Line of Scrimmage: Week 11 - Ravens Must Still Prove Mettle

Football Betting Lines

11/12/2008 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Baltimore Ravens won't get the same credit as the Atlanta Falcons or Miami Dolphins for their abrupt turnaround.

The Ravens were 5-11 in their final year under Brian Billick a year ago, but they were a playoff team in 2006 and didn't experience the same kind of extended lows that their southerly brethren did.

Thankfully, the Baltimore organization and its fans didn't have to suffer through Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino, Dave Wannstedt, or the pre-rehabilitated Ricky Williams.

And even when times have been hard in Charm City, there has always been enough talent to avoid consistent embarrassment...the Ray Lewises, Ed Reeds, Todd Heaps, and (previously) Jonathan Ogdens made sure of that.

Still, let's not pretend the Ravens didn't have a mountain to climb to get to 6-3 as Week 11 of the 2008 season is set to begin.

Prior to September, how many people were willing to say out loud that they believed this team could compete in a division that the Steelers and Browns were supposed to rule?

When, after Kyle Boller's season-ending injury and Troy Smith's mysterious illness during the preseason left the Ravens with de facto emergency quarterback Joe Flacco as their starter, how many had Baltimore plumbing the depths of 2-14?

My hand is raised.

And now, how many are trying to write a revisionist history of their preseason prognostications, offering up a lame, "Yeah, well, they always had defensive talent, and...errr...we knew the Flacco kid had the arm...but, uh, didn't think they'd mature quite this...etc., etc., blather, blather, blather..."

Well, whatever. No matter what the pundits are saying now, their (our?) preseason forecast for the Ravens was almost universally off the mark.

John Harbaugh and company indeed moved to 6-3 with last Sunday's 41-13 outclassing of the Houston Texans, once again combining stifling defense and increasingly electric play from Flacco and the offense to win its fourth consecutive game.

Later, the Ravens caught a break when the Steelers dropped a home contest to the Colts, moving Baltimore into a tie in the AFC North and launching expectations into the stratosphere for a team that is no longer rebuilding, if it ever was.

But now, things get tricky.

Of the seven remaining games, at least five will come against teams likely to be harboring serious playoff aspirations at the time of their meeting with the Ravens.

All four members of the contentious NFC East are still on the schedule, with trips to the Giants (11/6) and Cowboys (12/20) and home games with the Eagles (11/23) and Redskins (12/7) figuring to be tough.

The home date with the Steelers (12/14) isn't likely to be a picnic either, and while the remaining tilts at the Bengals (11/30) and at home with the Jaguars (12/28) should have Baltimore favored, the Ravens won't be rolling their helmet out on the field and winning those either.

If this Baltimore team is a legitimate contender, it will prove as much over the upcoming seven-game stretch.

First test: the defending Super Bowl champion Giants (8-1) on Sunday.

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

WEEKLY SEED REPORT

An up-to-date analysis of what the playoffs would look like if the season ended today:

AFC

1 - Tennessee (9-0) 2 - Pittsburgh (6-3) 3 - New England (6-3) 4 - Denver (5-4) 5 - Baltimore (6-3) 6 - N.Y. Jets (6-3)

NFC

1 - N.Y. Giants (8-1) 2 - Carolina (7-2) 3 - Arizona (6-3) 4 - Chicago (5-4) 5 - Tampa Bay (6-3) 6 - Washington (6-3)

NFL POWER POLL

The Sportsbook Betting Lines's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm

FANTASY FOCUS

Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. Carolina (vs. Detroit) - Lions were a horrible football team when they were healthy, and now they're ailing.

2. Miami (vs. Oakland) - Raiders just can't get out of their own way offensively, while Dolphins are ascending.

3. Philadelphia (at Cincinnati) - If Eagles are serious about remaining in the playoff race, they'll knock out woeful Bengals.

THE GAMES

I was 10-4 in my picks last week and 9-5 against the spread, though I went 1-2, 0-3 in the primetime games. I guess I'm not yet on my game when the lights are brightest. The record for the year is now 93-51 (.646) overall, and 82-57-5 (.587) when walking the line.

