As we head down the stretch in the 2005 NFL season, there are many questions about the future of the quarterback position in many NFL locker rooms. You could argue that the QB play in 2005 is as bad as it has been in years. You have considerable doubt in the usual places like New Orleans, Miami, and Oakland, but you also have two ultra-successful QB's in Brett Favre and Steve McNair, who both have uncertain futures. Add to that Chad Pennington's injury issues and the Philip Rivers/Drew Brees saga in San Diego and you have QB issues abound. There will be a lot of deck shuffling this offseason at that position. Today, let's look at the AFC teams and how their QB situations potentially could shake out going into 2006.

New England - Tom Brady is as secure as any QB in the league. They found a project last offseason in Matt Leinart's USC clipboard holder Matt Cassell, but they may want to go find a mid-level vet because Cassell is not ready yet and Doug Flutie can not play forever.

New York Jets - Chad Pennington's rotator cuff will be the talk around coffee pots this off-season. Jay Fiedler is coming off serious injury and is aging as well, so don't be surprised to see Matt Leinart calling signals in the Big Apple come September.

Buffalo - For an early draft pick, the Bills sure seem to have J.P. Losman on a short leash. Kelly Holcomb is a solid vet, but he's not a franchise QB. The Bills would not be wrong if they did not take a flier on a mid-round QB in the 2006 draft.

Miami - This is an intriguing situation. Gus Frerotte has played well at times, but he's been erratic. Sage Rosenfels has been great in limited relief work, but neither of these guys inspire greatness on a team that may just be a good QB away from being really good. Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler could figure into Nick Saban's draft plans.

Cleveland - Charlie Frye is a gamer. What he lacks in ability, he makes up for in intangibles. The hometown guy will get every chance to succeed under Romeo Crennel. Trent Dilfer is the perfect mentor for the young Browns signal caller.

Baltimore - Kyle Boller was as dead as the Hussein brothers a month ago, but the light switch seems to have magically come on. They still may want to get into the Brian Griese, Joey Harrington sweepstakes (if you can call it that), just to CYA in case Boller relapses.

Cincinnati - Are you kidding me. With Palmer looking like a younger Dan Marino and Jon Kitna playing the reliable Don Strock role, the Bengals have the best QB situation in football.

Pittsburgh - Ben Roethlisberger is showing that he was no one year wonder. Tommy Maddox, however, is a goner and Charlie Batch has been nicked up. The Steelers may want to go after a mid-level vet to solidify things behind Big Ben.

Houston - I do not see how anybody can blame this on David Carr. I mean, he can't block for himself. Tony Banks looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane and is getting up there in years to boot. I think Houston stays with Carr, but maybe brings in some competition.

Indianapolis - Peyton Manning is the best QB of this generation and he's just really reaching his prime. He's 29 and never had any major injuries, so the Colts are still probably 5-6 years away from even looking for his successor. Even lightly used Jim Sorgi looks like he's got game in Tom Moore's scheme. They may take a late round flier on a developmental project.

Jacksonville - This team has a good QB situation with Byron Leftwich and David Garrard. Leftwich has been a bit injury-prone, but Garrard steps in and plays solid when he gets a chance. The problem now is that Garrard will get some looks from teams looking to give him an opportunity to start. The Jaguars may need to also go after a guy that can at least spot start for them with Leftwich's injury history.

Tennessee - This, folks, is a dicey situation. Steve McNair is the face of the Tennessee Titans, but injuries and the Salary Cap erosion of a once potent supporting cast have taken their toll on the former NFL MVP. McNair also has a preposterous $50 million roster bonus due next year that will never get paid. Billy Volek, who once looked promising, has looked below average in limited duty and there are questions in the Music City about his future. They are so down on Volek that they may start Matt Mauck at QB this Sunday against Jacksonville if McNair can't go. Vince Young and Brady Quinn could figure in prominently at this spot, as could Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler. Look for McNair to sign a cap-friendly deal to stay and finish his career. The Titans will then trade or release Volek, pick up another mid-level vet that could be a stopgap if McNair gets banged up or retires, and for the Titans to draft a QB no later than Round 2.

Kansas City - Trent Green is still a pretty good QB, but he is long in the tooth. Both of his backups, Todd Collins and Damon Huard, are professionals, but they are long in the tooth also. The Chiefs are going to have to start a youth movement at this position soon. Look for the Chiefs to draft a QB either late in Day 1 or early in Day 2 of this year's draft.

