DALLAS (5-9) At ARIZONA (4-10)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NFL Network
OPENING LINE – Cowboys by 6 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Dallas 6-8; Arizona 4-10
SERIES RECORD – Cowboys lead 55-29-1
LAST MEETING – Cardinals beat Cowboys 30-24 in OT, Dec. 12, 2008
LAST WEEK – Cowboys beat Redskins 19-12; Cardinals lost to Panthers 19-12
COWBOYS OFFENSE – OVERALL (7), RUSH (22), PASS (4)
COWBOYS DEFENSE – OVERALL (25), RUSH (14), PASS (18)
CARDINALS OFFENSE – OVERALL (31), RUSH (30), PASS (31)
CARDINALS DEFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (30), PASS (23)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Win would make Dallas 5-2 since Wade Phillips fired and Jason Garrett promoted to interim coach. … TE Jason Witten is 9 yards shy of third 1,000-yard receiving season in last four years and second in row. His 10 catches last week made him fourth tight end in NFL to reach 600 career receptions. … Dallas 3-3 on road but 2-6 at home. … Cowboys had 13-game winning streak against Cardinals from 1990 to 1996, longest against a Dallas opponent in franchise history. … Cowboys will play on Christmas for fifth time, most of any NFL team. Arizona makes second Christmas appearance. Cardinals lost to Dallas 37-13 in 1995 Christmas Day, Buddy Ryan’s finale as Arizona coach. … With two sacks last week, Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware reached at least 10 for fifth season in row. … Last time teams met, also in Glendale, Arizona won 30-24 when Sean Morey blocked Mat McBriar’s punt and Monty Beisel returned it 3 yards forTD. McBriar broke his leg on play. … Last week, Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald had nine catches for 125 yards to become youngest player – 27 years, 110 days – to reach 600 career receptions. Also became second-youngest player to reach 8,000 yards receiving. Randy Moss was younger. … Arizona’s final home game marks 53rd consecutive sellout since team moved into University of Phoenix Stadium. … Cardinals have held only three opponents under 100 yards rushing – St. Louis, New Orleans, Minnesota. They won two and lost to Vikings in OT.
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TENNESSEE (6-8) At KANSAS CITY (9-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Chiefs by 4 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Tennessee 7-7; Kansas City 8-6
SERIES RECORD – Chiefs lead 27-20
LAST MEETING – Titans beat Chiefs 34-10, Oct. 19, 2008
TITANS OFFENSE – OVERALL (28), RUSH (13), PASS (29)
TITANS DEFENSE – OVERALL (24), RUSH (17), PASS (26)
CHIEFS OFFENSE – OVERALL (10), RUSH (1), PASS (30)
CHIEFS DEFENSE – OVERALL (16), RUSH (13), PASS (19)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Kerry Collins going for third consecutive game with passer rating of more than 100. Needs 94 yards passing to become 12th QB with 40,000 yards. … Last time Titans played in Arrowhead, RB Chris Johnson drew laughs and $15,000 fine for barging up to band behind end zone after 66-yard TD run and playing bongos. … Titans have beaten Chiefs two in a row. … Jeff Fisher’s 272nd game will tie Joe Gibbs for seventh place on NFL’s all-time list by coach of one team. … WR Justin Gage needs 42 yards receiving to reach 3,000. … Marc Mariani needs 5 yards on kickoff returns to set Titans season record. … Chiefs win would set franchise record for one-year turnaround with six-game improvement. In 1962 and 2003, Chiefs had five-game turnarounds. … Jamaal Charles leads NFL with 6.42-yard average per carry, shade better than NFL record of 6.40 by Jim Brown in ’63. … Chiefs lead NFL in rushing, 168.6 yards, and rushing differential, 61.6. … Chiefs, Falcons and Patriots only teams still unbeaten at home. … Chiefs and Steelers have held opponents to 14 yards or fewer seven times, best in NFL. … Charles ranks third in NFL in rushing, Johnson fourth. … Last week, Thomas Jones became third active player with 10,000 yards rushing and has 844 consecutive touches without a lost fumble, second-longest streak among active players behind Tony Gonzalez.
