Monday we will be able to look back on all the matchups for the NFC West and have hard evidence who is who. Which teams belong in the hunt and which teams better seriously think about making hard choices and big changes, soon.

The Cardinals have the largest challenge, being on the road at the East Coast, against a perennial NFL powerhouse. I will hold comment on this contest until Monday. (Hoping for a surprise!)

St. Louis is hosting Washington, who is coming off an impressive win over the Saints . The home field should give the Rams warm comfort and the ability to put up some scores. If St. Louis gets pounded at home and the Cardinals don't on the road, this would indicate good things this season for the Arizona fans. It's always nice to have a doormat to wipe your feet.

Seattle welcomes Dallas to their collegiate arena. With the loud rah-rah led by their Head Coach, the Sea Hawk fans expect an epic battle to the bitter end. Anything less and I believe the shine is worn off of Mr. Cheerleader. If this is not somewhat of a close game and Seattle gets humiliated, look for Pete Carroll to be called out by the fans. This, of course, would be excellent news for the Red Birds (that is, of course, if Arizona makes a decent showing).

My favorite matchup is, of course, the Lions on the prowl in San Fran. I look for Harbaugh to have no mercy against his new arch-enemy. This is the 49ers opportunity to reinforce claim to the top spot of the NFC West. They must annihilate teams they are supposed to win against, to keep the respect of the East Coast Sports Writers. The Forty-Niners are the standard against which the Cardinals must measure themselves. I just hope Schwartz brushes his teeth and gargles so Harbaugh does not have to shove him out of his face again. The Niners coach was kind enough and showed class by not mentioning that it was poor oral hygene, on the part of the Lions' HC, that was the cause of last season's hissy fit by Jim Schwartz. Don't you just love class? Harbaugh is my kind of guy.

Sunday is funday in the NFC West. I can hardly wait to see who emerges from an extremely tough day of matchups to still be considered possible playoff teams.

How do you feel about the results?