Six teams had last week off. All of them return from the break with reasons to smile.
Giants: They got Justin Tuck, Prince Amukamara, Brandon Jacobs and Chris Snee back at practice Monday. That’s a lot of key talent. The Giants also watched their closest competition in the division -- Washington -- lose to the Panthers.
Patriots: Following losses by San Diego and Baltimore, the Patriots are now the only one-loss team left in the AFC. Plus Rob Gronkowski will return to the team more relaxed than ever.
Bengals: They picked up at least one first round pick and watched the Ravens lose. The only downer: It probably won’t be two first-round picks if Carson Palmer doesn’t play better in Oakland.
49ers: Every team in the NFC West lost. Braylon Edwards and fullback Moran Norris are expected to return from injury. San Francisco’s magic number to make the playoffs is down to “Just show up for every game.”
Eagles: Like the Giants, they got healthy and watched Washington lose. Plus Vince Young didn’t say anything crazy.
Bills: Okay, nothing great happened for Buffalo. But they host Washington this week, fresh off the Redskins losing Tim Hightower and Santana Moss to injury.