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SAN FRANCISCO (5-9) At ST. LOUIS (6-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
OPENING LINE – Rams by 2 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – 49ers 6-8; Rams 9-5
SERIES RECORD – Rams lead 60-59-2
LAST MEETING – 49ers beat Rams 23-20 in OT, Nov. 14, 2010
LAST WEEK – Chargers beat 49ers 34-7; Chiefs beat Rams 27-13
49ERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (19), PASS (22)
49ERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (14), RUSH (7), PASS (25)
RAMS OFFENSE – OVERALL (25), RUSH (20), PASS (21)
RAMS DEFENSE – OVERALL (17), RUSH (16), PASS (18)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – 49ers have dominated series lately, winning five in row and nine of 11. … One season after going 1-15, Rams can clinch NFC West and secure first playoff berth since 2004 with closing victories over 49ers and Seahawks. 49ers need to win last two to have shot at ending seven-year playoff drought. … Rams have scored only one TD each of last three games and have scored more than 20 points only twice all season. … 49ers coach Mike Singletary is 5-0 against Rams. … Rams next-to-last in NFL in red zone offense, scoring TD only 36 percent of time. … 49ers haven’t lost at St. Louis since 2006. … 49ers DE Justin Smith leads team with 5 1/2 sacks and will make 154th consecutive start. … K Joe Nedney’s 29-yard field goal in OT was game-winner in last meeting. … TE Vernon Davis has 19 TD catches last two seasons, most at his position. … Rams’ Sam Bradford became third rookie QB in NFL history to pass for 3,000 yards and third in completions and attempts, but has no TD passes and five INTs the last three games. … WR-PR Danny Amendola had 42-yard punt return last week and caught seven passes for 60 yards. … RB Steven Jackson has four career 100-yard games vs. SF. … MLB James Laurinaitis leads team with 112 tackles, including 12 last week.
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NEW YORK JETS (10-4) At CHICAGO (10-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Chicago by 1 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – New York 8-6-0; Chicago 7-6-1
SERIES RECORD – Bears lead 6-3
LAST MEETING – Bears beat Jets 10-0, Nov. 19, 2006
LAST WEEK – Jets beat Pittsburgh 22-17; Bears beat Vikings 40-14
JETS OFFENSE – OVERALL (13), RUSH (6), PASS (20)
JETS DEFENSE – OVERALL (5), RUSH (4), PASS (9)
BEARS OFFENSE – OVERALL (30), RUSH (25), PASS (26)
BEARS DEFENSE – OVERALL (8), RUSH (3), PASS (14)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Jets would clinch second straight playoff spot with win or tie, loss or tie by Jacksonville, or loss or tie by Indianapolis. … Win would be 11th for Jets and mark fourth time they’ve finished with more than 10. … Brad Smith returned opening kickoff 97 yards for TD and cornerback Marquice Cole broke up game’s final play in end zone last week. Steelers were without S Troy Polamalu (Achilles’ tendon). … QB Mark Sanchez expects to be ready after playing most of last week’s game with sore right shoulder. He has thrown for 3,022 yards with 16 TDs and 12 interceptions. … LaDainian Tomlinson has 886 yards rushing and Shonn Greene has 696. … With 131 1/2 sacks, Jason Taylor needs one to move into tie for eighth on NFL’s all-time list with Lawrence Taylor and Leslie O’Neal. … Bears clinched third NFC North title in six years last week. Currently No. 2 seed in the conference, Bears can finish no lower than third seed and will host at least one playoff game. … Chicago would earn first-round bye with win over Jets coupled with Philadelphia loss and Giants loss or tie. … Bears in playoffs for first time since 2006 team made Super Bowl. … Offense has 211 rushing attempts and 204 pass plays (attempts plus sacks) in last seven games after relying heavily on pass in early going. … Bears third in NFL with 31 takeaways after forcing season-high five (three interceptions, two fumble recoveries) last week. … Bears have 21 sacks over last seven weeks, most in NFL during that span. … Jay Cutler is 227 of 368, giving him highest single-season completion percentage (61.7) in franchise history. Cutler has 47 TD passes as a Bear and is eighth on their all-time list, one behind George Blanda and three shy of Jim Harbaugh. … With 865 yards rushing, Matt Forte is closing in on his second 1,000-yard season. … Devin Hester set NFL record with 14th career kick return for TD last week when he ran a punt back 64 yards, surpassing Brian Mitchell. It was his 10th punt return for a TD, tying hi m with Eric Metcalf for league record.
