SATURDAY, TIME, QUICK HIT
Dallas at Carolina, Noon Car by 5, Cowboys, in must-win situation, may focus on run since QB Drew Bledsoe has looked shaky in last 2 road starts.
Buffalo at Cincinnati, Noon Cin by 13 1/2
Bills can’t win shootout so expect them to try exploiting Bengals’ weak run defense (allowing 4.3 yds per carry).
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, Noon Pit by 7
Browns offensive line doesn’t match up well with Steelers’ front 7; loss of center Jeff Faine won’t help.
Jacksonville at Houston, Noon Jax by 6
Jaguars running game averages 118.9 ypg, while Texans’ run D is ranked 30th, giving up 139.2 ypg.
San Diego at Kansas City, Noon Pick ’em
Chiefs’ 4th-ranked rushing attack (145.4 ypg) has major challenge in Chargers’ No. 1 run defense (74.9 ypg).
Tennessee at Miami, Noon Mia by 5 1/2
Led by Jason Taylor’s 11 sacks, Dolphins rank 2nd in NFL with 44; Titans have allowed 26 sacks.
Detroit at New Orleans*, Noon NO by 3
Lions have lost 5 in row and 7 of last 8; Saints have won just 1 of their last 10. Enough said.
San Francisco at St. Louis, Noon StL by 9
Journeyman QB Jamie Martin replaces rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started last 3 games–all losses.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay, Noon TB by 3
Crucial game for both teams’ playoff chances so both will play to strength–ground game.
N.Y. Giants at Washington, Noon Was by 3
QB Eli Manning’s 22 TD passes most for Giants since Kerry Collins’ 22 in 2000; 492 attempts is 7th-highest.
Philadelphia at Arizona, 3:05 Ari by 1
Cards rank 31st in red zone with 13 TDs in 44 trips. Eagles RB Ryan Moats 192 yds, 3 TDs in last 2 games.
Oakland at Denver, 3:15 Den by 13
Broncos tied with Bengals 2nd-best AFC record but have tiebreaker edge so they get bye with 2 wins.
Indianapolis at Seattle, 3:15 Sea by 9 1/2
Colts starters WR Marvin Harrison (hand), LB Cato June (ankle/groin/knee), T Ryan Diem (jaw) not making trip.
SUNDAY
Bears at Green Bay, 4 Bears by 7
Bears need Rex Grossman to lift No. 31 pass game. G.B. 9-0 in Dec/Jan. home div. games under Mike Sherman.
Minnesota at Baltimore, 7:30 Bal by 3
Vikings have given up whopping 51 sacks, 31st in NFL; Ravens’ 6th-ranked defense has 34 sacks.
MONDAY
New England at N.Y. Jets, 8 NE by 5 1/2
Patriots QB Tom Brady is in zone: In last 3 games–all wins– he has hit 71.7% of passes for 858 yards, 5 TDs.
*–in San Antonio
