Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbooks) - That
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss might be giving something less than 100 percent effort is not a revelation of Tiger-Woods-crashes-into-fire-hydrant-and-world-falls-apart proportions.
Moss might be a wonderfully-conditioned professional athlete, but that's not him you saw on NFL Films running up that steep rocky hill in the offseason, it was Jerry Rice, or maybe Walter Payton.
Payton once famously heralded the need to "never die easy" on the football field. Moss doesn't die easy most of the time, but he falls asleep easy, gets bored easy, and sulks easy when the ball isn't regularly being hurdled in his direction.
None of this is anything new. Moss, along with the likes of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, among others, is one of the poster children for the NFL's modern epidemic of diva-like behavior from wide receivers, and he was previously an occasional problem while wearing the uniform of the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders. That's why, despite his undeniable Hall of Fame talent, he no longer wears the uniform of the Minnesota Vikings or Oakland Raiders.
Or maybe you had forgotten.
The difference here, in light of Carolina cornerback Chris Gamble's recent comments about Moss' apparent lack of effort during the Patriots' 20-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday, is that Moss was supposed to have turned over a new leaf when he came to New England prior to the 2007 season.
It was thought that being attached to a future Hall of Fame coach and future Hall of Fame quarterback on one of the best offenses of all time would curb Moss' routine, which it has, for the most part.
In 2007, Moss had nothing to complain about during a year in which he set the NFL record for touchdown catches in a single season with 23. Last year, Moss' frustrations following Tom Brady's injury were slightly visible, but Moss did a decent job of suppressing them during a year in which he emerged as a team leader.
But with Brady back this season, Moss clearly expected to experience 2007 all over again, and the fact that it hasn't happened seems to have him bothered. Moss is having a Pro Bowl year, but has just 11 catches totaling 183 yards and two touchdowns in his last four games combined, the type of output he seemed to be posting on a weekly basis back in '07.
Exacerbating the situation was that Moss' one-catch, 16-yard, one-fumble effort against the Panthers came just days after the wide receiver was sent home from practice, along with three teammates, for being late for a meeting. The wide receiver hasn't spoken publicly since the incident, but it has been speculated that Moss' effort on Sunday was a reaction to how he was treated by his head coach earlier in the week.
For his part, Belichick attempted to play damage control on Monday, and perhaps passed an olive branch to a player he'll clearly need to be engaged during the stretch run.
"I have a lot of respect for Randy," said Belichick. "I think he's one of our best players and I think if you watch other teams defend him and watch other teams play against him, they think the same way -- other than these two guys from Carolina after they lost another game. I guess they don't think that way. They haven't won a lot of games now."
Earlier in the day, Brady defended Moss as well, saying on WEEI Radio, "Randy is one of the best players in the history of the NFL. When it doesn't go perfect out there, everyone wants to jump on Randy."
"He is one of the favorite guys I've ever played with," the quarterback continued. "He's one of my good friends on the team."
This week, Moss and the Patriots will face Buffalo, a team the wideout gutted for 12 catches and 141 yards back in Week 1. Chances are, some folks will have their eye on the player wearing New England No. 81 this week, looking for further evidence of the same old Randy.
It'll be there, if you look hard enough.
Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:
WEEKLY SEED REPORT
A look at what the playoffs would look like if the season ended today:
AFC
1 - Indianapolis (13-0) 2 - San Diego (10-3) 3 - Cincinnati (9-4) 4 - New England (8-5) 5 - Denver (8-5) 6 - Jacksonville (7-6)
NFC
1 - New Orleans (13-0) 2 - Minnesota (11-2) 3 - Philadelphia (9-4) 4 - Arizona (8-5) 5 - Green Bay (9-4) 6 - Dallas (8-5)
NFL POWER POLL
The Sportsbooks's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= nfl/misc/nfl-poll.htm
FANTASY FOCUS
Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx
SUICIDE POOL PIX
1. Seattle (vs. Tampa Bay) - Seahawks have been tough at home this season, and hapless Bucs are making one of the longest trips in the NFL.
2. Denver (vs. Oakland) - Broncos aren't quite the team that started 6-0, but aren't getting beat at home by Charlie Frye.
3. Baltimore (vs. Chicago) - Ravens won't have it as easy as they did against the Lions last week, but Bears don't do anything well enough to win a difficult game on the road.