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BALTIMORE (10-4) At CLEVELAND (5-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Ravens by 3
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Baltimore 7-7-0; Cleveland 5-8-1
SERIES RECORD – Ravens lead 16-7
LAST MEETING – Ravens beat Browns 24-17, Sept. 26, 2010
LAST WEEK- Ravens beat New Orleans 30-24; Browns lost to Cincinnati 19-17
RAVENS OFFENSE – OVERALL (18), RUSH (16), PASS (15)
RAVENS DEFENSE – OVERALL (10), RUSH (5), PASS (15)
BROWNS OFFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (18), PASS (28)
BROWNS DEFENSE – OVERALL (22) RUSH (25), PASS (15)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Lot on line for AFC North rivals. … Ravens can clinch playoff spot for third straight season with a win, and stay in hunt with Pittsburgh for division title. … Browns looking to bounce back after dreadful losses to Buffalo and Cincinnati. … Cleveland coach Eric Mangini’s fate could hinge on outcome of season-closing games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. … Ravens coming off what coach John Harbaugh called “complete team victory” last week over Saints. … Ravens have won five straight over Browns, outscoring them by average 27-11. … Ravens LB Terrell Suggs loves Browns. His 12 career sacks vs. Cleveland are most against any team in eight seasons as pro. … Suggs has 7 1/2 sacks in past seven games. … Ravens are 16-1 in games against sub-.500 teams under Harbaugh. … Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy to make second start in row since returning from ankle injury. … McCoy’s 132.6 rating in Cincy last week was second-highest by Browns rookie, bettered only by Charlie Frye’s 136.7 in 2005. … Browns have allowed league-low 26 points in first quarter. … Peyton Hillis rushed for 144 yards in first meeting with Ravens. … Hillis has 11 rushing TDs, most by Cleveland back since Jim Brown’s 12 in 1963. … Browns’ 18 interceptions tied for fourth most in league. … Browns have allowed five rushing TDs, tying Baltimore and Pittsburgh for league’s fewest. … Browns hoping to avoid ninth double-digit loss season since 1999. … Browns T Joe Thomas has not missed snap since entering league in 2007.
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NEW ENGLAND (12-2) At BUFFALO (4-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – New England by 8
RECORD VS. SPREAD – New England 9-5-0; Buffalo 7-5-2
SERIES RECORD – Patriots lead 60-40-1
LAST MEETING – Patriots beat Bills 38-30, Sept. 26, 2010
LAST WEEK – Patriots beat Packers 31-27; Bills beat Dolphins 17-14
PATRIOTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (9), RUSH (15), PASS (10)
PATRIOTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (28), RUSH (15), PASS (30T)
BILLS OFFENSE – OVERALL (24), RUSH (17), PASS (24)
BILLS DEFENSE – OVERALL (23), RUSH (32), PASS (7)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Patriots have won 14 straight and 19 of past 20 meetings against Bills. They’ve outscored Buffalo by a combined 209-39 in the second meeting of each season over past seven years. … QB Tom Brady is 16-1 against Bills, going 339 of 514 for 3,965 yards, 36 TDs and 12 interceptions. … Brady has not thrown an interception in past 292 attempts, 17 shy of breaking NFL record set by Bernie Kosar spanning 1990-91 seasons. … With team-leading 83 catches, WR Wes Welker has chance to become third NFL player – Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison are others – to have four 100-catch seasons. … Rookie CB Devin McCourty tied for second in NFL with six interceptions. Franchise record for most picks by rookie is eight, set by Mike Haynes in 1976. … Patriots have played league-record six games without turnover, and only have nine (five interceptions, four fumbles) this year. The NFL-low for 16-game season is 13, set by both the Giants in Dolphins in 2008. … Bills hold NFL record for longest losing streak against an opponent, dropping 20 straight against Miami from 1970-79. … QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has 23 TDs this season, most by Buffalo player since Drew Bledsoe had 24 in 2002. Fitzpatrick also has TD pass in 15 straight games, second-longest streak in team history, and three short of record set by Jim Kelly spanning 1986-87 seasons. … WR Steve Johnson has 10 TDs receiving, one short of matching team’s single-season record set by Bill Brooks in 1995. … After forcing four turnovers (one interception, three fumbles) in first five games, Bills have 17, including nine interceptions, in past nine games.
