NFL : GAME PREVIEWS 12/9

Eagles face must-win in revenge spot against Giants

- A.J. Feeley threw seven picks in two straight losses, but will Donovan McNabb get his job back anyway? The Giants mauled Philly in Week 4 but they don't often win here (losing five of seven). Philly must win to have a wing or a prayer in the NFC Wild Card hunt.

The Giants defeated Chicago 21-16 as a 1-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (40).

Derrick Ward rushed for 154 yards with a touchdown on 24 carries for New York, while Eli Manning completed 16-of-27 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The Eagles lost to Seattle 28-24 as a 3-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (41).

A.J. Feeley completed 19-of-42 passes for 220 yard with a touchdown and four interceptions for Philadelphia, while Brian Westbrook rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 8-4 SU, 7-5 ATS
Philadelphia: 5-7 SU, 6-6 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on grass are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 9-1
When playing within the division are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on grass are 5-5
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing within the division are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
NY Giants are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Giants are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Giants last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Giants are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Giants
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing NY Giants

Next up:
NY Giants home to Washington, Sunday, December 16
Philadelphia at Dallas, Sunday, December 16

Bucs hot again, aim for 9-4 record vs. Texans

- A four-game winning streak has Tampa Bay on the cusp of the post-season in a year when injuries to QBs and RBs have failed to buck the Bucs trend of winning. Third-stringer Luke McCown got the job done Sunday and now they get a lesser task on the road at Houston.

The Buccaneers defeated New Orleans 27-23 as a 5.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (41.5).

Luke McCown completed 29-of-37 passes for 313 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Tampa Bay, while Earnest Graham rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.

The Texans lost to Tennessee 28-20 as a 3.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (40).

Sage Rosenfels completed 17-of-30 passes for 185 yards with a touchdowns and an interception for Houston, while Andre Johnson caught nine passes for 116 yards with a touchdown.

Current streak:
Tampa Bay has won 4 straight games.
Houston has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Tampa Bay: 8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS
Houston: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on grass are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 5-5

Houston most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing outside the division are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Tampa Bay's last 23 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games at home
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Atlanta, Sunday, December 16
Houston home to Denver, Thursday, December 13

Rams look for fourth win in five games at expense of Cincy

- A pair of NFL also-rans hook up in what could be a high-scoring affair in Cincy Sunday when the Rams visit. However, the Rams average just 11.5 PPG on the road. St. Louis has won three of four after opening the season 0-8 and they have won and easily covered the past three meetings with the Bengals.

The Rams defeated Atlanta 28-16 as a 3-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (40).

Gus Frerotte threw for 311 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for St. Louis, while Torry Holt caught six passes for 135 yards with a touchdown.

The Bengals lost to Pittsburgh 24-10 as a 7-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (40.5).

Carson Palmer completed 17-of-44 passes for 183 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions for Cincinnati, while Rudi Johnson rushed for 34 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown.

Team records:
St. Louis: 3-9 SU, 4-8 ATS
Cincinnati: 4-8 SU, 4-7-1 ATS

St. Louis most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on turf are 2-8
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 5-5

Cincinnati most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on turf are 4-6
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 12 games
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis

Next up:
St. Louis home to Green Bay, Sunday, December 16
Cincinnati at San Francisco, Saturday, December 15

Cowboys big road favorites against toothless Lions

- Dallas rides a six-game winning streak to Detroit, where the Lions are stumbling through a four-game losing streak. The Cowboys bring the league's second-bets offense to Pontiac to face the league's fourth-worst defense, which could make the 11-point spread climb during the week.

Tony Romo threw four touchdowns last time out, as the Cowboys defeated the Packers 37-27. The Cowboys covered the 7-point spread, and the game's 64 points sailed OVER the posted total of 52.

Romo completed 19-of-30 passes for 309 yards with one interception, while Patrick Crayton caught two TD passes in the win.