THE GAMES
Another shaky week for yours truly, as I went 11-5 in my picks, and just 7-9 against the spread. I thought teams like the Bengals, Steelers, Seahawks, and Cardinals, among others, would at least show up, which none did. And why, oh why, did I count on the Raiders? My record is now 139-69 (.668) for the year, and 109-98-1 (.526) while walking the line. Please note that Sportsbooks Associate NFL Editor Scott Garbarini, whose picks you can find under "TSN Picks" on the left navigation of the NFL section at sportsnetwork.com, went 12-4 against the spread last week and has opened up a six-game lead on his nearest competitor in TSN's "Pigskin Prognosticators" file. Well done, Scotty G. Hope it doesn't all come crashing down for you (yes I do).
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Indianapolis (13-0) at Jacksonville (7-6), Thursday, 8:20 (Indianapolis -4.5)
Storylines: Colts, who have won an NFL-record 22 consecutive regular season games, expected to play starters despite already clinching homefield advantage in the AFC...Win would give Indy its first 14-0 start in team history...Jaguars currently occupy No. 2 wild card spot in the AFC...Jags looking to avenge 14-12 loss at Indianapolis in Week 1...Colts quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL in passing yards (3905), and Indianapolis is No. 1 in the league in passing offense (296.4 yards per game), third-down percentage (51.6), sacks allowed (10), and fumbles lost (3)...Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (14) and rushing touchdowns (14) along with the Vikings' Adrian Peterson...Jacksonville has thrown an NFL-low-tying six interceptions on the year, along with the Vikings...Jaguars are last in the league in sacks recorded (14), and are one of three teams in the league without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Raiders, Redskins)...Colts defense is tied for first in the league in rushes of 20 yards or longer allowed (3), along with the Bengals.
Fast Fact: The last four games in the Colts/Jaguars series have been settled by just 14 points, including Indy's 14-12 home win in Week 1.
Prediction: If Jim Caldwell really plays to win this game, the Colts have the talent advantage to get to 14-0 here. Colts 23, Jaguars 20.
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Dallas (8-5) at New Orleans (13-0), Saturday, 8:20 (New Orleans -7)
Storylines: Saints can clinch homefield advantage in the NFC with a win and a Vikings loss at Carolina...Cowboys, who are 5-12 in December and January with Tony Romo at quarterback, currently occupy No. 2 wild card spot in the NFC and are one game back of NFC East-leading Philadelphia...Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (sprained neck) questionable after being carted off in last week's 20-17 loss to the Chargers...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in touchdown passes (32) and passer rating (112.3), and New Orleans is No. 1 in total offense (4261 yards per game), scoring offense (35.8 points per game), touchdowns (59), completion percentage (69.7), and defensive touchdowns (8)... Saints lead the NFL in takeaways (37), and forced fumbles lost (13), and New Orleans free safety Darren Sharper leads the league in interception return yards (355) and interception returns for touchdowns (3)...Cowboys' Patrick Crayton is tied for the league lead in punt return touchdowns (2) along with the Eagles' DeSean Jackson...Kickoff specialist David Buehler could handle field goals and extra points for Dallas, after Nick Folk has missed six of his last nine FG attempts.
Fast Fact: The Cowboys are 0-5 against the Saints since beating them at the Superdome in 1994.
Prediction: Cowboys were clueless when they last faced Drew Brees back in 2006, and that Dallas team was much more sure of itself than this one is. Saints 35, Cowboys 23.
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Chicago (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6), Sunday, 1:00 (Baltimore -10)
Storylines: Ravens sit just behind Jacksonville for the final AFC wild card spot due to an inferior conference record...Baltimore plays its 2009 home finale prior to a season-concluding road swing at Pittsburgh (Dec. 27) and Oakland (Jan. 3)...Bears are 2-7 since a 3-1 start and have lost four straight on the road...Ravens safety Ed Reed (groin, foot) considered questionable to return after missing the team's last two games, and wide receiver Mark Clayton (hamstring) and left tackle Jared Gaither (back) also question marks for Sunday after missing last week's 48-3 win over the Lions...Bears wideout Devin Hester considered questionable after missing last week's 21-14 loss to the Packers... Ravens are tied for the league in rushing touchdowns (19), along with the Dolphins...Bears are last in NFL rushing offense (85.8 yards per game), and Ravens are No. 1 in the league in yards allowed per carry (3.5)...Bears released linebacker Cato June earlier this week and promoted tackle James Marten to the active roster.
