In The Thick of Things The Cleveland Browns have had little success in December over the last few years, but then again, they haven’t had much to play for. That’s not the case this season. Cleveland is in the thick of the AFC playoff race, and with a string of games against lesser opponents beginning with Sunday’s visit to Arizona, the Browns have their sights set on qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Author: Anthony Rome
Still Gunning For Division The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stayed in control of the NFC South last week, holding on for their third straight victory. Now they’re hoping their starting quarterback will be available as they take on the second-place New Orleans Saints in a key divisional matchup at the Superdome on Sunday.
Where’s The Offense? Not long ago, the San Francisco 49ers appeared to be a promising candidate to help the Carolina Panthers finally earn a win at home. That may no longer be the case. The lowly Panthers look to avoid an eighth straight home loss Sunday when they face the 49ers, who are coming off their first win in two months.
NFC Battle in Philly The Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles made improbable runs to the playoffs last season despite injuries to superstars. With both Shaun Alexander and Donovan McNabb again struggling to stay on the field this season, the Seahawks and Eagles are hoping to repeat their feats from a year ago.
AFC West Clash in KC The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs have been heading in different directions since their first meeting of the season in September. The AFC West-leading Chargers look to continue their playoff push Sunday with a rare win in Kansas City as they face the stumbling Chiefs, who are not yet out of the playoff chase.
Fish to Land First Win? The Miami Dolphins are trying to avoid becoming the seventh team in NFL history to open a season 0-12. This also may be their best chance to make sure they are not the first 0-16 team the league has ever had. That’s because they will be hosting the team closest to them at the bottom of the AFC standings as the rival New York Jets visit Dolphin Stadium.
Struggling Titans Albert Haynesworth was emerging as a star defensive tackle when he suffered a right hamstring injury in Week 9. After losing three straight games without him, the Tennessee Titans are beginning to understand just how valuable Haynesworth had been. The Titans hope to have Haynesworth back in the lineup to help their struggling defense as they try to climb back into the playoff picture by hosting the AFC South rival Houston Texans on Sunday.
Down, But Not Out A three-game losing streak has knocked the Detroit Lions back into a crowded NFC wild-card race. The Minnesota Vikings are part of that cluster, and now they are about to get back the league’s leading rusher after winning their last two games without him.
Marred in Tragedy Regardless of how the Washington Redskins finish, their 2007 season will forever be associated with tragedy. With fallen teammate Sean Taylor on their minds, the Redskins attempt to shift their focus back to football and avoid a fourth straight loss Sunday when they host the Buffalo Bills in their first game since the Pro Bowl safety died as result of a gunshot wound Tuesday.
Rough Seasons Injuries have played a big part in the St. Louis Rams’ dismal season. They hope Marc Bulger can recover from his latest setback to help them win for the third time in four games on Sunday when they host the struggling Atlanta Falcons. Bulger’s status for this contest is uncertain after the quarterback suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s 24-19 loss to Seattle.