N.Y. Jets (6-3) at New England (6-3), Thursday, 8:15 (New England -3)

Storylines: Patriots and Jets are tied for first in the AFC East, with New England already scoring a 19-10 win at New York in Week 2...Jets seeking first four-game win streak since 2004...Jets signed ex-Patriots All-Pro cornerback Ty Law earlier this week, and Law is expected to play on Thursday...Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has caught at least six passes in each of the team's nine games this year, which sets an NFL record...New England lost linebacker Adalius Thomas (forearm) for the year in last week's 20-10 win over the Bills...Patriots running backs Sammy Morris (knee), LaMont Jordan (calf), and defensive linemen Ty Warren (groin) and Vince Wilfork (toe) all regarded as questionable...Jets will be without inside linebacker David Harris (groin), and wide receivers Laveranues Coles (thigh), Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder), and Brad Smith (shoulder) are all nursing injuries...Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski has made a league-high-tying 21 field goals...New England's Ellis Hobbs leads the league in kickoff return average (28.7).

Fast Fact: The Patriots (47-48-1 in regular season games against the Jets) can even their series with the Jets for the first time since 1967, when the series was deadlocked at 7-7-1.

Prediction: The Jets are a better football team than the Patriots right now, but you just know Bill Belichick isn't going to allow Eric Mangini to knock him out of first place. Patriots 20, Jets 19.

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Denver (5-4) at Atlanta (6-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Atlanta -6)

Storylines: Broncos lead San Diego by one game in the AFC West, and Falcons are a game back of Carolina in NFC South...Denver could get cornerback Champ Bailey (groin) back after a two-game absence...Denver quarterback Jay Cutler is the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 447 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 34-30 come-from-behind win at the Browns...Broncos re-signed former running back Tatum Bell earlier this week following season-ending injury to Ryan Torain (knee) in last Thursday's win over the Browns, and also inked ex-Panthers back Alex Haynes to a deal...Left tackle Sam Baker (back) remains out for Atlanta...Linebacker D.J. Williams (knee) is out for Broncos, and fellow starting LB Nate Webster (knee) is doubtful...Denver is tied for last in the league in rushes of 20 yards or longer (2)...Broncos are allowing opponents to complete a league-high 70.1 percent of their passes, and are tied for last in the NFL in takeaways (9)...Falcons are 4-0 at home this year.

Fast Fact: The Broncos are 3-0 in road games against the Falcons since last losing in Atlanta in 1975.

Prediction: Falcons' home dominance continues with a win over depleted Broncos. Falcons 24, Broncos 20.

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Detroit (0-9) at Carolina (7-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -14)

Storylines: Panthers, who can match best start in team history with a win, lead Atlanta and Tampa Bay by a game in the NFC South...Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper expected to start in Carolina, the site of a major knee injury he suffered while with the Vikings on Oct. 30, 2005... Lions are NFL's lone remaining winless team, and are 0-9 for the first time since opening 2001 season with 12 straight losses...Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme completed just 7-of-27 passes with four interceptions in last week's 17-6 win over the Raiders...Panthers end Julius Peppers is the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording three sacks in last week's win...Detroit has surrendered a league-high-tying 34 sacks on the season...Lions have allowed an NFL-high 33 touchdowns on the year, and have recorded an NFL-worst two interceptions...Lions ends Dewayne White (calf) and Jared DeVries (broken hand) both out for Sunday...Detroit is tied for last in the league in takeaways (9)...Panthers have allowed a league-high two blocked punts for scores on the season.

Fast Fact: Since suffering a season-ending knee injury at Carolina in 2005, Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper is 3-8 as a starter, including 2-5 in road games.

Prediction: Lions are beaten up, beaten down, and won't come close to getting win number one in Carolina. Panthers 35, Lions 7.