Fast Fact: Chicago is 0-1 against the Ravens in Baltimore, and the Bears are 0-5 there since beating the Colts at Memorial Stadium in 1965.
Prediction: Bears don't look like a team too motivated to play spoiler, which is bad news for Lovie Smith's employment prospects. Ravens 24, Bears 10.
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New England (8-5) at Buffalo (5-8), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -7)
Storylines: Patriots lead the AFC East by one game over similarly 7-6 Dolphins and Jets...Bills will clinch their fifth straight losing season with their next loss...New England takes the field for the first time since Randy Moss' effort was criticized in the receiver's one-catch, 16-yard, one-fumble effort in a 20-10 win over Carolina last week...Patriots have won 17 of the last 18 over the Bills, including 12 in a row since Buffalo's 31-0 home victory over New England to open the 2003 campaign...New England was a 25-24 winner over Buffalo in Week 1, rebounding from a 24-13 deficit with under three minutes to play...Bills are 2-2 under interim head coach Perry Fewell...New England wide receiver Wes Welker leads the NFL in receptions (105)...Buffalo is No. 1 in the NFL in interceptions (25), is tied for the league lead in takeaways (29), and rookie free safety Jairus Byrd leads the league in picks (9)...Bills are last in the league in rushing defense (170.5 yards per game) and yards allowed per carry (5.0)...Patriots are tied for first in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed (3), along with the Vikings.
Fast Fact: The last Patriots quarterback to start a December loss in Buffalo was Jim Plunkett, who presided over a 37-13 loss at the Bills on Dec. 9, 1973.
Prediction: Though perhaps we're waiting in vain for the real Patriots to show back up, New England really should blow out Buffalo's roster of backups. Patriots 31, Bills 13.
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Arizona (8-5) at Detroit (2-11), Sunday, 1:00 (Arizona -11)
Storylines: Cardinals can clinch their second straight NFC West title with a win and a 49ers loss at Philadelphia...Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (shoulder) questionable after missing the last two games, and Daunte Culpepper could make his second straight start in Stafford's place...Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald a question mark for Sunday after suffering a knee sprain against the 49ers on Monday, and left tackle Mike Gandy (pelvis) also questionable after Gandy left the San Francisco game with a re-aggravation of his injury...Lions lost running back Kevin Smith (knee) for the season in last week's 48-3 loss to the Ravens, and Maurice Morris is expected to start in his place...Detroit quarterbacks have thrown a league-worst 26 interceptions on the year... Cardinals have lost an NFL-high 15 fumbles on the year...Lions are last in NFL total defense (400.5 yards per game), passing defense (272.1 yards per game), opponents' completion percentage (69.5), touchdown passes allowed (29), and are tied for last in turnover margin (-12), along with the Browns...Lions signed cornerback/kick returner Brian Witherspoon (ex-Jaguars) earlier this week.
Fast Fact: The Cardinals are 0-3 in Detroit since last winning there in 1998, and the home team in the series has won eight consecutive times since that result.
Prediction: Lions will play with some fire after embarrassing display in Baltimore, but how in the world will they handle Arizona's passing game? Cardinals 31, Lions 21.
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Cleveland (2-11) at Kansas City (3-10), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -2)
Storylines: Browns, who shocked the Steelers by a 13-6 count last Thursday, seeking their first back-to-back wins since last season...Chiefs are 0-3 since beating Oakland and Pittsburgh back-to-back, and have lost six straight December home games since beating the Jaguars on Dec. 31, 2006...Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe to return following a four-game suspension due to use of a banned substance...Browns are last in the league in total offense (243.4 yards per game), passing offense (138.9 yards per game), and completion percentage (48.9)...Chiefs are last in the league in third-down percentage (25.4)...Browns and Chiefs are two teams that are part of a four-way NFL tie for last in rushing touchdowns (Rams, Buccaneers)...Browns have recorded an NFL-low six interceptions and 14 total takeaways, and are tied for last in the league in turnover margin (-12), along with the Lions....Browns' Joshua Cribbs is reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after amassing 200 all-purpose yards in last week's upset of the Steelers.
Fast Fact: Cleveland is 0-3 in Kansas City since last winning there in 1988.
Prediction: If the Chiefs lose to the Bills and Browns at home on back-to-back weeks in December, it's prudent to question whether Todd Haley and Matt Cassel are ever going to get it done. Chiefs 27, Browns 13.