The Lions lost to Minnesota 42-10 as a 5.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (44.5).

Jon Kitna completed 27-of-36 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Detroit and Roy Williams caught five passes for 85 yards.

Current streak:
Dallas has won 6 straight games.
Detroit has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 11-1 SU, 9-3 ATS
Detroit: 6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on turf are 8-2
After outgaining opponent are 8-2
When playing outside the division are 7-3

Detroit most recently:
When playing in December are 2-8
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Dallas
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas

Next up:
Dallas home to Philadelphia, Sunday, December 16
Detroit at San Diego, Sunday, December 16

Raiders introduce Russell; look for third straight win vs. Packers

- JaMarcus Russell looked good in limited duty last week and he might get more action in Green Bay this weekend as Oakland tries to make it three straight wins. This is a match where strengths play to strengths and weaknesses to weaknesses. Oakland is tough against the pass, where the Pack is strong and Green Bay hasn't rushed well at home, where the Raiders rank last in road run stop.

The Raiders defeated Denver 34-20 as a 3.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (41.5).

Josh McCown threw three touchdown passes for Oakland, while Justin Fargas rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.

Green Bay were defeated 37-27 by the Cowboys last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The game's 64 points sailed OVER the posted total of 52.

Ryan Grant carried the ball 14 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers, while Brett Favre completed 5-of-14 for 56 yards, before Aaron Rodgers took over and threw for 201 yards and a TD in the loss.

Current streak:
Oakland has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Oakland: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS
Green Bay: 10-2 SU, 9-2-1 ATS

Oakland most recently:
When playing in December are 1-9
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 2-8

Green Bay most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on grass are 9-1
After being outgained are 5-5
When playing outside the division are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Oakland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 12 games on the road
Oakland is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
Green Bay is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Green Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Green Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Green Bay's last 5 games

Next up:
Oakland home to Indianapolis, Sunday, December 16
Green Bay at St. Louis, Sunday, December 16

Jags need win over suddenly dangerous Panthers

- Just when the Jaguars were proving they were still pretenders in a loss to Indy, the Panthers were proving they still had some snarl in a win over the 49ers. The teams clash in Jacksonville with the OVER prevailing in the past six Jag contests. Of note, Carolina boasts the league's fifth-best road rushing game while the Jags rank fifth from the bottom in stopping the run at home.

The Panthers defeated San Francisco 31-14 as a 3-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under (35).

Vinny Testaverde passed for 169 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Carolina and Steve Smith caught eight passes for 64 yards in the win.

The Jaguars lost to Indianapolis 28-25 as a 6.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (45).

David Garrard completed 24-of-29 passes for 257 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Jacksonville, while Fred Taylor rushed for 104 yards on 14 carries.

Team records:
Carolina: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS
Jacksonville: 8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS

Carolina most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on grass are 2-8
After outgaining opponent are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 3-7

Jacksonville most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on grass are 8-2
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing outside the division are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Carolina's last 9 games
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Carolina is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Jacksonville's last 5 games
Jacksonville is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Jacksonville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Jacksonville is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

Next up:
Carolina home to Seattle, Sunday, December 16
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh, Sunday, December 16

Bills host winless Dolphins, eye playoff possibilities

- Left for dead after two humiliating losses, Buffalo looks to pull even in the AFC Wild Card race with a win Sunday over winless Miami. The Bills usually handle the Dolphins against the spread (they are 7-0 past seven meetings) and this would be Miami's best chance to avoid the 0-16 season.

The Dolphins lost to the Jets 40-13 as a 1.5-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (37.5).

John Beck completed 23-of-39 passes for 177 yards with three interceptions for Miami and Jesse Chatman rushed for 26 yards on 11 carries.

The Bills edged Washington 17-16 as a 6.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (37).

Rian Lindell kicked five field goals for Buffalo, while Trent Edwards completed 22-of-36 passes for 257 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Current streak:
Miami has lost 12 straight games.

