Houston (5-3) at Denver (4-3)
Who figured the Texans, in their third year, would be playoff contenders? They have won four of their last five games (the loss was in overtime). The offense is lively and quarterback David Carr is sharp. The Broncos are coming off two bad losses. Last week, when Jake Plummer passed for 499 yards against the Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos still lost, and critics started calling him Jake the Mistake. The home field makes the difference here.
New Orleans (3-4) at
San Diego (5-3)
Drew Brees was such a disappointing quarterback last year that the Chargers wanted to dump him in favor of Philip Rivers, their first-round draft choice. This year, with Rivers watching from the bench, Brees has passed for 14 touchdowns against three interceptions. Last Sunday, his five touchdown passes helped rout the Oakland Raiders. The Saints' bye week has helped Deuce McAllister, whose sprained ankle had prevented him from cutting. Now he runs into the NFL's best rushing defense.
Arizona (2-5) at Miami (1-7)
The Dolphins' defense looked helpless Monday night as the Jets rushed for 275 yards. Now the Dolphins are without linebacker Junior Seau, lost for the season with a torn chest muscle.
Kansas City (3-4) at Tampa Bay (2-5)
When the Chiefs rolled up 590 yards against the Colts, Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil said, "I don't add that high." Fullback Mike Alstott of the Bucs is out at least a month with a sprained knee.
Oakland (2-6) at Carolina (1-6)
There is unrest on the Raiders, who have lost five straight games and 16 of 20 overall and 13 straight on the road. Cornerback Charles Woodson says some teammates have been dogging it during games.
Washington (2-5) at Detroit (4-3)
The Redskins' secondary, eaten up by Brett Favre, will get little relief facing Joey Harrington. The Redskins' offense is staying with Mark Brunell, who has the NFL's worst quarterback rating (52.4).
Dallas (3-4) at Cincinnati (2-5)
The Bengals have the league's most generous rushing defense, and the Cowboys have been running more. That pleases coach Bill Parcells because, he says, "It's not like I've got 20 more seasons."
Chicago (2-5) at NY Giants (5-2)
After the Vikings were drubbed by the New York Giants, their coach, Mike Tice, said, "The Giants are not on our schedule next year, thank God." The Bears have some good rookies but they will be lucky to still be in the game by Q3.
Seattle (4-3) at San Francisco (1-6)
Shaun Alexander's 195 yards rushing against the Panthers awakened the Seahawks' offense, which are likely to romp over the 49ers.
Cleveland (3-4) at Baltimore (4-3)
The Colts' big runner, Jamal Lewis, is back. In the Browns' 55 games under Butch Davis, 28 have been won or lost in the final minute.
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