Not as hot as the Colts, who have averaged more than 35 points a game over the last nine games. They are first in the league in scoring (30.5 points a game) and second in fewest points allowed (13.5).
Last Sunday, while the Colts were dispatching the Titans, the Jaguars had trouble with the Browns. Because Byron Leftwich, the Jaguars' quarterback, is injured, David Garrard started for the fifth time in his four-year pro career.
The Jaguars rallied and won, but coach Jack Del Rio suffered. As Garrard said, "He was a little fired up, but I've seen him worse. He didn't break anything."
Now the pressure is on the Colts and their quest for a perfect season. They are not overconfident, quarterback Peyton Manning said, because "you don't have time to pat yourself on the back as a team."
Chicago (9-3) at Pittsburgh (7-5)
The Bears have won eight straight because their defense is carrying an unsure offense. Coach Lovie Smith's assessment: "That's what they're supposed to do."
That defense stopped the Packers after the offense had gone 0 for 10 on third down. The once-mighty Steelers have lost their last three games, and Ben Roethlisberger keeps playing despite a broken right thumb.
Tampa Bay (8-4) at Carolina (9-3)
The Buccaneers needed Ronde Barber's three interceptions to get by the Saints. The Bucs are quietly having a good year, but coach Jon Gruden warned, "You're only going to be judged on winning Super Bowls."
The Panthers stayed a game ahead of the Bucs in the NFC South by containing Michael Vick, helped by five sacks and two interceptions. DeShaun Foster rushed for 131 yards and caught three passes for 49 yards and has displaced the older and battered Stephen Davis as the Panthers' featured runner.
Giants (8-4) at Philadelphia (5-7)
The Giants, despite an erratic offense, beat the Cowboys because the defense collected four sacks and four turnovers. The Giants have won four games with late fourth-quarter rallies. The Eagles took a blowout loss to the Seahawks on Monday night.
As coach Andy Reid of the Eagles said, "There's not a lot of good I can find out of this."
Cleveland (4-8) at Cincinnati (9-3)
The Bengals outlasted the Steelers and lead the AFC North by two games. Carson Palmer of the Bengals has 26 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions. The Browns were beating the Jaguars until they gave up 17 straight points in the third quarter.
St. Louis (5-7) at Minnesota (7-5)
The Rams gained only 191 yards in losing to the Redskins and gave up 257 yards in rushing alone. After the Vikings beat the Lions, receiver Koren Robinson said of quarterback Brad Johnson: "He's throwing it on time and he's throwing it precise. He's like Greg Maddux."
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