JACKSONVILLE (5-0)
AT BUFFALO (2-3)11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Jaguars lead 1-0.
LAST TIME MET: Jaguars beat Bills 20-14 on Dec. 14, 1997 at Buffalo.
LAST WEEK: Jaguars beat Dolphins 28-21. Bills beat Colts 31-24.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Jaguars RB Fred Taylor had 89 yards on 12 carries, including 77-yard TD on first play of game. Bills QB Doug Flutie was 23-for-28 for NFL career-high 213 yards and 2 TDs.
OFFENSE: JAGUARS - RUSH (No. 3), PASS (No. 16), OVERALL (No. 5); BILLS - RUSH (No. 6), PASS (No. 19), OVERALL (No. 15)
DEFENSE: JAGUARS - RUSH (No. 4T), PASS (No. 25), OVERALL (No. 16); BILLS - RUSH (No. 16), PASS (No. 22), OVERALL (No. 18)
THE LOWDOWN: This is the perfect let-down game for the Jaguars. They're coming off a tough Monday night win over Miami and have Denver next on the schedule. Buffalo has been improving and could pull upset.
PREDICTION: Bills 23, Jaguars 20
ARIZONA (3-3) AT
N.Y. GIANTS (2-4)
11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Giants lead 71-37-2.
LAST TIME MET: Giants beat Cardinals 19-10 on Nov. 16, 1997 at Meadowlands.
LAST WEEK: Cardinals beat Bears 20-7. Giants lost to Falcons 34-20.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Cardinals LB Ronald McKinnon had 3 INTs, forced a fumble and returned a blocked punt 31 yards. Giants LB Jessie Armstead had 5 tackles, with 1 sack and 2 forced fumbles.
OFFENSE: CARDINALS - RUSH (No. 22), PASS (No. 22), OVERALL (No. 26); GIANTS - RUSH (No. 29), PASS (No. 26), OVERALL (No. 30)
DEFENSE: CARDINALS - RUSH (No. 18), PASS (No. 9), OVERALL (No. 8); GIANTS - RUSH (No. 19), PASS (No. 21), OVERALL (No. 22)
THE LOWDOWN: Cardinals are improving, having won three of four. Giants' offense is worst in NFL and will have a tough time moving the ball against Arizona defense rated third in NFC.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 17, Giants 16
BALTIMORE (2-3) AT
PITTSBURGH (3-2)
11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Steelers lead 4-1.
LAST TIME MET: Steelers beat Ravens 20-13 on Sept. 6, 1998 at Baltimore.
LAST WEEK: Ravens lost to Oilers 12-8. Steelers lost to Bengals 25-20.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Ravens RB Priest Holmes had team-record 13 catches for 98 yards. Steelers QB Kordell Stewart ran for 103 yards and passed for 151.
OFFENSE: RAVENS - RUSH (No. 18), PASS (No. 7), OVERALL (No. 12); STEELERS - RUSH (No. 2), PASS (No. 30), OVERALL (No. 21)
DEFENSE: RAVENS - RUSH (No. 21), PASS (No. 20), OVERALL (No. 23); STEELERS - RUSH (No. 13), PASS (No. 16), OVERALL (No. 14)
THE LOWDOWN: Both teams have been struggling to find some offense and Steelers could have more problems if Jerome Bettis can't play. Kordell Stewart still gives Pittsburgh enough to pull out a win over punchless Ravens.
PREDICTION: Steelers 17, Ravens 14
CINCINNATI (2-3)
AT TENNESSEE (2-3)
11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Oilers lead 30-28-1.
LAST TIME MET: Oilers beat Bengals 23-14 on Sept. 6, 1998 at Cincinnati.
LAST WEEK: Bengals beat Steelers 25-20. Oilers beat Ravens 12-8.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Bengals WR Carl Pickens, AFC offensive player of week, had team-record 13 catches for career-high 204 yards and game-winning TD. Oilers RB Eddie George had 121 yards on 30 carries.
OFFENSE: BENGALS - RUSH (No. 25), PASS (No. 15), OVERALL (No. 18); OILERS - RUSH (No. 24), PASS (No. 17), OVERALL (No. 19)
DEFENSE: BENGALS - RUSH (No. 29), PASS (No. 19), OVERALL (No. 29); OILERS - RUSH (No. 12), PASS (No. 14), OVERALL (No. 9)
THE LOWDOWN: Eddie George finally appears to be rounding into form for Oilers, however, they still scored just one touchdown last week. Cincy's offense should be able to keep pace in this one.
PREDICTION: Oilers 19, Bengals 17
CAROLINA (0-5)
AT TAMPA BAY (2-3)
11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Series tied 1-1.
LAST TIME MET: Panthers beat Buccaneers 24-0 on Dec. 1, 1996 at Carolina.