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Philadelphia (5-4) at Cincinnati (1-8), Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -9)

Storylines: Eagles are three games back of first-place Giants in the NFC East, and are a game out of the Wild Card picture...Bengals seek to build off first win of the season, a 21-19 victory over Jacksonville prior to a Week 10 bye... Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow) will miss his sixth game, including his fifth straight, and Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his sixth start of the season...Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb is 4-0 in his last four starts against the AFC...Bengals are last in the league in total offense (238.2 yards per game)...Cincinnati wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh has caught at least six passes in each of his last seven games...Guard Shawn Andrews (back) remains out for Philadelphia...Bengals linebacker Daryl Blackstock expected to return after serving a four-game suspension for violation of the NFL steroid policy...Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones was a starter on the Eagles Super Bowl team in 2004, and played three years in Philadelphia (2004-2006).

Fast Fact: The Eagles are 0-3 all-time in Cincinnati, and the Bengals, Jaguars, and Ravens are the only NFL teams against which Philadelphia has never won a road game.

Prediction: Philadelphia hasn't been a great road team this year, but needs this game too much to falter. Eagles 26, Bengals 13.

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Chicago (5-4) at Green Bay (4-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Green Bay -4)

Storylines: Packers trail first-place co-occupants Chicago and Minnesota by a game in the NFC North...Chicago quarterback Kyle Orton (knee) could return to the lineup after a one-game absence...Bears have won four straight games at Lambeau Field since last losing there in 2003...Packers are tied for last in rushes of 20 yards or longer (2)...Green Bay has sustained a league-worst three safeties on the season, including two in last week's loss to the Vikings...Bears are tied for the NFL lead in takeaways (20)...Packers defensive backs Nick Collins and Charles Woodson are tied for the league lead in interceptions (5), and Green Bay is No. 1 in the NFL in interceptions (16), interception returns for touchdowns (6), and opponents' completion percentage (51.5)...Green Bay is last in the league in forced fumbles lost (1)...Packers lost middle linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) for the season in last week's 28-27 loss to the Vikings, and either Desmond Bishop or Brandon Chillar will take his place...Bears are No. 1 in the NFL in fumble returns for touchdowns (3) and blocked punts for touchdowns (2).

Fast Fact: The most recent Bears quarterback to lose a start at Lambeau Field was Kordell Stewart, who presided over a 34-21 loss at Green Bay on Dec. 7, 2003.

Prediction: Bears have owned Lambeau Field of late, but Green Bay is too desperate for a win to allow the winning streak to continue. Packers 27, Bears 19.

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Houston (3-6) at Indianapolis (5-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Indianapolis -8)

Storylines: Texans seek to avenge a 30-27 loss to Indianapolis in Week 5, a game in which the Colts became the first team in NFL history to rebound from a 17-point deficit with under five minutes to play to win in regulation... Houston quarterback Sage Rosenfels slated to start his third game of the year in place of the injured Matt Schaub (knee)...Texans have thrown an NFL-worst 14 interceptions on the season...Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson leads the NFL in receptions (67) and receiving yards (900)...Indianapolis is last in the league in rushing offense (69.2 yards per game) and yards per carry (3.3)... Texans defensive tackle Amobi Okoye (ankle) regarded as questionable...Colts have lost an NFL-low one fumble on the season...Colts have allowed an NFL-low two touchdown passes on the season...Texans are tied for last in the league in takeaways (9)...Texans kicker Kris Brown is a perfect 12-of-12 on field goals this season...Texans are 0-6 all-time in Indianapolis, and 1-12 versus the Colts overall.

Fast Fact: The last Houston-based team to win at Indianapolis was the Oilers, who prevailed by a 20-10 count at the RCA Dome on Sept. 13, 1992.

Prediction: Texans are revenge-minded after what happened in Week 5, but Colts finally look to be hitting their stride. Colts 31, Texans 24.

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New Orleans (4-5) at Kansas City (1-8), Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -5)

Storylines: Saints running back Reggie Bush (knee) expected to return after a two-game absence...Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (suspension) slated to play for the first time since Week 5...New Orleans is No. 1 in the league in total offense (416.2 yards per game), passing offense (325.7 yards per game), and Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards (2975)... Chiefs are last in the NFL in total defense (406.2 yards per game), rushing defense (172.3 yards per game), yards allowed per rush (5.2), sacks recorded (6), rushes allowed of 20 yards or longer (15), and opponents' third-down percentage (50.8)...Kansas City is tied for the league lead in takeaways (20) and forced fumbles lost (11)...Bush leads the league in punt return average (21.9) and punt return touchdowns (3)...Saints lost cornerback Mike McKenzie (broken kneecap) for the year in last week's loss to the Falcons, and signed ex-Redskin Leigh Torrence to take his roster spot...Chiefs signed ex-Texans and Seahawks defensive end Jason Babin on Wednesday...Linebackers Derrick Johnson (thigh) and Pat Thomas (hamstring) among those who have been ruled out for Kansas City.

