We're about 28 percent through the NFL regular season, with every team having played at least four games. Time for our first-quarter awards:

• MVP: An open field without the usual suspects, with Tom Brady lost to injury and LaDainian Tomlinson and Peyton Manning stumbling. So right now, I like Eli Manning, Giants QB, and less and less the ''other'' Manning. His efficiency (6 TDs, 1 interception) has been key to a 4-0 start.

Watch list: Redskins QB Jason Campbell, Jets QB Brett Favre, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, Falcons RB Michael Turner, Redskins RB Clinton Portis and Saints all-purpose RB/punt returner Reggie Bush.

• Defensive Player of the Year: Titans DT Albert Haynesworth with the early lead. Has five sacks and anchored run-stopping for a 5-0 team giving up the fewest points in the AFC.

• Rookie of year: Bears RB Matt Forte leads all rooks with 383 rushing yards and is on pace to be first newbie since 1997 to lead his team in rushing and receptions. But keep an eye on Eagles WR/punt returner DeSean Jackson, Falcons QB Matt Ryan and Titans RB Chris Johnson.

• Coach of the year: Dolphins' Tony Sparano. Inherited a 1-15 team and has it 2-2 off consecutive wins over last year's AFC Championship Game teams, sparked by a funky Wildcat wrinkle on offense. Atlanta's Mike Smith and Washington's Jim Zorn are other early contenders.

• Dolphins MVP: QB Chad Pennington, whose arrival has been huge. Although RB Ronnie (Wildcat) Brown is nearly in a dead heat, and on defense LB Joey Porter is making the right kind of noise.

Meandering around King Sport:

• OK, we know neither the Giants nor Titans will bother the Dolphins' 1972 Perfect Season. But might any team go winless and match the Bucs' 1976 Imperfect Season?

Bet on the Rams if anyone.

Texans play both the Bengals and Lions, instantly reducing the likelihood any of those will stay winless. Rams' remaining opponents are a combined 32-24, and only one opponent (Seattle) is worse than 2-3.

• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said to be furious over Adam ''Pacman'' Jones making bad headlines again, this time for fighting with his bodyguard at a hotel. Never a good sign when you get into a fight with the guy you hired to keep you out of trouble.

• Updated Super Bowl odds, courtesy of BetUS.com: Cowboys favorites at 4-1, then Giants 8-1, Steelers/Titans/Redskins all 10-1, and Colts/Chargers both 12-1. Miami now 65-1, tied for 22nd-longest odds.

• The NFL has new competition. Plans have been announced for a Lingerie Football League to launch in September 2009 with 10 teams including the Miami Caliente. I only wish I were kidding. Not much is yet known about the new venture. Meantime, I'm just praying to God it isn't a men's league.

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