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Atlanta (6-7) at N.Y. Jets (7-6), Sunday, 1:00 (NL)
Storylines: Jets and Falcons both seeking a win to boost playoff stock...Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (knee) expected to return to the lineup after Kellen Clemens opened last week's 26-3 win at Tampa Bay...Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe) and running back Michael Turner (ankle) both questionable to return to the lineup after missing the last two games...Jets' Rex Ryan was passed over for Atlanta's head coaching vacancy when the team hired Mike Smith in 2008...Jets lead the league in rushing offense (169.1 yards per game)... Jets are No. 1 in NFL total defense (264.7 yards per game), passing defense (160.4 yards per game), touchdown passes allowed (7), and opponents' completion percentage (53.1)...Falcons are last in the league in opponents' third-down percentage (47.7)...Jets signed ex-Jaguars running back Chauncey Washington off the Cowboys' practice squad on Tuesday...Falcons placed wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and signed Troy Bergeron from the practice squad...Jets (81.2) and Falcons (70.6) are Nos. 1-2 in the league in fourth-down conversion percentage.
Fast Fact: The lone NFL road victory for Falcons quarterback Chris Redman as a starter came on Oct. 6, 2002, when he led the Ravens to a 26-21 win at the Browns.
Prediction: The quarterback situation for both teams is immaterial: Jets will win this game on the strength of a superior defense. Jets 17, Falcons 12.
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San Francisco (6-7) at Philadelphia (9-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -9)
Storylines: Eagles, who have won four in a row, have a one-game edge over the Cowboys for the NFC East lead...San Francisco kept postseason hopes alive with 24-9 win over Arizona on Monday night, but remains two games back of both NFC West lead and final wild card spot...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook could return after missing six of the team's last seven game due to two separate concussions...Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (foot) to miss Sunday's game, and tight end Brent Celek (back) considered questionable...49ers running back Frank Gore is reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown vs. the Cardinals...San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis leads the NFL in touchdown catches (11)...Eagles kicker David Akers is tied for the league lead in made field goals (27) along with the Chargers' Nate Kaeding... Eagles' DeSean Jackson leads the league in punt return average (17.8) and is the reigning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring on a 72-yard punt return in last week's 45-38 win over the Giants...San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley considered questionable after missing the last six games with a knee injury.
Fast Fact: 49ers running back Frank Gore has gone 14 consecutive road games without eclipsing 100 rushing yards, since a 21-carry, 116-yard effort at the Cardinals on Nov. 25, 2007.
Prediction: Path to 9-7 will be clear if 49ers can steal this one, but with a long trip, on a short week, following a physical win, it doesn't look good for San Francisco. Eagles 20, 49ers 7.
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Houston (6-7) at St. Louis (1-12), Sunday, 1:00 (Houston -10)
Storylines: Texans, who need to win out to post the first winning season in franchise history, kept slim postseason hopes alive with last Sunday's 34-7 rout of the Seahawks...Rams have lost 11 straight home games since a win over Dallas last Oct. 19th, and are still seeking their first Edward Jones Dome victory of the Steve Spagnuolo era...Kyle Boller (thigh) expected to be back in starting lineup for Rams this week after sixth-round rookie Keith Null threw five interceptions in last week's 47-7 loss at Tennessee...Boller is 0-4 as a starter with St. Louis...Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson leads the NFL in receiving yards (1237)...Rams are last in the league in scoring offense (11.2 points per game)...Houston is last in the NFL in rushes of 20 yards or longer (3)...Rams released guard Richie Incognito earlier this week after he was flagged for two head-butts in last week's loss to the Titans, and placed fellow starting guard Jacob Bell (torn hamstring) on season-ending injured reserve... Rams also promoted tackle Eric Young from the practice squad to the active roster.
Fast Fact: A St. Louis-based NFL franchise has not hosted a team from Houston since 1985, when the Oilers defeated the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
Prediction: Texans won't squander their new-found life in the playoff race, but Rams defense will post a greater challenge than did the Seahawks. Texans 25, Rams 17.