Team records:
Miami: 0-12 SU, 3-7-2 ATS
Buffalo: 6-6 SU, 8-4 ATS

Miami most recently:
When playing in December are 5-5
When playing on turf are 1-9
After being outgained are 0-10
When playing within the division are 1-9

Buffalo most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on turf are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing within the division are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Buffalo is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Buffalo is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Miami

Next up:
Miami home to Baltimore, Sunday, December 16
Buffalo at Cleveland, Sunday, December 16

Vikings take running game on the road

- The home team has won all six meetings since 1995, but that could change this week as the run-heavy Vikes visit the freefalling 49ers. Minnesota has won three straight behind an improving defense and juggernaut running game that leads the league in road rushing at 150 YPG.

The Vikings defeated Detroit 42-10 as a 5.5-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (44.5).

Adrian Peterson rushed for 116 yards with a pair of touchdowns for Minnesota, while Tarvaris Jackson completed 18-of-24 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the win.

The 49ers lost to Carolina 31-14 as a 3-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (35).

Trent Dilfer completed 14-of-29 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions for San Francisco, while Frank Gore was held to 58 yards on 12 carries.

Current streak:
Minnesota has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Minnesota: 6-6 SU, 6-4-2 ATS
San Francisco: 3-9 SU, 3-8-1 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on grass are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 5-5

San Francisco most recently:
When playing in December are 3-7
When playing on grass are 3-7
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing outside the division are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
San Francisco is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Minnesota home to Chicago, Monday, December 17
San Francisco home to Cincinnati, Saturday, December 15

Cards aim to shoot down Seahawk division hopes

- Arizona probably can't catch Seattle in the NFC West, but they would love to knock their division rivals down a peg Sunday. Arizona has won and covered the past two meetings, but they have lost four straight trips to Seattle. The Seahawks have won and covered four straight overall this season.

The Cardinals defeated Cleveland 27-21 as a pick'em in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (52).

Kurt Warner threw for 169 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception for Cleveland, while Edgerrin James rushed for 114 yards on 24 carries.

The Seahawks defeated Philadelphia 28-24 as a 3-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (41).

Matt Hasselbeck completed 19-of-24 passes for 187 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Seattle, while Lofa Tatupu had three interceptions in the win.

Current streak:
Seattle has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Arizona: 6-6 SU, 7-4-1 ATS
Seattle: 8-4 SU, 7-4-1 ATS

Arizona most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on turf are 4-6
After being outgained are 5-5
When playing within the division are 6-4

Seattle most recently:
When playing in December are 7-3
When playing on turf are 7-3
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing within the division are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Arizona's last 18 games
Arizona is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing Arizona
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Next up:
Arizona at New Orleans, Sunday, December 16
Seattle at Carolina, Sunday, December 16

Chiefs, Broncos in meaningless AFC West tilt

- It's been a while since a Week 14 battle between KC and Denver meant so little. But losing skids and erratic play have relegated both to also-ran status in the AFC and neither will likely catch San Diego. The Broncos have covered just two of 12 home games dating back to last season, but they have five straight at home against the fading Chiefs.

The Chiefs lost to San Diego 24-10 as a 6-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (37.5).

Damon Huard completed 19-of-34 passes for 186 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Kansas City and Kolby Smith rushed for 83 yards on 21 carries.

The Broncos lost to Oakland 34-20 as a 3.5-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (41.5).

Jay Cutler completed 16-of-32 passes for 214 yards with two interceptions for Denver, while Travis Henry rushed for 49 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 15 carries.

