Cup o' Joe: Gruden great for Irish
Raiders coach Jon Gruden would be an ideal choice for Notre Dame, but don't count on it happening.
TJ's Take on Week 12 in the NFL
The Steelers kept the top spot, while the Raiders remain in the top five despite their loss to Arizona.
Week 12 wrap-ups
Get the key plays and top players of each game for Week 12.
Prime Time Players
Week 12's list is led by three QBs who passed their teams to victory.
Week 12 infirmary report
Check out all the key injuries from Week 12 of the NFL season.
Ratto: Either way, Russell crossed the line
Citizens of Raider Nation can be (and often are) many things. But unreliable isn't one of them.
Pasquarelli: Faulk flusters Falcons
If the Falcons blinked their eyes on defense, they missed Marshall Faulk running by them.
Pasquarelli: Vick's long road
Franchise QB Michael Vick may not be ready to take over the Falcons' offense until 2003.
Pasquarelli: Rams dial 911
A depleted Rams defense had an emergency, and Dre' Bly came to the secondary's rescue.
Clayton: Martin loses to former mates
For Curtis Martin, losing to the New England Patriots is especially difficult to swallow.
Clayton: Brady ball
It's not flashy, but the Patriots continue to win with Tom Brady's brand of conservative football.
Frozen Moment: Always bet on Favre
It was Brett Favre time: two minutes left, Monday Night Football and a tie game. As usual, he delivered.
Connolly: Green still visible
Ahman Green rushed for only 31 yards Monday night, but made up for it in other ways, writes Marc Connolly.
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AUDIO/VIDEO
 Down the Stretch
Jerry Rice thinks adversity may be just what the Raiders need to make them a better team.
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Patriot Games
Bill Belichick is pleased with the Pats' up-hill battle for the victory.
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