Oakland - Kerry Collins can probably leave on the same flight Norv Turner will be departing on next Monday. This seemingly perfect fit has been nothing but a disappointment this year. Marques Tuiasosopo is not the answer. The team seems high on former Arizona State standout Andrew Walter, but he has yet to see the field. Look for Oakland to go after a proven veteran, like maybe McNair, or another underachiever in the mold of Collins, like Aaron Brooks (talk about a perfect fit) if he hits the open market and develop Walter as the QB of the future.

Denver - Jake Plummer finally has seemed to let discipline in and he's having a great season. He still makes the big plays, but he has dramatically cut down on the brain farts and underhanded interceptions he used to throw. However, Plummer is quietly is getting into his 30's and all they have behind him is the young, but versatile Bradlee Van Pelt.  They may get a veteran to solidify the backup role.

San Diego - This is the most intriguing situation of all 32 NFL teams. Drew Brees is at the end of his franchise tag designation. Philip Rivers was the fourth pick in the draft two years ago and has hardly seen the field because Brees has played so well. A.J. Feeley, once a hot prospect, is the third stringer, for now. What GM A.J. Smith decides to do with Brees and Rivers will decide what all the other team's with QB issues do this offseason. If Brees hits the market, you have a proven Pro Bowl talent for some QB needy team to pick up. If Rivers is on the trade market, you have a young guy with two years of seasoning out there for someone to trade for. The Chargers are in a good situation, that is made better if Vince Young and Brady Quinn stay in school.

In this somewhat disjointed NFL season, there have been many storylines in the National Football League. The Indianapolis Colts winning their first thirteen games and the tragic loss of Tony Dungy's oldest son. TO losing his flipping mind. The Seattle Seahawks finally living up to the expectations of years past. The rise of the Cincinnati Bengals to legitimate championship contender. The great coaching job of Jon Gruden in Tampa. The futility of the Houston Texans. Questions about Brett Favre's future. However, the one story that has me completely perplexed is the inconsistency of the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are one of those teams that is just so impressive on paper, and they play impressively a lot. They have the best player in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson, a very good QB in Drew Brees, and a star TE in Antonio Gates. They have a solid offensive line and good receivers in Eric Parker and the ageless Keenan McCardell. Their defensive front seven is tough with havoc-wreaking NT Jamal Williams, veteran LB's Donnie Edwards, Randall Godfrey, and Steve Foley, along with stud rookie pass rusher Shawne Merriman. This team was good enough to end Indy's perfect season in the RCA Dome and blow the Giants out in Qualcomm. This team, also, was careless enough to basically give away a fourth quarter lead against Philadelphia, let Ben Roethlisberger lead the Steelers on a game-winning drive against them at home on Monday Night Football, lose at home to a rebuilding Miami team, and have 1st and Goal on the nine in the season opener against Dallas and never give their best player the ball. San Diego's demise this year has been the inability to close out games. And folks, that is coaching. Hear me out on this...............Marty Schottenheimer is a very good football coach, but he has been known to have teams that can not seal the deal. His teams in Cleveland and Kansas City shared that trait and he seems to have taken that with him to SoCal. Remember his decision last year in the Wild Card playoff game against the Jets to leave the game up to rookie K Nate Kaeding in the mud, instead of letting LT finish the deal?? That was Marty-ball at its finest, Lin Elliott redux (sorry Chiefs fans). The play not to lose philosophy has haunted Schottenheimer since the mid-1980's and he still reverts to it in crucial situations. Now, I am not saying that the Spanos family should kick Marty out the door. Schottenheimer and GM A.J. Smith have that franchise on as solid a footing that they have been since the Air Coryell years. Brees, Gates, and Tomlinson are headed toward the prime of their careers together and the window is nowhere near closed. But for this franchise to win a Super Bowl, Marty has to learn from his mistakes sometime.......doesn't he?

As we head down the stretch in this wildly inconsistent NFL season, sans the Indianapolis Colts, there are five big games to watch while you are putting the last touches on your Christmas preparations.

1. Atlanta @ Tampa Bay - Atlanta looked wind-blown last Sunday night in blustery Soldier Field. One has not seen Michael Vick look that inept since last season's NFC Championship Game. What was most disconcerting, though, is the utter lack of urgency shown by Vick, Jim Mora, and the rest of the Falcons roster. For a team that is clinging to playoff hopes, they looked totally disinterested in the outcome. This lack of interest in a winnable road game may end up as the Steve Young laissez-faire mistake for the year because up ahead comes Tampa Bay. Tampa, themselves coming off a humiliating loss in Foxboro, return home to face a team that they have had loads of success against over the past few seasons. Atlanta's dilemma in this game is that Tampa needs this game just as bad as they do, but Tampa has the homefield advantage. Look for Cadillac Williams to squirt through some creases, Chris Simms to make just enough plays to keep the Falcon D honest, and for Derrick Brooks to play Michael Vick's grinch once again.