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DETROIT (4-10) At MIAMI (7-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX
OPENING LINE – Dolphins by 4
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Detroit 10-3-1; Miami 8-6
SERIES RECORD – Dolphins lead 7-2
LAST MEETING – Dolphins beat Lions 27-10, Nov. 23, 2006
LAST WEEK – Lions beat Bucs 23-20 in OT; Dolphins lost to Bills 17-14
LIONS OFFENSE – OVERALL (16), RUSH (23), PASS (11)
LIONS DEFENSE – OVERALL (21), RUSH (24), PASS (13)
DOLPHINS OFFENSE – OVERALL (22), RUSH (21), PASS (17)
DOLPHINS DEFENSE – OVERALL (4), RUSH (6), PASS (6)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Lions’ record against spread is NFL’s best. … Miami has won past five games in series. Lions last beat Miami in 1991, and they’re 0-4 in Miami. … Miami’s Cameron Wake leads league with 14 sacks. Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh leads rookies with eight. Suh needs three sacks to break league record for sacks by rookie defensive tackle. … Lions have shot at first three-game winning streak since 2007. … Detroit has been outscored by only 21 points this year, compared with deficits of 232 last year and 249 in winless 2008 season. … Detroit second to Colts in red-zone efficiency, scoring touchdown 67 percent of time. … Lions’ Calvin Johnson second in NFC with 1,068 yards receiving and 12 TD catches. … Detroit’s John Wendling leads league with 21 special-teams tackles. … Miami’s 1-6 home record is league’s worst. … Last week’s loss eliminated Dolphins from playoffs. They’ve made it only once since 2001. … Dolphins have scored 34 points in past three games and 24 in past three at home. Miami likely will finish last in conference in scoring for first time in franchise history, according to STATS LLC. … Dolphins rank next to last in NFL in rushing yards per play (3.7) and fourth-down efficiency (2 for 8). … Dan Carpenter ranks seventh among kickers in scoring, but next to last in field goal percentage among kickers with more than 12 points. He’s 28 for 38 (74 percent).
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WASHINGTON (5-9) At JACKSONVILLE (8-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX
OPENING LINE – Jaguars by 6 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Washington 7-5-2, Jacksonville 9-5
SERIES RECORD – Redskins lead 3-1
LAST MEETING – Redskins 36, Jaguars 30, OT, Oct. 1, 2006
LAST WEEK – Redskins lost to Cowboys 33-30; Jaguars lost to Colts 34-24
REDSKINS OFFENSE – OVERALL (17), RUSH (28), PASS (9)
REDSKINS DEFENSE – OVERALL (32), RUSH (27), PASS (30T)
JAGUARS OFFENSE – OVERALL (15), RUSH (3), PASS (27)
JAGUARS DEFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (18), PASS (27)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Redskins have lost four in a row. … QB Rex Grossman makes his second start for the slumping Skins. He threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns at Dallas last week and makes his fourth start in Jacksonville. He’s 3-0 in the River City, winning every Florida-Georgia game with the Gators. But his numbers haven’t been spectacular, with five touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He also played in Jacksonville last season, filling in for injured Houston starter Matt Schaub. Grossman’s second pass was intercepted and he later fumbled. … RB Ryan Torain has 546 yards from scrimmage and four TDs in the last five games. … WR Anthony Armstrong averages 19.3 yards a catch, second in the NFC, and could cause problems for Jacksonville’s beleaguered secondary. … WR Santana Moss had four catches for 138 yards and three TDs, including a 68-yarder in overtime, in last game against Jaguars. … Jaguars have won five of seven, but need help to clinch a playoff berth. They need to beat the Redskins and have Oakland knock off Indianapolis to regain control of the AFC South. … RB Maurice Jones-Drew missed more practice time this week because of a sore right knee and could be slowed for the second consecutive game. … David Garrard leads the league with a 115.8 passer rating in the fourth quarter. … TE Marcedes Lewis needs one TD catch to become second player in franchise history with double-digit TD receptions.