LAST WEEK: Panthers lost to Cowboys 27-20. Buccaneers beat Giants 20-3 in Week 5.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein was 22-for-32 for 286 yards and 3 TDs. Buccaneers FB Mike Alstott had 86 yards and 1 TD on 17 carries.
OFFENSE: PANTHERS - RUSH (No. 30), PASS (No. 4), OVERALL (No. 16); OFFENSE - RUSH (No. 15), PASS (No. 29), OVERALL (No. 28)
DEFENSE: PANTHERS - RUSH (No. 24), PASS (No. 26T), OVERALL (No. 28); BUCCANEERS - RUSH (No. 7), PASS (No. 2), OVERALL (No. 2)
THE LOWDOWN: Buccaneers are 2-0 in their new stadium, while Panthers are a team in turmoil. Look for Tampa to control the game with running backs Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott and ground out the victory.
PREDICTION: Bucs 23, Panthers 10
NEW ORLEANS (3-2)
AT ATLANTA (4-1)
11 a.m.
SERIES RECORD: Falcons lead 33-24.
LAST TIME MET: Falcons beat Saints 20-3 on Nov. 23, 1997 at Atlanta.
LAST WEEK: Saints lost to 49ers 31-0. Falcons beat Giants 34-20.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Saints LB Kevin Mitchell had 11 tackles. Falcons RB Jamal Anderson had 110 yards on 29 carries.
OFFENSE: SAINTS - RUSH (No. 21), PASS (No. 25), OVERALL (No. 25); FALCONS RUSH (No. 13), PASS (No. 14), OVERALL (No. 13)
DEFENSE: SAINTS - RUSH (No. 9), PASS (No. 30), OVERALL (No. 30); FALCONS - RUSH (No. 6), PASS (No. 29), OVERALL (No. 26)
THE LOWDOWN: When was the last time these two both had a winning record when they met? A playoff game, seven years ago. Atlanta won that one, 27-20. This NFC West battle goes down to the wire.
PREDICTION: Falcons 16, Saints 13
WASHINGTON (0-6)
AT MINNESOTA (5-0)
11 a.m. (TV: Ch. 13)
SERIES RECORD: Redskins lead 6-4.
LAST TIME MET: Vikings beat Redskins 14-9 on Dec. 31, 1993 at Washington.
LAST WEEK: Redskins lost to Eagles 17-12. Vikings beat Packers 37-24 in Week 5.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Redskins RB Terry Allen had 87 yards on 20 carries. Vikings QB Randall Cunningham was 20-32 for 442 yards and 4 TDs.
OFFENSE: REDSKINS - RUSH (No. 16), PASS (No. 8), OVERALL (No. 11); VIKINGS - RUSH (No. 11), PASS (No. 2), OVERALL (No. 3)
DEFENSE: REDSKINS - RUSH (No. 28), PASS (No. 6T), OVERALL (No. 19); VIKINGS DEFENSE - RUSH (No. 15), PASS (No. 28), OVERALL (No. 27)
THE LOWDOWN: If Washington can't beat winless Philadelphia, how will it stay close to unbeaten Minnesota? Vikings are on a major roll right now and this is the type of game they can't lose if they want to be one of the NFL elite.
PREDICTION: Vikings 31, Redskins 10
INDIANAPOLIS (1-5)
AT SAN FRAN. (4-1)
2 p.m. (TV: Ch. 2)
OPENING LINE: 49ers by 171/2.
RECORD VS. SPREAD: Colts 1-5; 49ers 2-3.
SERIES RECORD: Colts lead 22-16.
LAST TIME MET: Colts beat 49ers 18-17 on Oct. 15, 1995 at Indianapolis.
LAST WEEK: Colts lost to Bills 31-24. 49ers beat Saints 31-0.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Colts RB Marshall Faulk had 173 combined yards. 49ers QB Steve Young was 21-for-40 for 309 yards and 3 TDs.
OFFENSE: COLTS - RUSH (No. 27), PASS (No. 12), OVERALL (No. 17); 49ERS - RUSH (No. 4), PASS (No. 1), OVERALL (No. 1)
DEFENSE: COLTS - RUSH (No. 30), PASS (No. 8), OVERALL (No. 25); 49ERS - RUSH (No. 10), PASS (No. 26T), OVERALL (No. 21)
THE LOWDOWN: A total mismatch in every way starts at quarterback where 49ers' Steve Young has thrown for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each game this season, while Colts top-pick Peyton Manning has struggled.
PREDICTION: 49ers 37, Colts 10
PHILADELPHIA (1-5)
AT SAN DIEGO (2-4)
2 p.m.
SERIES RECORD: Chargers lead 4-2.