Fast Fact: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees (2975 passing yards, 330.6 per game) must average 301.3 yards over his final seven games to break the NFL single-season passing record of 5,084 yards, set by Miami's Dan Marino in 1984.

Prediction: Chiefs are too banged up to expect them to contend with Brees and the Saints passing game. Saints 27, Chiefs 13.

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Oakland (2-7) at Miami (5-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Miami -10)

Storylines: Miami, which is 5-2 in its past seven games, trails first-place co-occupants New England and the Jets by a game in the AFC East...Dolphins will play the second in a string of three consecutive home games...Raiders interim head coach Tom Cable, who will call offensive plays for the second straight week, seeks first road win...Oakland has not scored a touchdown in nine quarters, and has scored just 35 points in five games under Cable... Quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell (knee) and Andrew Walter (ankle) both regarded as questionable for Oakland, as is running back Darren McFadden (turf toe)... Raiders rank last in the league in scoring offense (12.6 points per game), passing offense (139.2 yards per game), completion percentage (48.0), touchdowns scored (9), rushing touchdowns scored (3), and third-down percentage (22.4), and is tied for last in the league in passing touchdowns (6)...Miami has committed an NFL-low seven turnovers on the season...Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter leads the league in sacks (12).

Fast Fact: The Raiders have not scored a first-quarter touchdown during the 2008 season, and last scored a first-quarter touchdown on the road on Sept. 30, 2007, at Miami, marking a 10-game drought.

Prediction: Miami unlikely to be inspired by the quality of the opponent, but will still do enough to win decisively. Dolphins 23, Raiders 10.

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Baltimore (6-3) at N.Y. Giants (8-1), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Giants -6)

Storylines: Ravens, who have won four straight, are tied for first in AFC North along with Pittsburgh...Giants lead second-place Washington by two games in NFC East, and have second-best record in NFL behind Tennessee...Giants lead the NFL in rushing offense (168.9 yards per game), yards per carry (5.2), and rushes of 20 yards or longer (15)...Ravens are first in the league in rushing defense (65.4), yards allowed per carry (2.9), opponents third-down percentage (30.7), and are tied for first in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed (1) and rushes allowed of 20 yards or longer (1)...Baltimore receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) considered questionable... Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles and two interceptions in last Sunday's 41-13 win at the Texans...Giants kicker John Carney leads the NFL in scoring (90 points) and has made a league-high-tying 21 field goals... Ravens placed cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) and safety Dawan Landry (neck) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week.

Fast Fact: Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is 0-6 in his last six meetings against the Ravens, and last defeated Baltimore on Nov. 28, 1999, while at the helm of the Jaguars.

Prediction: Ravens have the talent to throw a scare into the world champs, but Flacco won't be at his best versus Giants pass rush. Giants 20, Ravens 17.

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Minnesota (5-4) at Tampa Bay (6-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Tampa Bay -3)

Storylines: Vikings are tied for NFC North lead along with Bears, while Buccaneers trail first-place Panthers by a game in the NFC South...Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams (knee) expected to make his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury against the Panthers last Sept. 30, and Warrick Dunn (back) and fullback B.J. Askew (hamstring) could return as well...Earnest Graham (knee) considered questionable for Tampa Bay, and wideout Ike Hilliard (head) remains out...Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week after carrying 30 times for 192 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Packers, leads the NFL in rushing yards (1015)...Buccaneers have allowed a league-low- tying one rushing touchdown on the season...Minnesota has recorded a league- high three safeties on the year...Vikings have surrendered a league-worst four punt returns for touchdowns on the season.