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INDIANAPOLIS (8-6) At OAKLAND (7-7)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Indianapolis by 2 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Indianapolis 7-6-1; Oakland 7-7
SERIES RECORD – Raiders lead 8-5
LAST MEETING – Colts won at Raiders 21-14, Dec. 16, 2007
LAST WEEK – Colts beat Jaguars 34-24; Raiders beat Broncos 39-23
COLTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (4), RUSH (32), PASS (1)
COLTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (19), RUSH (28), PASS (11T)
RAIDERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (8), RUSH (2), PASS (23)
RAIDERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (11), RUSH (26), PASS (5)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Colts 2-1 all-time in Oakland, winning in 1971 and 2007, and losing in 1995. … Colts QB Peyton Manning can tie former Raiders OL Gene Upshaw for most consecutive starts to begin career with 207. … Manning has thrown no INTs past two games after having 11 in previous three. … Indianapolis has scored on 48 of 49 trips inside red zone, including 36 straight. … Colts lead league with 36 drives of at least 10 plays. … Indianapolis needs to win final two games to extend streak of 10-win seasons to nine. … Colts WR Reggie Wayne needs one reception for third 100-catch season. … With win, the Raiders will end string of seven straight losing seasons. … Oakland has NFL best three games with at least 500 yards this season. … RB Darren McFadden has 1,588 yards from scrimmage, tied for seventh most by Raider; his 1,112 yards rushing is sixth best. … Raiders rookie WR Jacoby Ford has scored TDs on run, catch and kickoff return this season. … Oakland 2-7 against teams outside AFC West.
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HOUSTON (5-9) At DENVER (3-11)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Houston by 3
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Houston 4-9-1; Denver 4-10
SERIES RECORD – Series tied 1-1
LAST MEETING – Texans beat Broncos 31-13, Dec. 13, 2007
LAST WEEK – Broncos lost to Raiders 39-23; Texans lost to Titans 31-17
TEXANS OFFENSE – OVERALL (5), RUSH (10T), PASS (5)
TEXANS DEFENSE – OVERALL (30), RUSH (9), PASS (32)
BRONCOS OFFENSE – OVERALL (14), RUSH (29), PASS (7)
BRONCOS DEFENSE – OVERALL (31), RUSH (31), PASS (22)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Texans RB Arian Foster leads league in yards rushing (1,345), yards from scrimmage (1,895) and TDs (15). … Houston’s Gary Kubiak spent 20 seasons with Broncos as player and coach. There are six other coaches on team’s staff with stops in Mile High City, including offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and defensive coordinator Frank Bush. … QB Matt Schaub is fourth in NFL with 3,807 yards passing. … WR Andre Johnson ranks third in receptions (86) and fourth in yards receiving (1,216). He will be shadowed by Broncos CB Champ Bailey, a nine-time Pro Bowler. … Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd has 1,264 yards receiving, becoming one of three players to notch first 1,200-yard receiving season after seven or more years in the NFL. … Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton are two of six rookie offensive linemen to start 12 or more games this season. … Broncos’ Mario Haggan has started eight games at inside linebacker and six at outside spot. He leads team with five sacks. … Rookie QB Tim Tebow rushed for 78 yards in first start, second-most yards by QB in franchise history. Norris Weese has top mark – 120 at Chicago in 1976. Hall of Famer John Elway’s best rushing total was 70 yards at Oakland in 1996.
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SAN DIEGO (8-6) At CINCINNATI (3-11)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
OPENING LINE – Chargers by 7
RECORD VS. SPREAD – San Diego 8-6; Cincinnati 5-8-1
SERIES RECORD – Chargers lead 19-11
LAST MEETING – Chargers beat Bengals 27-24, Dec. 20, 2009
LAST WEEK – Chargers beat 49ers 34-7; Bengals beat Browns 19-17
CHARGERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (2), RUSH (14), PASS (2)
CHARGERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (1), RUSH (2), PASS (1)
BENGALS OFFENSE – OVERALL (21), RUSH (27), PASS (13)
BENGALS DEFENSE – OVERALL (18), RUSH (22), PASS (17)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Chargers have won eight of last 10 in series, including three straight in Cincinnati. … It’ll be San Diego’s farthest trip East this season. They played at Indianapolis – which has a dome – on Nov. 28 and had New England at home. … Chargers have won 20 of last 21 games in December. … Philip Rivers’ career passer rating in December is 100.0, best in league history. He has thrown 39 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions in the month. … Rivers is 21-1 as a starter in regular-season games played in December and January. Loss came Dec. 5, 28-13 against Oakland. … Rivers needs one more TD pass for second 30-TD season of career. … Rivers and Antonio Gates have combined on 42 TDs, fourth-most in NFL history. Duo of Sonny Jurgensen and Jerry Smith ranks third with 43. … San Diego has allowed only seven points in last two games, its best showing since 2006. Kansas City and San Francisco converted only two third-down plays combined, the Chargers’ best such showing since 1986. … Likely the final home game for Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, who turned down extension last season and finishing his contract. … Bengals coming off 19-17 win over Cleveland that snapped 10-game losing streak, which matched longest in franchise history during one season. … Rookie DE Carlos Dunlap, a second-round pick, has six sacks in last four games.
