Who's Hot Who's Not

WHO's Hot

Joe Flacco

Winner of the NFL's run, pass and catch competition. The Ravens QB (interview, page 27) threw a 70-yard TD, rushed one in from 12 yards out and--get this--caught a 43-yarder to set up a field goal. ("I just didn't want to make a fool of myself," said Flacco of his receiving foray.) That sunk Oakland and quieted teammate Terrell Suggs's chirping that Troy Smith should start at QB.

Kevin Faulk

Nice numbers (107 total yards, 4.6 yards per carry), and the Patriots back (right) augmented them by snaring the game-winning TD pass versus St. Louis. Not bad for a third-stringer elevated because of injury. Coach Bill Belichick: "Whatever he can do to help us win, he'd do. Mop the floors? He'd mop them."

Pujols

What a legacy he's leaving in St. Louis. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (right) won MLB's Roberto Clemente Award not just for his latest monster season (.357, 37 homers, 116 RBIs) but also for his foundation's work helping kids with Down syndrome. Winning the award, said Pujols, is "one of the most humbling experiences of my life."

Panthers

Feelin' fine in Carolina, after rallying behind Steve Smith (right) and the rest of the guys to beat Arizona. That makes the Panthers 6-2 and alone in first heading into a week of rest.

WHO's Not

Vernon Davis

If you think new 49ers coach Mike Singletary got fed up, imagine Davis's fantasy owners. The San Francisco tight end has just 16 catches in eight games and nary a TD. And yet he pounds his chest after inconsequential receptions, a habit that irks Singletary. After yanking Davis on Sunday, the coach exploded, saying he can't stand "players who think it's about them."