Tampa Bay 21 Atlanta 16

2. Dallas @ Carolina - This is a matchup of two NFC teams that are just really hard to get a read on. Dallas can look great one week, but can get embarrassed against teams with a pass rush, such as last week against Washington. Carolina, on the other hand, has this nasty habit of playing to the level of the competition. The Panthers were the vogue pick to go to the Super Bowl this year, but they are just missing something. They have had injuries to key players, but their issue to me stems at the wideout position. Steve Smith is a flat out stud, but they have not developed a true #2 receiver to pick up the production lost when Mushin Muhammed cashed in with Chicago. What has transpired is Jake Delhomme forcing balls to Smith and throwing picks. Dallas is just opportunistic enough to make a play or two defensively to turn the tide. Look for Keyshawn Johnson to make a few chain-moving catches on third down and for Marion Barber to have a solid day. I'm taking the more desperate team in this one.

Dallas 24 Carolina 20

3. San Diego @ Kansas City - Someone at Elias will have to crunch some numbers, but it is possible, that if San Diego does not make the playoffs, they may be the best team in the salary cap era to not make the playoffs. What makes this game interesting is that if Kansas City does not make the playoffs, they could make a similar argument. Let's face it, the loser of this game is toast and can start making plans for their draft day party. The winner, particularly if it is San Diego, can play playoff Survivor for another week. Kansas City just scares me too much with their "Swiss Cheese When It Counts" D and their total lack of playmakers outside in the passing game. Eddie Kennison's questionable status further drives home that point. I think this will be a great game, but somewhere along the line, LaDainian Tomlinson or Michael Turner are going to gash the Chiefs vunerable front and open up things down the field for Antonio Gates, Eric Parker, and the ageless Keenan McCardell. Drew Brees will find them and earn one more week on "Where in the Playoffs is Carmen Sandiego" for the Bolts.

San Diego 31 Kansas City 23

4. New York Giants @ Washington - In act three of NFL Survivor, I bring you the Washington Redskins. The Skins are hanging tough behind steady Mark Brunell, the explosive Miami tandem of Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, and the most underrated TE/H-Back in the league in Chris Cooley. But what does not get talked about enough is how great a defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is. All the guy does is put great defenses on the field. And he is doing this, largely, without the help of his most talented defender, LaVar Arrington. Remember those great defenses at Tennessee with Jevon Kearse and Blaine Bishop, Gregg Williams coached that bunch. Remember the top ranked Buffalo units with Takeo Spikes a few years back, Gregg Williams coached them. Its no coincidence that Williams has this Redskin defense playing inspired. Eli Manning has really struggled as the weather has changed and playing in FedEx Field against Gregg Williams is not the way to ease back in a groove. Easy bet of the week: Tiki Barber will not run for half of the yards he got last week. Once again, the more desparate home team gets the win they need to stay in contention.

Washington 20 New York Giants 14

5. Indianapolis @ Seattle - This possible Super Bowl preview has really been diminished by the tragic death of 18 year old James Dungy, the son of Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy. Things like this really put what life into perspective. Our prayers go out to Tony, his wife Lauren, and the rest of the Dungy family. After last week's loss ended the quest for the perfect season, you really had to wonder how focused Indy would be going to Seattle, considering they really have nothing to gain since they have homefield advantage wrapped up. I do not even have to wonder now, after a loss way more severe than a measly football game. I wonder if Indianapolis truly even wants to get on an airplane on Christmas week, fly cross county to play in a meaningless game for them, while their leader is mourning the most painful loss a human being could ever suffer. Seattle locks up the NFC top seed, but somehow I doubt anybody really cares for now.