Fast Fact: The Vikings are 0-5 in Tampa Bay since last winning there in 1997.

Prediction: Peterson isn't about to run wild on a strong Tampa Bay front seven, and Jared Allen won't manhandle the mobile Jeff Garcia. Buccaneers 28, Vikings 12.

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St. Louis (2-7) at San Francisco (2-7), Sunday, 4:05 (San Francisco -6)

Storylines: San Francisco's Mike Singletary seeking first win in three tries as team's head coach, and 49ers are trying to snap a six-game losing streak since starting 2-1...Rams seeking to rebound from 47-3 loss at the Jets last week, a game that they trailed 40-0 at halftime...49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce, a member of the Rams from 1994 through 2007, faces his former team for the first time...Shaun Hill to make his second straight start at QB for Niners...Rams running back Steven Jackson (thigh) not expected to play for a second straight week...St. Louis is tied for last in the league in touchdown passes (6)...Rams are last in the NFL in scoring defense (31.3 points per game) and rushing touchdowns allowed (15)...San Francisco has committed an NFL-worst 23 turnovers, including a league-high-tying 10 lost fumbles, is last in NFL turnover margin (-13), and has allowed a league-high-tying 34 sacks on the year...The Rams' Donnie Jones leads the league in punting average (50.2)...49ers lead the NFL in blocked field goals for touchdowns (2).

Fast Fact: As a player (1981-1992), 49ers head coach Mike Singletary was just 3-5 in regular season games against the Rams.

Prediction: Rams will play with pride after debacle at Jets, but 49ers have a bit more talent at this stage. 49ers 27, Rams 24.

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Arizona (6-3) at Seattle (2-7), Sunday, Sunday, 4:05 (Arizona -3)

Storylines: Cardinals have opened up a four-game lead in the NFC West... Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back) expected to play for the first time since a loss to the Giants in Week 5...Arizona has lost five straight in Seattle since last winning there on Sept. 15, 2002...Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who has thrown at least two touchdown passes in eight consecutive games, leads the NFL in passer rating (106.4)...Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin leads the league in touchdown catches (10)...Seattle wideout Deion Branch (heel) could play for just the second time this year...Cardinals are No. 1 in the league in scoring offense (29.2 points per game), touchdowns scored (32), completion percentage (70.5)...Arizona has surrendered a league- high 18 passing touchdowns on the year...Seattle is tied for last in the league in takeaways (9)...Arizona is tied for the NFL lead in forced fumbles lost (11).

Fast Fact: In Arizona's most recent win at Seattle (9/15/02), then-Cardinals running back Thomas Jones, brother of current Seahawks rusher Julius Jones, rushed for a career-high 173 yards on 24 carries in a 24-13 triumph.

Prediction: Seattle will look better with Hasselbeck back in the lineup, but won't have enough defensive answers for the Arizona passing game. Cardinals 34, Seahawks 24.

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Tennessee (9-0) at Jacksonville (4-5), Sunday, 4:15 (Tennessee -3)

Storylines: Tennessee is the NFL's lone remaining unbeaten team, is 9-0 for the first time in franchise history, and is attempting to become the eighth team since 1978 to begin a season 10-0...Titans own a four-game lead over second-place Colts in the AFC South...Jaguars were 17-10 losers at Tennessee in Week 1...Jacksonville middle linebacker Mike Peterson expected to return to lineup after being deactivated for disciplinary reasons last week...Titans running back LenDale White leads the NFL in total touchdowns (11) and rushing touchdowns (11)...Tennessee is first in the league in rushing scores (16), but is tied for last in the NFL in passing TDs (6) along with the Rams and Raiders...Tennessee has surrendered a league-low five sacks on the season... Titans lead the league in scoring defense (13 points per game), turnover margin (+10), and are tied for first in touchdowns allowed (13)...Tennessee punter Craig Hentrich is the reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after pinning five punts inside the 20-yard line in last week's 21-14 win at Chicago.

Fast Fact: The last two teams to begin a season 10-0 (2007 Patriots, 2005 Colts) both failed to win the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Titans' undefeated run ends here, as Jacksonville puts it all together for one of the first times all season. Jaguars 22, Titans 16.

