Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon Donovan McNabb and the Eagles host the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Odds makers call the Eagles a 9 point favorite with the total sitting at 45 1/2.

Eagles coach Andy Reid must be swirling as optimism as running back Brian Westbrook and wide receivers Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are expected to be returning from injuries on Sunday. The 3-3 Eagles hope they can develop some rhythm and climb out of the basement in the NFL East.

"This was a significant game in general for us," Reid said. "It's important we establish more consistency and eliminate some of the highs and lows."

Coming off a bye week should help. The Eagles are 9-0 following a bye under Reid.

Philadelphia hopes its excellent pass rush will be out in full force against the Falcons. The Eagles are tied for second in the league with 21 sacks, including 14 in
three home games, and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson figures to bring everything they can to pressure rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Johnson's defense is known for blitzing early and often.

"We're not going to stop," safety Brian Dawkins said. "You may get us every once in a while, but we're not going to stop, so you have to be able to maintain that same cool that you were on that one play that you got us on the other 20 blitzes that we throw at you."

The 4-2 Falcons are riding high on a two game winning streak including a 27-24 win at Lambeau Field against the Packers. Matt Ryan has had a lot of success stretching the field in the vertical passing game as the Falcons offensive line has been able to provide good protection to the rookie signal caller.

Look for Jim Johnson's defense to give Ryan fits and the Eagles offense to put up some points as quarterback Donovan McNabb finally has a full complement of weapons. Take Philadelphia and give the 9 points.