A head count of NFL players in their 13th season or higher turned up 27 names. Throw out the kickers, punters and a long snapper and the list includes only 20 men.

That's 1.2 percent of the league's 1,696 active players. Eight of them play defense. And one of them is Packers linebacker Julius Peppers, who, at 34, is well on his way to a ninth Pro Bowl with a team-high five sacks and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.

So, Julius, what's the key to longevity in the NFL?

"Just having a purpose and coming to work with a purpose every day," said Peppers, who last week became the first player in NFL history with at least 100 sacks and four interception returns for touchdowns.

"Taking care of your body. And, you know, having a little bit of luck in there as well, as far as staying injury-free."

Of those who are in Year 13 or higher, six are quarterbacks. Peyton Manning, in his 17th season, is tied with Raiders safety Charles Woodson for the most longevity among non-specialists.

Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, 41, leads all players. In his 19th season, Vinatieri is the only active player who was in the league before 1998. He went undrafted out of South Dakota State in 1995 and debuted with the Patriots in 1996.

"My advice is just take care of your body when you're not here," Peppers said. "Train hard in the offseason, work with a purpose and try to stay injury-free as best you can."

THIRD-AND-2

Three observations

• It's a passing league, but the top three defensive teams (Lions, Dolphins, Seahawks) are a combined 19-11, while the top three offensive teams (Colts, Saints, Broncos) are 16-13.

• The NFC South is led by Atlanta and its 32nd-ranked defense. The NFC North is led by Detroit and its No. 1-ranked defense.

• The Cowboys are the NFL's only undefeated team on the road (4-0, including a game in London).

Two predictions

• The Patriots score at least 30 against the Lions' No. 1-ranked scoring defense.

• The Cardinals' plus-11 turnover margin will go down in a loss at Seattle.

MARK CRAIG