Seattle 27 Indianapolis 14

This topic came to me while watching the Chicago Bears battle the Atlanta Falcons at icy Soldier Field. The Bears faithful are going Ditka over the change Coach Lovie Smith made at halftime to his quarterback position by switching back to oft-injured Rex Grossman in favor of struggling rookie Kyle Orton. When you are happy to see one guy who has spent more time in the tub than he has with the club over his three year career, you know  you are in trouble. The thing about this is that Chicago is not the only NFC team that has QB issues going into the playoffs. The AFC teams that are in contention seem to be in a lot more trusting hands at quarterback than their NFC counterparts. This probably adds to the argument many hold that the AFC teams are far superior to the NFC. For example, if the playoffs started right now, the AFC teams would be quarterbacked by Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Jake Plummer, Ben Roethlisberger, David Garrard, and some guy named Tom Brady. Manning and Brady are sure-fire hall of famers, Palmer looks destined for that in his future. Roethlisberger is a young, confident QB that learned some lessons in last year's playoffs. Plummer, for all his quirks, won playoff games with the Cardinals, yeah, the Cardinals, in his career. Garrard, who is in relief of the injured Byron Leftwich, is the only one of the six AFC signal callers who doesn't exude some sense of confidence among teammates, coaches, and the fan base. Even a few of the teams just outside the AFC playoff race (Kansas City and San Diego) have QB's (Trent Green and Drew Brees) who are highly productive players. Conversely, in the NFC, there are no sure things running these offenses from the quarterback position. The guy that comes the closest is the guy that I watched struggle tonight, Michael Vick. He's won several playoff games in his career and has played in an NFC Championship game. He has all the tools, but he has yet to become the poised pocket passer that many feel you need to win a Super Bowl.. Plus, after tonight, the Falcons may not even make the playoffs at all. Matt "we want that ball and we're going to score" Hasselbeck has had a great season, but his two previous playoff experiences have been memorable.........for all the wrong reasons. Whether it was the before mentioned "guarantee" a few years back at Green Bay or last year's debacle against St. Louis, he does not inspire greatness. Jake Delhomme has a great Super Bowl performance on his resume, but he has been erratic over the past two seasons and Eli Manning is your typical talented second year QB. He makes big plays that not many guys can make, but he also makes those second year mistakes that can kill a team's momentum. The Bucs are entrusted in Chris Simms. He, much like Eli Manning, has the pedigree, but he makes the young guy mistakes that can kill a team in a playoff game. The Bears now seem to be riding Grossman, who has not played an entire season, much less had any playoff experience. The teams in the NFC on the outside looking in are actually in much more trusting hands than some of the teams above them and could be tough outs if they sneak into the playoffs because of the experience of their quarterbacks. Brad Johnson, who is leading the Vikings now, led Tampa to a Super Bowl Championship. Drew Bledsoe, who is now Dallas' QB took New England to a Super Bowl a decade ago. Finally, Mark Brunell, who now leads the Washington Redskins, took Jacksonville to two AFC Championship games in the late 1990's. Over the next few weeks, fans everywhere will get to see if superior quarterbacking is as vital as most think in getting a team to the Super Bowl. If it is as important as many seem to think, there are some NFC favorites in big trouble.

The thing that makes the National Football League great is that hope springs eternal in all 32 cities this time a year. No, the NFL has not gone to an NBA or NHL style playoff where seemingly everyone gets in. What the NFL has, though, is two different playoff races. One, of course, for the 12 teams that will make the actual playoffs and do battle in a quest to obtain the fortieth Lombardi Trophy. The "other" playoff is for positioning to see who will garner the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft. No, I'm not saying that teams are throwing games to get the pick, these guys are too competitive and the game is too violent not to give 100% (even though anyone who saw Houston kicker Kris Brown's shank in Nashville Sunday afternoon would have to wonder a bit), but it is compelling to see how these bottom feeders play out the season. There certainly is more than a slight incentive to NOT win games if you are not in the playoff chase. New Orleans has benched the erratic, but capable Aaron Brooks for the duration of the season in favor of journeyman Todd Bouman. Philadelphia has called up Delaware's finest, Andy Hall, from the practice squad to possibly get a look should Mike McMahon and Koy Detmer continue to struggle. San Francisco has inserted over-his-head rookie Alex Smith to gain experience, probably in a losing effort. All in all, the bad teams are actually rewarded for being bad come April's NFL Draft. I mean, there is a gem of a game in Week 17, as the 49ers and Texans meet in a game that very well could determine who gets the first pick in the draft. I bet that game gets more than a passing interest with NFL fans. With that said, here is Wellway's first installment of how the early part of the 2006 draft will pan out:

1. Houston - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - OT - Virginia

Yes, everyone loves Reggie Bush, but Dominick Davis is a darn good RB and Houston, you have a problem and its called the offensive line. Carr, Johnson, and Davis could be the triplets one day, but you will never know unless you have a line that can protect and open holes.

2. San Francisco - Reggie Bush - RB - USC

There will be an old Helix High School reunion in the Bay Area between Alex Smith and Reggie Bush. Bush could be the gamebreaker that Coach Mike Nolan covets for his rebuilding job.

3. N.Y. Jets - Matt Leinart - QB - USC

This may be the best fit for a QB since Joe Willie Namath was selected by this same franchise 40 years ago. A lot of guys are not cut out for the pressure cooker that is New York, but Leinart, and his personality, could be a match made in heaven for the Big Apple faithful.

