BUFFALO (7-4) NEW ENGLAND (6-5)
Line: Patriots by 1.
Vs. spread: Bills 7-2; Patriots 4-5.
Outlook: Let us count the ways the Bills have won seven of their last eight: an excellent plus-seven turnover margin; the conference's No. 2 running attack; big plays from WR Eric Moulds; DE Bruce Smith, still sacking after all these years; and, of course, QB Doug Flutie, who conjures plays from thin air. The Patriots were about to go poof in the playoff race when QB Drew Bledsoe's four-fingered TD pass beat Miami and moved them within a game of first place. But what happens now? Bledsoe's finger is broken in two places, and though it isn't expected to need surgery, he's iffy at best for today. Another loss makes the playoffs a long shot.
Notable: Patriots are 3-0 when Bledsoe throws for at least 300 yards.
Injuries:
BILLS: Doubtful: LB John Holecek (knee); S Manny Martin (neck). Questionable: LB Joe Cummings (ankle).
PATRIOTS: Out: WR Vincent Brisby (hamstring-IR). Doubtful: WR Troy Brown (ankle); LB Todd Collins (groin); DE Willie McGinest (groin). Questionable: QB Drew Bledsoe (finger); G Heath Irwin (ankle); T Zefross Moss (knee); DT Mark Wheeler (knee). Probable: DT Henry Thomas (ankle).
ARIZONA (6-5) AT KANSAS CITY (4-7)
Time: 1: 01 p.m.
Line: Chiefs by 3 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Cardinals 5-6; Chiefs 3-8.
Outlook: He struggled early in the year, but Cardinals QB Jake "The Snake" Plummer has finally grown into a 20-foot python. Sure, there are still lapses, but he can squeeze the life out of a defense with his arm and his legs. His team has confidence, a weak schedule down the stretch and a defense that has forced more turnovers than anyone in the NFL. Can you say playoffs? If the Chiefs hadn't already packed it in (which they had), last week's horrible collapse in San Diego would do it. There is talent there, but the Chiefs can't wait to get the season over with.
Notable: Chiefs have lost six straight, their longest slide since a nine-game skid in 1987.
Injuries:
CARDINALS: Out: G Matt Joyce (hand); DT Eric Swann (knee). Doubtful: CB Tom Knight (hamstring). Questionable: LB Mark Maddox (knee). Probable: S Tommy Bennett (hip); TE Johnny McWilliams (shoulder); WR Eric Metcalf (leg); DT Mark Smith (rib).
CHIEFS: Out: DE John Browning (ankle/back); RB Tony Richardson (knee); G Dave Szott (biceps). Questionable: CB Dale Carter (forearm); T Jeff Criswell (foot); DE Chester McGlockton (shoulder); DE Leslie O'Neal (ankle); T Marcus Spears (hand). Probable: C Tim Grunhard (foot); DE Pellom McDaniels (ankle); G Glenn Parker (back).
ATLANTA (9-2) AT ST. LOUIS (3-8)
Time: 1: 01 p.m., Ch. 5.
Line: Falcons by 4 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Falcons 8-3; Rams 4-7.
Outlook: You want incentive? With a win today, the Falcons will clinch a playoff berth for only the sixth time in their 33-year history, and they aren't going to let St. Louis stand in the way of that moment, Chris Chandler or no Chris Chandler. Whether the banged-up quarterback plays or not, expect RB Jamal Anderson to get the ball a lot and to have a big day. You have to wonder if QB Tony Banks' sprained ankle isn't the best thing that could happen to the woeful Rams. After all, Banks has thrown just six TD passes to go with 13 interceptions, and his backup, Steve Bono, has decent ability and a lot more experience.
Notable: Last week's loss clinched the Rams' ninth straight non-winning season.
Injuries:
FALCONS: Doubtful: QB Chris Chandler (ankle/knee). Questionable: CB Ray Buchanan (leg); RB Bob Christian (shoulder); WR Tim Dwight (knee). Probable: S Chris Bayne (hamstring).
RAMS: Doubtful: WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring); S Toby Wright (knee). Questionable: QB Tony Banks (ankle); RB Gerald Moore (rib); LB Lorenzo Styles (shoulder). Probable: DE Grant Wistrom
(hamstring).
CAROLINA (2-9) AT N.Y. JETS (7-4)
Time: 1: 01 p.m.
Line: Jets by 8 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Panthers 4-5; Jets 8-3.
Outlook: Three years ago, the expansion Panthers beat the Jets for the first win in franchise history. Much has changed since then. Now it is the Panthers who are floundering, and their troubles begin from the ground up. As in, they can't run -- 3.1 yards per carry -- and can't stop the run. And in the NFL, if you can't do either of them, you'll lose. The Jets finish their season with three huge games against Miami, Buffalo and New England, all of whom are battling with them for the AFC East title. With that stretch on the horizon, they had better win this week and against Seattle next week.