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Miami (7-6) at Tennessee (6-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Tennessee -3)
Storylines: Dolphins and Titans both fighting for final playoff spot in the AFC...Tennessee quarterback Vince Young (hamstring) considered questionable after exiting last week's 47-7 win over the Rams, and Kerry Collins would make his seventh start of the year if Young is unavailable...Collins is 0-6 as a starter this season...Titans running back Chris Johnson leads the NFL in rushing yards (1626), and must average 124.7 yards per game over his final three contests to break 2,000 for the year...Tennessee is No. 1 in yards per carry (5.3) and rushes of 20 yards or longer (22)...Dolphins running back Ricky Williams needs 25 yards for his first 1,000-yard season since 2003...Miami is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (19), along with the Ravens...Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck is reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 tackles and two interceptions in last week's win...Dolphins' Ted Ginn is tied for the league lead in kickoff return touchdowns (2) along with the Vikings' Percy Harvin...Dolphins lead the league in opponents' third-down percentage (32.5).
Fast Fact: Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher is 2-6 against Miami in his career.
Prediction: In what amounts to a playoff elimination game, the Dolphins will find a way to win due to more certainty on the offensive side of the football. Dolphins 16, Titans 14.
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Oakland (4-9) at Denver (8-5), Sunday, 4:05 (Denver -14)
Storylines: Broncos currently hold the first of two AFC wild card positions... Charlie Frye expected to make his first start as a Raider after Bruce Gradkowski (knee) was likely lost for the season in last week's loss to the Redskins...Oakland signed J.P. Losman (ex-Bills) to a roster already including quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Frye earlier this week...Broncos are expected to be without running back Correll Buckhalter (ankle)...Denver defeated Oakland, 23-3, in Week 3...Oakland is last in the league in touchdowns scored (14) and touchdown passes (8)...Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL in sacks (15)...Raiders have surrendered an NFL-worst 20 rushing touchdowns...Raiders' Shane Lechler leads the NFL in punting average (51.4) and net punting average (44.3)...Raiders are one of three teams in the league without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Jaguars, Redskins)... Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week after catching an NFL-record 21 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 28-16 loss to the Colts.
Fast Fact: The Raiders (31-10 winners at Denver last season) haven't won road games against the Broncos in back-to-back years since 1993-94.
Prediction: Raiders lost whatever mojo they had when Gradkowski went down, and with no offensive leader, have no shot in chilly Denver. Broncos 26, Raiders 6.
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Cincinnati (9-4) at San Diego (10-3), Sunday, 4:05 (San Diego -6.5)
Storylines: Bengals can clinch AFC North with a victory, or Ravens loss against the Bears...Chargers clinch playoff berth with a win, clinch AFC West with a win or a Broncos loss, and clinch first-round playoff bye with a win and losses for the Broncos and Patriots...San Diego has won eight straight since starting the season 2-3, and is 16-0 in December with Philip Rivers at quarterback... Bengals have scored 18 points or fewer in seven of their last nine games... Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Ochocinco is 63 yards shy of his seventh career 1,000-yard season...San Diego has committed an NFL-low 13 turnovers, but remains last in the league in yards per carry (3.2)...Bengals are tied for the league lead in fewest rushes of 20 yards or longer allowed (3), along with the Colts... Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding leads the NFL in scoring (120 points) and is tied for the league lead in made field goals (27) along with the Eagles' David Akers...Bengals re-signed defensive tackle Shaun Smith and released wide receiver Maurice Purify earlier this week.
Fast Fact: The road team has won the last three games in the Chargers/Bengals series, since a San Diego win over Cincinnati at Qualcomm Stadium in 2003.
Prediction: Bengals looked terrible last week, and this game will prove whether or not that was an aberration. Chargers 20, Bengals 19.
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Tampa Bay (1-12) at Seattle (5-8), Sunday, 4:15 (Seattle -7)
Storylines: Seattle plays just its second home game in a span of 35 days... Seahawks, who are 4-2 at home this season, must win out to avoid their first back-to-back losing seasons since 1993-94....Buccaneers are 0-6 in road games under head coach Raheem Morris, and have lost eight in a row away from Tampa since a win at Detroit last Nov. 23rd...Tampa Bay has lost five in a row overall, including a 26-3 home rout at the hands of the New York Jets last Sunday...Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman, who is seeking his first road win as an NFL starter, has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in his past two games combined...Bucs have gone nine consecutive quarters without a touchdown...Buccaneers are last in the league in rushes of 20 yards or longer allowed (19)...Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson (high ankle sprain) could miss the remainder of the season...Seahawks linebackers Aaron Curry (hip) and D.D. Lewis (knee) are question marks...Buccaneers wide receivers Michael Clayton (knee) and Sammie Stroughter (back) both considered questionable.
