NFL

The Cardinals are still alive for the No. 2 seed in the NFC following Chicago’s Monday night upset of Minnesota and most likely will decide to play all starters in Week 17 after all.

While it’s still a long shot for coach Ken Whisenhunt’s team, the Cards now have something to play for. In addition to beating the Pack, the Cards need the Vikings to lose at home to the Giants in Week 17 and the Dallas Cowboys to beat the Eagles. They’ll know which approach to take early, as the Vikings play at 1ET and Arizona hosts Green Bay at 4:15ET.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson is believed to be the first player in NFL history selected for the Pro Bowl as both a position player and a kick returner. Miles Austin and Sidney Rice are the reserve receivers in the NFC, with Jackson and Larry Fitzgerald as the starters. Percy Harvin had a very strong argument as the kick returner, but it’s hard to quibble with the most explosive player in football this season.

Carolina: Panthers DE Julius Peppers has been elected to the NFC Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career.
Peppers will earn a $1.5 million bonus, bringing his 2009 salary to $18.2 million. The Carolina Panthers defense has been on fire over the past six weeks, with Peppers leading the way. He’s up to 10.5 sacks on the season, with five forced fumbles.

Minnesota: Vikings CB Antoine Winfield admitted that he suffered a setback with his foot injury against the Bengals in Week 14. Winfield has been really bad in two straight games and it culminated with Devin Aromashodu burning him for the game-winning touchdown on Monday Night Football. Winfield clearly isn’t 100 percent. The Minnesota Vikings should consider shutting him back down until the playoffs.

Oakland: Raiders QB Charlie Frye will start for the Raiders against the Ravens Sunday. As expected, Frye gets the nod over J.P Losman and JaMarcus Russell. He threw for 333 yards last week, but was picked off three times and the Raiders didn’t score any touchdowns. Frye is not a long-term solution for the Raiders.

Oakland: RB Justin Fargas had his knee drained on Monday and is now questionable for week 17 against the Ravens.

Indianapolis: Colts WR Pierre Garcon has been ruled out for week 17 with a hand injury. Expect Hank Baskett to fill in for him.

Cincinnati: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has said that the results of the early games could have an impact on how much time the starts play on Sunday night. The Bengals would have a shot at the 3 seed if the Patriots lose to the Texans.

Kansas City: The Kansas City Chiefs have made it a goal to get RB Jamaal Charles to 1,000 rushing yards. He will need 139 to do it, so expect him to see alot of carries early and often. Since Larry Johnson was released, only Chris Johnson has more rushing yards.