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Lacking Luster

When New Orleans and Atlanta were scheduled for a late-season Monday night game, it seemed like an attractive matchup - a Saints team that went to last season's NFC title game versus star quarterback Michael Vick and the Falcons.

With the Saints struggling and Vick in jail on dogfighting charges, this matchup at the Georgia Dome has lost a lot of its luster.

In Command

Knocking off an AFC power might be a silver lining in the Baltimore Ravens' otherwise disappointing season. They came close once, but they'll get another chance against the franchise that once called Baltimore home and knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs last season.

The Ravens (4-8) will look to avoid a seventh straight loss on Sunday - while trying to put a close loss to the Patriots behind them - when the Indianapolis Colts visit the city they abruptly left 24 years ago

Impressive Vikings

Behind an improved offense, the Minnesota Vikings have their longest winning streak since 2005, but more importantly, they've been able to renew their playoff hopes.

Looking to build on that three-game run and help their postseason chances, the Vikings visit the slumping 49ers on Sunday as they try for their first win in San Francisco in nearly two decades.

Skins Down Bears

Todd Collins kept waiting for another chance to play in the NFL. And waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting.

Forget about the five years without throwing for a touchdown. How about the three years without so much as attempting a pass of any sort?

Collins finally was called upon Thursday night by the weary Washington Redskins, and the perennial understudy performed brilliantly. Replacing injured starter Jason Campbell, Collins tossed two TDs to lead Washington over the fading Chicago Bears 24-16, ending the Redskins' four-game losing streak.

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.