Notable: Four of the Panthers' five road losses have come by a combined 17 points.
Injuries:
PANTHERS: Out: WR Rae Carruth (foot); LB Tarek Saleh (neck); CB Tony Veland (leg). Doubtful: NT Tim Morabito (knee). Questionable: WR Michael Bates (hamstring); S Juran Bolden (ankle); T Blake Brockermeyer (shoulder); G Corbin Lacina (knee); CB Mike Minter (knee). Probable: QB Steve Beuerlein (shoulder); RB William Floyd (shoulder); DE Sean Gilbert (back); TE Wesley Walls (groin).
$ JETS: None reported.
JACKSONVILLE (8-3) AT CINCINNATI (2-9)
Time: 1: 01 p.m., Ch. 9.
Line: Jaguars by 7.
Vs. spread: Jaguars 5-5; Bengals 3-7.
Outlook: The Jaguars' goal of winning the AFC Central became more of a reality when the Steelers lost on Thanksgiving Day. But they'll need QB Mark Brunell to stop misfiring, as he has done lately, and should continue to give the ball to RB Fred Taylor and watch him run. Bengals RB Corey Dillon is having a decent year, with 881 yards, fifth in the AFC. But somehow, the Bengals still rank a feeble 11th in the conference in rushing offense. And here's the bad news. The passing game, which presumably will feature QB Paul Justin again, is just as bad, and the defense is even worse.
Notable: Taylor has 12 touchdowns (10 rushing, two receiving) in the last eight games.
Injuries:
JAGUARS: Out: RB Tavian Banks (foot); LB James Hamilton (knee-IR). Doubtful: G Jeff Novak (back). Questionable: LB Bryan Schwartz (shoulder). Probable: LB Brant Boyer (neck); DE Tony Brackens (shoulder).
BENGALS: Doubtful: LB Steve Foley (ankle); DT Mike Thompson (back). Questionable: S Tremain Mack (neck). Probable: CB Ashley Ambrose (knee); T Kevin Sargent (knee); WR Darnay Scott (toe); LB Brian Simmons (back); DE Glen Steele (ankle).
TAMPA BAY (4-7) AT CHICAGO (3-8)
Time: 1: 01 p.m.
Line: Bucs by 3 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Bucs 4-7; Bears 7-4.
Outlook: Technically, the Bucs are still alive in the NFC playoff race. In reality, they're two games down to Arizona for the last wild-card spot with five to play and the Cardinals hold the tiebreaker. So with what was supposed to be their breakthrough season virtually over, will the Bucs mail it in? If they don't, they have the running game and the defense to pound the Bears. Stay tuned. The Bears are still awaiting an Erik Kramer sighting, because his return is the only chance they have against anyone. Backup QB Steve Stenstrom (7-for-18, 109 yards, two interceptions, no TDs last week) didn't work out, so third-stringer Moses Moreno gets the nod today.
Notable: Bucs are 7-0 when FB Mike Alstott has 100 yards from scrimmage.
Injuries:
BUCS: Out: LB Hardy Nickerson (viral infection); CB Anthony Parker (hamstring). Questionable: TE John Davis (hamstring). Probable: CB Donnie Abraham (knee); WR Reidel Anthony (toe); T Paul Gruber (shoulder); C Tony Mayberry (knee); WR Robb Thomas (rib).
BEARS: Doubtful: WR Chris Penn (back). Questionable: CB Ray Austin (finger); DT Jim Flanigan (groin); QB Erik Kramer (shoulder); TE Ryan Wetnight (calf); T James Williams (knee).
TENNESSEE (6-5) AT SEATTLE (5-6)
Time: 4: 05 p.m.
Line: Seahawks by 2 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Oilers 6-5; Seahawks 5-4.
Outlook: The Oilers awoke Monday morning to find themselves in a deep hole in the AFC wild-card race, a game behind four other teams vying for three spots, and with a killer closing schedule. So to even hope to make a run, the Oilers must beat mediocre Seattle. The Seahawks haven't defeated a team with a winning record and, with all their supposed firepower, rank 14th in the AFC in offense. But this week QB Jon Kitna replaces Warren Moon, and every time this guy gets on the field, he lights someone up.
Notable: Seahawks lead the NFL with nine return touchdowns (six interceptions, two punt returns, one kickoff return).
Injuries:
OILERS: Questionable: S Blaine Bishop (knee); DE Josh Evans (knee); T Brad Hopkins (groin); DT Joe Salave'a (ankle); WR Yancey Thigpen (knee); RB Rodney Thomas (hamstring).
SEAHAWKS: Out: S Mark Collins (shoulder); C Kevin Glover (back); DT Dan Saleaumua (knee). Doubtful: LB DeShone Myles (knee). Questionable: TE Christian Fauria (ankle); CB Shawn Springs (ankle/knee); CB Fred Thomas (concussion); LB Dean Wells (knee). Probable: RB Reggie Brown (concussion); TE Carlester Crumpler (pelvis).