4. New Orleans - Vince Young - QB - Texas

We're sorry Vince, but the NFL's version of the Clippers are on line 1. Well, since the Clippers are winning now, this may not be too bad forever. On paper, the Saints are not that bad, but with the unsettling following Katrina, the rumors of San Antonio or Los Angeles, and just Tom Benson's buffoonery, there are better places to land.

5. Green Bay - Mario Williams - DE - NC State

A.J. Hawk would be a perfect Packer, but with Nick Barnett really being the strength of the defense, I think Green Bay focuses on building a pass rush. Williams can be as disruptive as any DE in the country, when he's motivated. He's been an enigma, but you can not ignore his physical gifts. Jevon Kearse was an underachiever in college also, but that turned out pretty good. No reason Williams won't duplicate that success.

6. Tennessee - A.J. Hawk - LB - Ohio State University

Tennessee would love to draft Young or Leinart, but they will be long gone by the time they pick. If Brady Quinn comes out, he could certainly be the guy here. They could also trade down to the middle of the first round and maybe draft hometown guy Jay Cutler. McNair is getting old and the injuries have taken a toll, but half dead, he's better than 18-20 starters in the league right now. They can probably still compete with him. Plus, Billy Volek, who wants out (and may get his wish after the season), is more than capable. So, what the Titans do here, as things stand today, is pair A.J. Hawk with Keith Bulluck, Albert Haynesworth, and Adam "PacMan" Jones and immediately have the building blocks of a very good defense.

7. Buffalo - Halota Ngata - DT - Oregon

The Bills get the mighty Duck with this pick. This guy has cat-like quickness with an almost immovable 350lb frame. He will work well in Jerry Gray's defensive scheme for a long time.

8. Cleveland - DeMeco Ryans - LB - Alabama

Ryans was a force that terrorized SEC offenses for the past couple of years. He's a very instinctive player with great athleticism and a knack for big plays. Ryans is a great fit for Crennel's team. He immediately upgrades the speed of Cleveland's defense.

9. Arizona - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis

Williams is the perfect fit for Dennis Green's offense. He is a very similar player to Robert Smith, who Denny had in Minnesota in that he catches the ball really well out of the backfield, moves the chains, and is a leader. He's a very natural football player. I think the Cardinals have been under whelmed by J.J. Arrington's development and they immediately correct that mistake by drafting Williams.

10. Detroit Lions- Mathias Kiwanuka - DE - Boston College

I looked everywhere on their roster to go against the flow of everyone else's mock drafts of Kiwanuka going here, but I couldn't. James Hall and company are nice players, but they really are not difference makers. Kiwanuka has all the ability needed to become a playmaker. Detroit could make a push up to trade into a position to get a Vince Young or could trade down to draft a Jay Cutler, but this is the most likely choice here.

11. Baltimore Ravens - Laurence Maroney - RB - Minnesota

This is what we know. Jamal Lewis probably will not be a Baltimore Raven next season. Chester Taylor is a quality NFL back, but he's not extra special. Maroney is that special blend of size, instinct, and speed that NFL teams covet. He, along with Todd Heap and Mark Clayton automatically give the Ravens hope of a young offensive nucleus.

12. Oakland - Chad Greenway - LB - Iowa

Oakland is pretty putrid against the run and need a guy to stick his nose in there and fill holes. Greenway is one of those guys. He would fit in nicely with the old Raiders who beat opposing offenses up with their physicality. Plus, Al Davis has an affinity for Iowa guys, possibly including the Hawkeyes current head coach.

13. St. Louis - Jimmy Williams - CB - Virginia Tech

Williams immediately brings a swagger to a defense that lacks an identitiy, particularly in the secondary. He's mobile, hostile, and agile and he will make his mark in the pass happy NFC West. He just needs to cut down on the silly extra-curricular activities on the field and he'll be a great one.

14. Philadelphia - Derek Hagan - WR - Arizona State

A lot of people see Santonio Holmes going here, and he might. However, I think Andy Reid likes bigger guys and that's why I have Hagan penciled in at this slot. He isn't a superb athlete, but he's got some size and enough wiggle. He fits in well to a West Coast offense.

15. Miami Dolphins - Jay Cutler - QB - Vanderbilt

This is where the draft gets interesting. Cutler is probably the second most gifted signal caller in this draft (and the most gifted if Vince Young stays in school). This is a guy that is 6'4" 225, can really run, and can throw it with the best of them. He got overshadowed because his team struggled in a major conference, but the conference coaches named him preseason and postseason SEC player of the year. This is what makes this pick possible. Nick Saban, before this season, was one of those SEC coaches and he knows how talented Cutler is.