Holmes remains sidelined by a sprained right knee. Coach Dick Vermeil said, "I think he's made a little progress, but he's got a long way to go."
So do the Chiefs, although they can be dangerous here.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-1) at
Cincinnati Bengals (4-5)
Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers' wunderkind quarterback, is 7-0 as a starter. He is willing to run when necessary and knows how. Steelers coach Bill Cowher is trying to guard against complacency: "We haven't done anything yet." Yes they have. They lead the league in total defense, allowing only 257.9 yards a game. Meanwhile, the Bengals can't stop the run, although coach Marvin Lewis says of his defense, "We're coming out of it a little bit."
Atlanta Falcons (7-2) at
New York Giants (5-4)
Maybe a moment to remember in Giants' history because Eli Manning, the heralded rookie quarterback, makes his first start, replacing the ill-fated Kurt Warner. Coach Tom Coughlin said of Manning, "He is the future of the Giants. It just starts now."
The Giants have lost three of their last four games, their offensive line is a disaster and they can't hold a lead.
Detroit Lions (4-5) at
Minnesota Vikings (5-4)
The Lions and Vikings have each lost three in a row. Randy Moss, the Vikings' game-breaking receiver, has missed two games already with a strained right hamstring, and he is badly missed. Coach Mike Tice says Moss won't play until he gets a full week of practice.
The Lions can't run and can't stop the run.
Denver Broncos (6-3) at
New Orleans Saints (4-5)
After the Saints upset Kansas City last week, wide receiver Joe Horn, said, "Everybody that said goodbye to us, we ain't gone yet." Wait until the Bronco runners see that generous defense.
Indianapolis Colts (6-3) at
Chicago Bears (4-5)
In the last two weeks, the Bears' defense has come up with 16 sacks and eight turnovers. Now its best player, middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, is out four to six weeks and Peyton Manning looms.
New York Jets (6-3) at
Cleveland Browns (3-6)
The Browns have lost three straight and the Jets two in a row. Quarterback Jeff Garcia says his Browns' offense is undisciplined and unimaginative. Quincy Carter has played insecurely as the Jets' fill-in quarterback.
Washington Redskins (3-6) at
Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)
The Redskins have benched their ineffective quarterback, Mark Brunell, in favor of Patrick Ramsey. It won't help.
Green Bay Packers (5-4) at
Houston Texans (4-5)
The Packers have won their last four games, Ahman Green is running well and Brett Favre is Brett Favre.
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