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NEW YORK GIANTS (9-5) At GREEN BAY (8-6)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m., FOX
OPENING LINE – Packers by 3
RECORD VS. SPREAD – New York 7-7; Green Bay 8-6
SERIES RECORD – Packers lead 29-23-2
LAST MEETING – Giants beat Packers 23-20 in OT, Jan. 20, 2008
LAST WEEK – Giants lost to Eagles 38-31; Packers lost to Patriots 31-27
GIANTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (3), RUSH (5), PASS (12)
GIANTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (2), RUSH (10), PASS (2)
PACKERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (11), RUSH (24), PASS (8)
PACKERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (7), RUSH (19T), PASS (3)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Giants can clinch playoff berth with win, and Packers can get in with wins in last two games. … Teams’ last meeting was in NFC championship game in January 2008, when Giants won in OT in below-zero temperatures. It should be somewhat warmer Sunday, with temperatures expected in 20s and chance of snow. … Giants QB Eli Manning tied career high with 4 TD passes last week, his fifth game with 4 TDs. … RB Brandon Jacobs held to 34 yards on 12 carries vs. Eagles after rushing for 219 yards and 3 TDs in previous two games. … RB Ahmad Bradshaw has 266 rushing yards and 3 TDs in past three games. … WR Mario Manningham had eight catches for 113 yards and two TDs last week. Of his 12 career TDs, 10 have been 20-plus yards. … TE Kevin Boss has TD in five of past seven games, including two in row. … Packers QB Aaron Rodgers returned to practice and expected to start. Rodgers sat out last week’s practice and last Sunday’s loss at New England with second concussion of season. … Rodgers 9-1 in past 10 starts at home. … Packers allowing 15.7 points per game, tied with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall. … Since start of 2006, CB Charles Woodson leads NFL with eight interception returns for TDs and S Nick Collins is tied for second with four. Collins limited in practice this week with rib injury. … RB Brandon Jackson rushed for 99 yards against Patriots. … Packers DT B.J. Raji had career-high two sacks last week. … Packers DE Cullen Jenkins has been ruled out with lingering calf injury. … All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer.
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SEATTLE (6-8) At TAMPA BAY (8-6)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX
OPENING LINE – Buccaneers by 6
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Seattle 6-8; Tampa Bay 7-6-1
SERIES RECORD – Seahawks lead 7-3
LAST MEETING – Buccaneers beat Seahawks 24-7, Dec. 20, 2009
LAST WEEK – Seahawks lost to Falcons 34-18; Buccaneers lost to Lions 23-20, OT
SEAHAWKS OFFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (31), PASS (16)
SEAHAWKS DEFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (21), PASS (29)
BUCCANEERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (20), RUSH (9), PASS (19)
BUCCANEERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (20), RUSH (29), PASS (t11)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Despite struggling past month, both teams remain in playoff contention. Seahawks have dropped four of five, yet still have shot at winning NFC West. Bucs, who’ve lost three of four, need to win last two and receive help from others to earn wild-card spot. … Tampa Bay 3-4 at home compared to 5-2 on road. … With 2,977 yards passing, Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck closing in on seventh 3,000-yard season. He is 3-1 as starter against Tampa Bay, which beat him in Seattle last season. … Seahawks WR Mike Williams is Tampa native who’s making most of opportunity to play for former college coach Pete Carroll. After sitting out past two seasons, former first-round draft pick of Lions has 60 receptions for 720 yards and one touchdown. … Bucs counter with Mike Williams of their own. The rookie receiver leads Bucs with 58 catches for 880 yards and eight TDs. … Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch, who’s rushed for 609 yards, has four touchdowns in past three weeks. … Seahawks next to last in rushing in NFL at 85.2 yards per game, however Tampa Bay coming off yielding 188 yards on ground to Washington and 181 to Detroit past two weeks. Redskins’ Ryan Torain ran for 172 yards and Lions’ Maurice Morris went for 109. … Bucs QB Josh Freeman has thrown for 517 yards, two TDs and no interceptions in past two games. He nearly pulled off sixth fourth-quarter rally of season last week, producing late field goal that gave Tampa Bay a lead with under two minutes to go against Detroit. But Tampa Bay’s defense faltered, allowing Lions to drive for tying field goal in regulation and game-winning kick in OT. … Tampa Bay’s Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn have combined for 82 receptions, most by any NFL rookie receiving tandem. … Bucs TE Kellen Winslow has reception in 74 consecutive games, third longest streak among active tight ends.