LAST TIME MET: Chargers beat Eagles 27-21 on Sept. 17, 1995 at Philadelphia.
LAST WEEK: Eagles beat Redskins 17-12. Chargers lost to Raiders 7-6.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Eagles QB Rodney Peete was 15-for-28 for 121 yards and 1 TD. Chargers RB Natrone Means had 101 yards on 37 carries.
OFFENSE: EAGLES - RUSH (No. 20), PASS (No. 27), OVERALL (No. 29); CHARGERS - RUSH (No. 9), PASS (No. 28), OVERALL (No. 24)
DEFENSE: EAGLES - RUSH (No. 27), PASS (No. 11), OVERALL (No. 24); CHARGERS - RUSH (No. 2), PASS (No. 6T), OVERALL (No. 1)
THE LOWDOWN: This looks to be a defensive struggle, so take the points. Chargers' defense has been solid and Eagles top two cornerbacks are back in action, meaning they'll be able to send more pressure after Ryan Leaf.
PREDICTION: Eagles 10, Chargers 9
ST. LOUIS (2-3)
AT MIAMI (3-2)
2 p.m.
SERIES RECORD: Dolphins lead 6-1.
LAST TIME MET: Dolphins beat Rams 41-22 on Dec. 24, 1995 at St. Louis.
LAST WEEK: Rams beat Jets 30-10. Dolphins lost to Jaguars 28-21.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Rams RB Amp Lee had 115 combined yards and 2 TDs. Dolphins QB Dan Marino was 30-for-49 for 323 yards and 2 TDs.
OFFENSE: RAMS - RUSH (No. 8), PASS (No. 11), OVERALL (No. 8); DOLPHINS - RUSH (No. 26), PASS (No. 24), OVERALL (No. 27)
DEFENSE: RAMS - RUSH (No. 17), PASS (No. 12), OVERALL (No. 11); DOLPHINS - RUSH (No. 20), PASS (No. 4), OVERALL (No. 6)
THE LOWDOWN: Rams are coming off their best game of the season, while Dolphins are trying to figure out how to get their running game back on track. Although both St. Louis wins have come against AFC East teams, the Rams come up just short here.
PREDICTION: Dolphins 21, Rams 17
DALLAS (4-2)
AT CHICAGO (1-5)
2 p.m. (TV: Ch. 13)
SERIES RECORD: Cowboys lead 9-7.
LAST TIME MET: Cowboys beat Bears 27-3 on Sept. 28, 1997 at Dallas.
LAST WEEK: Cowboys beat Panthers 27-20. Bears lost to Cardinals 20-7.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Cowboys QB Jason Garrett was 14-for-22 for 287 yards and 2 TDs. Bears WR Bobby Engram had 5 receptions for 142 yards, including 79-yard TD.
OFFENSE: COWBOYS - RUSH (No. 5), PASS (No. 10), OVERALL (No. 4); BEARS - RUSH (No. 19), PASS (No. 6), OVERALL (No. 10)
DEFENSE: COWBOYS - RUSH (No. 8), PASS (No. 18), OVERALL (No. 10); BEARS DEFENSE - RUSH (No. 25), PASS (No. 10), OVERALL (No. 17)
THE LOWDOWN: Chicago has been in all of their losses, except for last week's eight-turnover debacle at Arizona. Bears QB Erik Kramer should be able to move the ball against a Cowboys' secondary susceptible to the pass.
PREDICTION: Bears 20, Cowboys 17
MONDAY'S GAME
N.Y. JETS (2-3) AT
NEW ENGLAND (4-1)
6 p.m. (TV: Ch. 4)
SERIES RECORD: Jets lead 40-34-1.
LAST TIME MET: Jets beat Patriots 24-19 on Oct. 19, 1997 at New York.
LAST WEEK: Jets lost to Rams 30-10. Patriots beat Chiefs 40-10.
LAST WEEK'S STARS: Jets RB Leon Johnson had 56 yards rushing on 13 carries and had 17-yard TD reception. Patriots RB Robert Edwards had career-high 104 yards and 1 TD on 23 carries.
OFFENSE: JETS - RUSH (No. 10), PASS (No. 9), OVERALL (No. 9); PATRIOTS - RUSH (No. 12), PASS (No. 5), OVERALL (No. 6)
DEFENSE: JETS - RUSH (No. 22), PASS (No. 17), OVERALL (No. 20); PATRIOTS - RUSH (No. 3), PASS (No. 13), OVERALL (No. 4)
THE LOWDOWN: These two teams come into this Monday night matchup headed in different directions. Pats have won four straight, including last week's rout of K.C., while Jets are looking a bit unsettled after loss to Rams. Look for Patriots to extend their lead in AFC East.
PREDICTION: Patriots 31, Jets 20