NFC West

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The tight ends are playing a bigger role as receivers. Early in the season, the tight ends often stayed in to block. But once RT Oliver Ross returned from a broken hand a month ago, TEs Eric Edwards and Adam Bergen started to run more routes. Ross has been able to handle most defensive ends by himself.... The closer SS Adrian Wilson gets to the line, the more effective he becomes. Wilson plays well in the box, whether he's stepping the run or blitzing. He's fast, physical and a ferocious hitter.

OVERACHIEVING: No player gets more out of his ability than FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo. He plays an integral role on offense and is one of the team's best special teams players. He's not a classic blocking back, and the club doesn't ask him to block too often. But Ayanbadejo is an effective receiver and a decent runner. The club isn't afraid to play him on third down because of his versatility. UNDERACHIEVING: LT Leonard Davis commits too many penalties, especially false starts, hurting the team at critical times. The former first-round pick is in his fifth year and shouldn't be making those mistakes. He has more talent than he has displayed.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Whether it's Kurt Warner, Trent Green, Mare Bulger--or now rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick--coach Mike Martz has an eye for the overlooked quarterback. The ailing Martz has told associates Fitzpatrick has the potential to be the best of the group. He has the strongest arm, the best mobility and a knack for scrambling his way out of trouble. Fitzpatrick isn't as accurate as the others, but he has shown an early ability to grasp the complex Rams offense.... After a strong start, DT Jimmy Kennedy's play has regressed; Damione Lewis has replaced him as a starter. To regain his job, Kennedy must hold up better at the point of attack and take advantage of one-on-one blocking. OVERACHIEVING: Rookie G Claude Terrell emerged as a surprise performer in camp and has started five games at left guard. He's a strong drive blocker and is at his best on running plays. UNDERACHIEVING: MLB Chris Claiborne, who was signed to shore up the run defense, has been benched in favor of Trev Faulk. Interim coach Joe Vitt says Faulk is quicker and has more range. Claiborne had been leaving the field in nickel and dime situations anyway.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

With LE Bryant Young (knee) out at least three weeks, Anthony Adams will move from nose tackle to replace Young and Isaac Sopoaga will start at nose tackle. At 6-0, Adams does not have ideal height, but he's quick and relentless. He can be tough to block but will have to adjust to playing in space. Sopoaga (6-2,331) is a physical run stuffer who can get upfield in passing situations.... CB Bruce Thornton is establishing himself as a factor on defense with Ahmed Plummer (ankle) out. Thornton has shown good instincts in pass coverage and aggressively fights receivers for the ball. He has very good speed, but Thornton has been vulnerable to misdirection and has been beaten deep a few times. OVERACHIEVING: Backup RB Maurice Hicks has surprised the team with his explosiveness since being worked into the rotation because of injuries to Frank Gore. Hicks has good speed and elusiveness and is averaging 6.6 yards per carry. UNDERACHIEVING: Kwame Harris was moved to fight tackle after struggling on the left side, but he's still having trouble against speed rushers and has been called for some key penalties.--Dennis Georgatos

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

FB Mack Strong, 34, is having another stellar season, leading the way or sealing off the backside on most of RB Shaun Alexander's 20 TD runs. Strong has remained durable by doing yoga in the offseason. He gets an occasional touch (11 carries, 18 receptions), but coach Mike Holmgren says those are rewards for doing what Strong does best.... Fourth-year DT Rocky Bernard has more sacks in 11 games (8 1/2) than he had in his previous 38. Bernard is playing more and is in better shape, but coaches say the most important factor in his turnaround is his renewed passion for the game. OVERACHIEVING: Even after signing LE Bryce Fisher in the offseason, the team had hoped to add a speed rusher. That didn't happen, but it hasn't mattered because Fisher has 7 1/2 sacks. He isn't particularly quick or strong, but he uses his club and rip moves effectively and is relentless. UNDERACHIEVING: Signed to be the nickel back, Kelly Herndon started the past six games because of injuries to CB Andre Dyson. Herndon had trouble staying with faster receivers and matching up with bigger ones. He sprained his knee against the Giants and will miss at least two games. Dyson is ready to take his place, but Herndon might be missed in nickel and dime situations.--Clare Farnsworth

PLAYER POLL

Dwight Freeney doesn't have intimidating size (6-1, 268), but quarterbacks fear him like no other pass rusher. We asked the league's QBs: Who is the hardest-hitting pass rusher? Of the 53 who responded, 10 cast votes for Freeney. That was twice as many votes as the players who tied for second--Michael Strahan and Julius Peppers.