Current streak:
Kansas City has lost 5 straight games.
Denver has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Kansas City: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS
Denver: 5-7 SU, 3-9 ATS

Kansas City most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 5-5
When playing within the division are 6-4

Denver most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing within the division are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 8 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Kansas City's last 22 games
Kansas City is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 11 games at home

Next up:
Kansas City home to Tennessee, Sunday, December 16
Denver at Houston, Thursday, December 13

Line moves quickly in favor of Browns at Jets

- The Browns lost in the desert Sunday, but were made favorites against the Jets, who routed Miami. Cleveland has been equal parts good and lucky, while New York sandwiched the Dolphins win and Steelers upset around a complete annihilation at Dallas. Which Jets team will show up to face the Browns?

The Browns lost to Arizona 27-21 as a pick'em in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (52).

Derek Anderson completed 21-of-41 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Cleveland and Braylon Edwards caught seven passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

The Jets defeated Miami 40-13 as a 1.5-point underdog in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (37.5).

Leon Washington rushed for 68 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Jets, while Kellen Clemens completed 15-of-24 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the win.

Team records:
Cleveland: 7-5 SU, 9-3 ATS
New York: 3-9 SU, 4-7-1 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing in December are 2-8
When playing on turf are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 2-8
When playing outside the division are 5-5

New York most recently:
When playing in December are 6-4
When playing on turf are 2-8
After outgaining opponent are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cleveland's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of the NY Jets last 19 games at home
NY Jets are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
NY Jets are 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home
NY Jets are 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games

Next up:
Cleveland home to Buffalo, Sunday, December 16
NY Jets at New England, Sunday, December 16

Patriots host upset-minded Steelers in bid for 13-0

- For the second week in a row, the Patriots deserved to lose, but their self-destructing opponents wouldn't allow it. Now, the Patriots get a tough Steeler team that has the defensive personnel to replicate the problems caused by the Eagles and Ravens. But will it be enough? The Pats 6-1 ATS of late against Pitt.

The Steelers defeated Cincinnati 24-10 as a 7-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (40.5).

Ben Roethlisberger threw for 184 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and he also ran in for a score for Pittsburgh, while Hines Ward caught 11 passes for 90 yards with two touchdowns in the win.

Tom Brady threw a game-winning touchdown with 44 seconds left last time out, as the Patriots defeated the Ravens 27-24. The Patriots could not cover the 18.5-point spread, but the 51 points made it OVER the posted total of 46.5.

Brady completed 18-of-38 pass attempts for 257 yards with two touchdowns.

Current streak:
Pittsburgh has won 2 straight games.
New England has won 12 straight games.

Team records:
Pittsburgh: 9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS
New England: 12-0 SU, 9-3 ATS

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing in December are 8-2
When playing on turf are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 7-3

New England most recently:
When playing in December are 9-1
When playing on turf are 10-0
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing outside the division are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing New England
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Jacksonville, Sunday, December 16
New England home to NY Jets, Sunday, December 16

Game Preview for Giants vs Eagles

(Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Eagles will get one of their most important players back for their belated playoff push, as Donovan McNabb is expected to return under center when the defending NFC East champions battle the New York Giants this Sunday in a critical divisional clash from Lincoln Financial Field.

McNabb was forced to exit the Philadelphia 17-7 victory over Miami on November 18 due to a sprained right ankle and a jammed thumb on his throwing hand, then sat out the team's next two games because of the injuries. A.J. Feeley nearly led the Eagles to a monumental upset of still-unbeaten New England the following Sunday, but the career backup played an even larger role in Philly's costly 28-24 home loss to Seattle last weekend.

Feeley threw four interceptions against the Seahawks, three of which landed in the arms of linebacker Lofa Tatupu, and completed just 19-of-42 passes in a forgettable fill-in job. Two of Tatupu's picks directly led to Seattle touchdowns, while the last halted a potential game-winning drive in the final seconds.

McNabb's presence couldn't have come at a better time for the Eagles, who are in danger of missing out on the NFC's postseason parade for only the second time in the last eight seasons. At 5-7, Philadelphia is one of five teams that are a game behind three other clubs presently battling for the conference's sixth and final playoff spot.