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MINNESOTA (5-9) At PHILADELPHIA (10-4)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
OPENING LINE – Eagles by 14
RECORD VS. SPREAD – Minnesota (4-9-1); Philadelphia (7-7)
SERIES RECORD – Eagles lead 12-11
LAST MEETING – Eagles beat Vikings 26-14, Jan. 4, 2009
LAST WEEK – Vikings lost to Bears 40-14; Eagles beat Giants 38-31
VIKINGS OFFENSE – OVERALL (23), RUSH (10), PASS (25)
VIKINGS DEFENSE – OVERALL (1), RUSH (4), PASS (6)
EAGLES OFFENSE – OVERALL (2), RUSH (3), PASS (8)
EAGLES DEFENSE – OVERALL (13), RUSH (11), PASS (21)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Vikings rookie QB Joe Webb could make first career start if Brett Favre can’t play because of concussion. … DE Jared Allen has three sacks in two games against Eagles. He needs one more to register double digits for fourth straight year. … P Chris Kluwe can set team record for most games with a 50-yard punt. Kluwe has 68 career games with 50-yarder, tied with Greg Coleman for most in team history. … RB Adrian Peterson needs one rushing touchdown to tie Vikings team record for most career rushing touchdowns. Peterson has 51 rushing TDs in 58 games and trails Chuck Foreman and Bill Brown, who both finished careers with 52. … Eagles 35-15 in December under Andy Reid. … Eagles last four wins and five of last six have been comeback victories in fourth quarter. … LeSean McCoy leads all RBs with 74 receptions. … Eagles lead NFL with 73 plays of 20 or more yards, and 22 TDs of 10 or more yards. … QB Michael Vick averaging 56 yards rushing per game. He needs one more passing TD and one more rushing TD to set career-highs in both categories. … WR Jeremy Maclin needs 110 yards receiving to reach 1,000. That would give Eagles two players over 1,000 for first time in team history. WE DeSean Jackson already has surpassed mark.
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NEW ORLEANS (10-4) At ATLANTA (12-2)
Monday, 8:30 p.m., ESPN
OPENING LINE – Atlanta by 2
RECORD VS. SPREAD – New Orleans 5-8-1; Atlanta 10-4
SERIES RECORD – Falcons lead 45-37
LAST MEETING – Falcons beat Saints 27-24 in OT, Sept. 26, 2010
LAST WEEK – Saints lost to Ravens 30-24; Falcons beat Seahawks 34-18
SAINTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (6), RUSH (26), PASS (3)
SAINTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (9), RUSH (19T), PASS (4)
FALCONS OFFENSE – OVERALL (12), RUSH (7), PASS (14)
FALCONS DEFENSE – OVERALL (15), RUSH (12), PASS (20)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Falcons, who have already clinched a playoff spot, can lock up NFC South and home-field advantage throughout conference playoffs with win. … Atlanta has claimed only three division titles in its 44-year history. … Saints have won six of seven games and can clinch playoff spot with victory. Defending Super Bowl champs will get in before they play if Tampa Bay loses or ties against Seattle on Sunday. … Falcons have won eight in row, longest streak since 1998 Super Bowl season. … Atlanta CB Brent Grimes was NFC defensive player of week after making an interception and setting up another pick with tipped pass in win over Seattle. … Grimes has knocked down 22 passes, leading NFL and setting franchise record. … Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has lost only once in 20 career starts at Georgia Dome. His streak is now at 15 wins in a row. … Saints K Garrett Hartley, who missed an overtime field goal in last meeting in Week 3, has hit seven straight and 12 of 13. … New Orleans QB Drew Brees is only player in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards and 150 TDs in first five seasons with a new team. … Atlanta DE John Abraham is tied for third in league with 12 sacks. … Marques Colston last week surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for fourth time with Saints, tying club record held by Joe Horn. … Colston also has gone over 5,000 yards for his career, joining Horn and Eric Martin as only Saints to reach that milestone.
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