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San Diego (4-5) at Pittsburgh (6-3), Sunday, 4:15 (Pittsburgh -5)

Storylines: Steelers are tied with Baltimore for AFC North lead, while Chargers are a game back of Denver in the AFC West...Chargers are 1-4 away from San Diego this season...Pittsburgh tries to bounce back from 24-20 home loss to Indianapolis last week, a game in which quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three costly interceptions...Steelers running back Willie Parker (shoulder) expected to be in the lineup for just the second time in the last six games...Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads the NFL in touchdown passes (21)...Pittsburgh leads the NFL in total defense (240.3 yards per game), passing defense (171.1 yards per game), sacks (34), and is tied for first in touchdowns allowed (13) and rushes allowed of 20 yards or longer (1)...Chargers are last in the league in passing defense (264.9 yards per game)...Steelers kicker Jeff Reed is a perfect 13-of-13 on field goals this season...Pittsburgh signed ex-Lions and Jaguars cornerback Fernando Bryant earlier this week...Cornerbacks Bryant McFadden (forearm) and Deshea Townsend (hamstring) and tight end Heath Miller (ankle) remain out for Steelers.

Fast Fact: The Chargers are 2-0 in postseason games played in Pittsburgh all- time, but are 0-12 there in the regular season.

Prediction: Two straight home losses are not in the cards for Pittsburgh, and San Diego hasn't played well away from home all year. Steelers 23, Chargers 14.

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Dallas (5-4) at Washington (6-3), Sunday, 8:15 (Dallas -1)

Storylines: Dallas quarterback Tony Romo (broken finger) slated to return following a three-game absence, in which Dallas went 1-2...Cornerback Terence Newman (groin), guard Kyle Kosier (foot), and running back Felix Jones (hamstring) could also return for Cowboys after extended absences...Redskins running back Clinton Portis (sprained MCL) is questionable, as is backup Ladell Betts (knee), meaning veteran Shaun Alexander could get his first backfield start as a Redskin...Cornerback Shawn Springs (calf) and end Jason Taylor (calf) slated to return for Redskins, but wideout Santana Moss (hamstring) is questionable...Washington defeated Dallas, 26-24, in Week 4... Ex-Falcons and Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall expected to make his debut with the Redskins after signing with the team last week...Cowboys are No. 1 in the league in third-down percentage (47.5)...Redskins have thrown a league-low two interceptions on the season...Washington is tied for last in the league in takeaways (9).

Fast Fact: The most recent Cowboys quarterback to engineer a win at FedEx Field was Vinny Testaverde, who presided over a 21-18 victory on Sept. 27, 2004.

Prediction: Cowboys are at their healthiest in well over a month, and should come out with fire in a desperate situation this week. Cowboys 27, Redskins 21.

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Cleveland (3-6) at Buffalo (5-4), Monday, 8:30 (Buffalo -5)

Storylines: Browns quarterback Brady Quinn will make first road start after completing 23-of-35 passes for 239 yards with two touchdowns in a 34-30 home loss to Denver in his NFL starting debut last Thursday...Bills seeking first Monday Night win since 1999, and first home MNF win since downing the Broncos in 1994...Buffalo is 1-4 since a 4-0 start, including three consecutive losses, and has dropped a game behind first-place co-occupants the Patriots and Jets in the AFC East...Browns take to road following consecutive home losses to the Ravens (37-27) and Broncos (34-30)...Buffalo not expected to have safety Donte Whitner (shoulder), defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot), or wide receiver Josh Reed (Achilles/ankle) back in the lineup...Guard Eric Steinbach (ribs) and fullback Lawrence Vickers (ankle) both questionable for Cleveland...Bills have lost a league-high-tying 10 fumbles on the season... Browns were 8-0 home winners over Buffalo in a snow-plagued game last Dec. 16th.

Fast Fact: The Browns (35-14 Monday night winners over the Giants in Week 6) last won two Monday night games in the same season in 1970, when they defeated the Jets and Oilers.

Prediction: Browns defense won't quit this time, but QB Quinn will look average against a decent Buffalo defense. Bills 19, Browns 16.