Vince Young has come back from the land of the lost to lead the Tennessee Titans to five wins a row, and of course, he has been anointed the Comeback Player of the Year as quickly as he was labeled The Biggest Bust Ever.

Like Heidi Klum says, “either you’re in, or you’re out,” and the NFL is an extreme example of that saying. Time waits for no NFL player, especially if you’re a QB. Yeah, Young had a minor meltdown last season, but you would have thought he shot someone the way he became a pariah. It all worked out for the Titans last year, but sometimes it doesn’t.

Take Alex Smith, whom the 49ers took with the No. 1 pick a few years ago. Sure, he struggled mightily on crappy teams, but instead of trying to get something out of their $50 million investment, they shuttled him off to the side for a string of other crappy QBs before coming to the realization that hey, this guy might not be The Worst Draft Pick Ever after all.

Like everything, playing in the NFL takes time. Yes, there are some who step in and acheive greatness, but there is a steep learning curve to the pro game, and it’s only fair to players to let them get up to speed.

Last week, Chris got up to speed with a 13-3 mark to take a two-game lead in the standings heading down the homestretch. Let’s see what this week brings …

GAMES OF THE WEEK

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 10 a.m. Sunday, FOX
The line: Eagles by 6

Well, here it is: Michael Vick’s return to Atlanta. And right about now the Falcons could use him, with his first-round replacement, Matt Ryan, out with a sprained toe. As it turns out, neither Vick nor Ryan will start this game. Instead, journeyman Chris Redman will lead Atlanta’s banged-up offense against Philly’s beaten-down defense. And Donovan McNabb will lead the Eagles, with perhaps more than the usual couple of quarterback cameos by Vick. Both teams also will be without their top running backs. Brian Westbrook is still dealing with a concussion that has sidelined him for several games, and Michael Turner is out with a high ankle sprain. The Eagles also will be without receiver DeSean Jackson, so most of the star power is missing in a game both teams really need to win. This game could be a key decider in the wild-card race at the end.
Chris’ pick: Eagles 16, Falcons 13
Elliott: Eagles

Tennessee at Indianapolis, 10 a.m. Sunday, CBS
The line: Colts by 7

The Colts have been teetering on the brink of losing their perfect record for several weeks now, but could it really be the Titans that wind up knocking Indy from the ranks of perfection? The same Titans team that was 0-6 and ready to clean house just a few weeks ago? By the power of Jeff Fisher’s mustache, the cop speed of Chris Johnson and the rejuvenation of Vince Young, the Titans have improbably clawed their way back into the playoff race. However, I still find it hard to pick against Peyton Manning. Until someone proves they can figure out a way to slow the Colts’ QB, I figure Indy will win ugly for as long as it can.
Elliott’s pick: Colts 31, Titans 21
Chris: Colts

Houston at Jacksonville, 10 a.m. Sunday, CBS
The line: Jaguars by 1

Two teams heading in opposite directions. The Texans were considered to be a dark-horse playoff candidate but come into this game with fading playoff hopes after losing two straight home games to division opponents. The Jags started the season looking like AFC South also rans, but would be in the playoffs if they started today. Jacksonville has been terrible on the road (and against the NFC), but an OK home team. The winner of this game keeps their faint playoff pulse going. The loser is done. I have never been impressed with the Texans, but the scattershot way in which they play suggests they are going to pull this one out of their behinds.
Elliott: Texans 23, Jaguars 21
Chris: Jaguars

Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 1:15 p.m. Sunday, FOX
The line: Giants by 2

This is probably the Giants’ last chance to get their act together after five losses in the last six weeks have dropped them to 6-5. This is the first of three straight against their NFC East rivals, and a second win against Dallas (the Giants won 33-31 in Dallas in Week 2) would pull them one game behind the Cowboys as they prepare to face the Eagles and then the Redskins. The Cowboys (8-3) are one game up on the Eagles, and they have a very tough finish, with this game in New York, a home contest against San Diego, games at New Orleans and Washington and the home finale against Philly. The Cowboys might be 8-3, but it’s a soft 8-3, with shaky wins over Kansas City, Washington and Oakland. Neither of these teams is well-defined, but hopefully this game will help figure it all out.
Chris’ pick: Giants 23, Cowboys 17
Elliott: Giants

THE REST OF THE SLATE

New York Jets vs. Buffalo (in Toronto)
Elliott: Jets
Chris: Bills

St. Louis at Chicago
Elliott: Bears
Chris: Bears

Detroit at Cincinnati
Elliott: Bengals
Chris: Bengals

Oakland at Pittsburgh
Elliott: Steelers
Chris: Steelers

Denver at Kansas City
Elliott: Broncos
Chris: Broncos

New England at Miami
Elliott: Patriots
Chris: Dolphins

New Orleans at Washington
Elliott: Saints
Chris: Saints

Tampa Bay at Carolina
Elliott: Bucs
Chris: Bucs

Cleveland at San Diego
Elliott: Chargers
Chris: Chargers

San Francisco at Seattle
Elliott: 49ers
Chris: Seahawks

Minnesota at Arizona
Elliott: Vikings
Chris: Vikings

Baltimore at Green Bay
Elliott: Packers
Chris: Packers

THE SCOREBOARD

Last week: Chris 13-3, Elliott 11-5
Overall: Chris 122-54, Elliott 120-56