NEW ORLEANS (5-6) MIAMI (7-4)
Time: 4: 15 p.m.
Line: Dolphins by 7 1/2 .
Vs. spread: Saints 8-3; Dolphins 6-3.
Outlook: This will tell you all you need to know about the NFL these days: The Saints are still in the playoff race. In fact, they're just a game behind the Cardinals for the last wild card in the NFC. That nonsense should end this week, because nothing the Saints have on offense -- that means you, QB Kerry Collins -- can even approach the Dolphins' dominance on defense, especially in Miami. The Dolphins said they were jobbed at New England last Monday night (though they actually killed themselves with sloppy coverage on the Patriots' winning touchdown) and are just aching to take it out on the nearest patsy. And talk about terrific timing, up pops New Orleans.
Notable: Saints lead the NFC with 17 interceptions.
Injuries:
SAINTS: Questionable: LB Kevin Mitchell (knee); TE Scott Slutzker (knee). Probable: WR Sean Dawkins (ankle); TE Tony Johnson (groin); WR Keith Poole (shoulder).
DOLPHINS: Out: G Mark Dixon (neck-IR); RB Bernie Parmalee (shoulder); T Richmond Webb (triceps). Questionable: LB Lee Woodall (rib). Probable: G Kevin Donnalley (knee); S Brian Walker (knee).
PHILADELPHIA (2-9) GREEN BAY (7-4)
Time: 4: 15 p.m.
Line: Packers by 18.
Vs. spread: Eagles 4-6; Packers 5-4.
Outlook: Do we really have to talk about the Eagles again? It hurts just writing about a team that averages a league-low 3.1 yards per rush and completes just 51.8 percent of its passes while allowing 145.5 yards per game on the ground. So, let's cut to the chase and say it: They stink! The Packers, still stinging from last week's shot across the chops from NFC Central rival Minnesota, will lick their wounds against the worst team in the NFL. QB Brett Favre could use a big game to make all the Cheeseheads feel good again.
Notable: Eagles are 0-14-1 in their last 15 road games.
Injuries:
EAGLES: Out: RB Charlie Garner (rib). Questionable: LB James Darling (knee); QB Bobby Hoying (thumb/shoulder); CB Clarence Love (hamstring); QB Rodney Peete (finger). Probable: T Richard Cooper (toe); S Brian Dawkins (ankle); DE Greg Jefferson (ankle); G Jermane Mayberry (thumb); S Tim McTyer (thumb); RB Duce Staley (groin); DT Hollis Thomas (ankle).
PACKERS: Doubtful: WR Robert Brooks (hamstring); RB Raymont Harris (shin); CB Craig Newsome (knee). Questionable: Vonnie Holliday (ankle); RB Dorsey Levens (ankle); WR Derrick Mayes (knee); CB Rod Smith (knee) Probable: TE Mark Chmura (quadriceps); C Rob Davis (ankle).
DENVER (11-0) AT SAN DIEGO (5-6)
Time: 8: 20 p.m., ESPN.
Line: Broncos by 13.
Vs. spread: Broncos 8-3; Chargers 4-4.
Outlook: Quiet down, all you San Diego fans who got excited about last week's comeback win. It was a mirage. The Chiefs self-destructed and handed the Chargers a win. As for getting into the playoff race, that's a mirage, too. Tonight's likely blowout loss is sure to show the Chargers just how far they have to go to become a contender. The Denver juggernaut rolls on
Notable: Broncos RB Terrell Davis needs 8 yards rushing to join Barry Sanders as only NFL players with three straight 1,500-yard seasons.
Injuries:
BRONCOS: Doubtful: S Eric Brown (groin). Questionable: DT Harald Hasselbach (ankle); WR Ed McCaffrey (hamstring/finger). Probable: WR Justin Armour (hamstring); S Steve Atwater (shoulder); LB Keith Burns (Achilles'/knee); G David Diaz-Infante knee); QB John Elway (ribs); CB Darrien Gordon (back); WR Willie Green (hamstring); RB Howard Griffith (knee); T Tony Jones (leg); RB Derek Loville (shoulder); CB Tito Paul (thigh); P Tom Rouen (shoulder); G Mark Schlereth (knee); DE Neil Smith (knee); WR Rod Smith (hand); RB Detron Smith (elbow); T Harry Swayne (hip); DT Keith Traylor (ankle); DE Alfred Williams (elbow).
CHARGERS: Out: LB Lew Bush (knee); RB Natrone Means (foot); T Vaughn Parker (leg); WR Webster Slaughter (finger-IR). bTC Questionable: DE William Fuller (calf); LB Kurt Gouveia (shoulder); CB Terrance Shaw (knee); RB Tremayne Stephens (leg); WR Ryan Thelwell (ankle). Probable: G Aaron Taylor (knee).
Pub Date: 11/28/98