Fast Fact: In his last matchup against the Seahawks (Nov. 4, 2007), current Buccaneer and then-Cleveland Brown Kellen Winslow had 11 catches for a career- high 125 yards in a 33-30 Browns victory.
Prediction: Seahawks head coach Jim Mora has put the entire team on notice, and Seattle should put forth strong effort against a less talented opponent. Seahawks 31, Buccaneers 10.
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Green Bay (9-4) at Pittsburgh (6-7), Sunday, 4:15 (Pittsburgh -1)
Storylines: Packers currently own first of two wild card positions in the NFC....Steelers have lost five in a row for the first time since 2003, and are trying to avoid their first six-game losing skid since 1999...Packers have won five in a row since a loss at Tampa Bay on Nov. 8th, and are seeking their first six-game winning streak since 2006...Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native...Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (knee) to remain out, and the team will also be without guard Chris Kemoeatu (wrist)...Green Bay wide receiver Donald Driver needs 113 receiving yards to go over 1,000 for a franchise-record sixth consecutive season...Packers are No. 1 in the league in turnover margin (+18), but have surrendered an NFL-worst 47 sacks...Steelers remain No. 1 in NFL rushing defense (84.9 yards per game)...Green Bay is last in the league in fourth-down conversion percentage (25.0), while Steelers are last in opponents' fourth-down percentage (77.8)...Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly expected to play despite being indicted on drug charges earlier this week.
Fast Fact: Green Bay is 0-3 in Pittsburgh since last winning there in 1970.
Prediction: No, the Steelers aren't very good, but after embarrassment against Browns, will be focused in an effort to avoid 6-10. Steelers 21, Packers 15.
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Minnesota (11-2) at Carolina (5-8), Sunday, 8:20 (Minnesota -8)
Storylines: Vikings can clinch NFC North with a win, and can clinch first-round bye with a win and an Eagles loss...Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (finger) expected to remain out, with Matt Moore slated to make his third consecutive start...Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (14) and rushing touchdowns (14) along with the Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew...Minnesota has thrown a league-low-tying six interceptions on the year, along with Jacksonville...Panthers have committed an NFL-worst 31 turnovers...Vikings have recorded an NFL-high 41 sacks on the season, and are tied for first in rushing touchdowns allowed (3), along with New England... Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell leads the NFL in field goal percentage (22-of-23, 95.6 percent)...Vikings' Percy Harvin (migraines), who is tied for the league lead in kickoff return touchdowns (2) along with the Dolphins' Ted Ginn, considered questionable for Sunday after missing last week's win over the Bengals...Panthers placed starting right tackle Jeff Otah (knee) on season- ending injured reserve earlier this week, and Geoff Schwartz is expected to start in his place.
Fast Fact: The Panthers are one of four NFL teams that the Vikings have never defeated on the road in their history (Colts, Jets, Titans/Oilers).
Prediction: Matt Moore, meet Jared Allen. Several times. Vikings 28, Panthers 14.
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N.Y. Giants (7-6) at Washington (4-9), Monday, 8:30 (N.Y. Giants -3)
Storylines: Giants, who are 2-6 since a 5-0 start, are currently one game back of Dallas for the final wild card spot in the NFC...Giants were 23-17 winners over Redskins in Week 1...Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) considered questionable...Giants right tackle Kareem McKenzie (knee) expected to be out after being injured in last week's 45-38 loss to the Eagles, with rookie William Beatty slated to open in his place...Giants are 3-0 in Washington since last losing there in 2005... Giants' Osi Umenyiora leads the NFL in defensive fumble recoveries (4)... Redskins lead the league in opponents' fourth-down percentage (21.4)...Redskins are one of three teams in the league without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Raiders, Jaguars)...Redskins rookie pass rusher Brian Orakpo is reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after amassing four sacks, six tackles, three tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble in last week's 34-13 win over the Raiders...Redskins signed linebacker Curtis Gatewood off of the Steelers practice squad and released offensive lineman D'Anthony Batiste earlier this week.
Fast Fact: The Redskins, who will clinch sole possession of last place for a second straight year with their next loss, last posted consecutive last-place finishes in 1993-94.
Prediction: Redskins don't have the aerial attack to exploit the Giants' main weakness. Giants 24, Redskins 17.
