TheSpread.com

In Control of The South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a big lift from their backup quarterback last week to take control of the NFC South. This week, Bucs coach Jon Gruden hopes his starting quarterback can help Tampa Bay clinch it.

The surging Bucs look to win their fifth straight game and secure their second NFC South title in three years when they visit the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Slim Hopes

After climbing to the top of the AFC West just three weeks ago, the Denver Broncos are teetering on the brink of playoff elimination.

The Broncos look to keep their slim division title hopes alive and continue their home dominance over the slumping Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Invesco Field.

Still Searching

The Miami Dolphins are marching toward football ignominy, but remain surprisingly upbeat about it.

With just four regular-season games left, the winless Dolphins (0-12) try once again to notch their first win of 2007 when they meet the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Bears, Skins Clash

A season removed from the Super Bowl, the Chicago Bears are mastering the art of inconsistency.

Their results so far? They opened this way: loss, win, loss. Then, after a second consecutive loss in Week 4, the Bears have put together this string over the past eight games: win, loss, win, loss, win, loss, win, loss.

The Washington Redskins, meanwhile, have been far more consistent of late: loss, loss, loss, loss.

Looking to Rebound

At times, the Cleveland Browns have looked like a team that's destined to make just its second playoff appearance in 10 years. At others, they've looked like the inexperienced club that has finished last in the AFC North the last four seasons.

After their latest sloppy loss dented their playoff chances, the Browns look to get back on track when they visit the New York Jets on Sunday.