On second thought, McNabb may have picked a bad time to make his comeback. In the Eagles' encounter with the Giants earlier this season, the five-time Pro Bowl selection was sacked 12 times by New York's blitz-happy defense in Big Blue's 16-3 victory at the Meadowlands on September 30. Giants end Osi Umenyiora single-handedly accounted for six of those takedowns as he abused inexperienced tackle Winston Justice.

Justice was subbing for an injured William Thomas, one of five key Philadelphia starters inactive for that game. The most notable absence for the Eagles was do-everything running back Brian Westbrook, the NFL's leader in yards from scrimmage. Also unable to go that night were secondary stalwarts Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard and tight end L.J. Smith.

This time around, the Giants are the ones dealing with some health issues. Top running back Brandon Jacobs has missed the last two games with a strained hamstring and is a question mark to return on Sunday. Derrick Ward rushed for a career-best 154 yards in Jacobs' stead during last week's 21-16 comeback win at Chicago, but the second-stringer broke his left fibula on his final carry and was placed on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday.

New York is also likely to be without free safety Gibril Wilson for a second straight week due to a knee sprain. Fellow defensive starters James Butler (hamstring), Antonio Pierce (ankle) and Aaron Ross (hamstring) are also banged up, while star wideout Plaxico Burress' production has been slowed by a nagging ankle sprain that he continues to play through.

The Giants may be able to afford resting some of their walking wounded, since their 8-4 record has put the team in good position to earn the NFC's first Wild Card berth.

SERIES HISTORY

The Giants hold a 77-66-2 edge in a regular season series that dates back to the 1933 season, including a 16-3 home win in a primetime tilt during Week 4. The teams split last year's home-and-home, with New York recording a stunning, come-from-behind 30-24 overtime victory in Week 2 of last season, and Philadelphia returning the favor with a 36-22 win at Giants Stadium in Week 15.

Following a 23-20 Eagles win in a NFC First-Round playoff this past January, the Giants now own a 2-1 lead in the postseason series with the Eagles. Big Blue took a 20-10 home decision in a 2000 NFC Divisional Playoff and a 27-21 triumph in a 1981 NFC First-Round Playoff at Veterans Stadium.

The Eagles' Andy Reid is 9-10 against New York all-time, including 8-9 in the regular season. The Giants' Tom Coughlin is 6-4 versus Philadelphia, with two of the wins dating back to his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and is 5-4 against Reid in his career.

WHEN THE GIANTS HAVE THE BALL

Injuries to the running back position have been nothing new to New York this season, as Jacobs (599 rushing yards, 11 receptions, 3 total TD) has only played in seven games because of a sprained knee in addition to his hamstring ailment, and Ward had just returned from a four-game absence due to groin and ankle problems in the Chicago game. Both backs have been good when healthy, however, as the Giants rank sixth in the NFL in rushing offense (127.5 ypg). Coughlin is hopeful that Jacobs, who's had three 100-yard efforts this year, will be able to carry the load on Sunday. If not, short-yardage specialist Reuben Droughns (247 rushing yards, 6 TD) will receive the bulk of the work. Whoever gets the call will have the benefit of running behind a quality offensive line that's been one of the Giants' strengths.

The Giants also have some uncertainty at quarterback, not in regards to who will start, but rather how the erratic Eli Manning (2571 passing yards, 17 TD) will fare on Sunday. The former No. 1 overall pick followed up a woeful four- interception performance in a Week 12 loss to Minnesota with two more picks against the Bears, giving him a league-high total of 17 on the year. Manning redeemed himself later on, though, as he directed two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to rally New York to victory. Burress (55 receptions, 9 TD) remains Manning's favorite target, but the hobbled receiver has scored just one touchdown over the last six games after starting the season out on fire. Amani Toomer (47 receptions, 3 TD) was the go-to-guy last Sunday, as the veteran wideout finished with six catches for 69 yards and a score. Manning also has Jeremy Shockey (54 receptions, 3 TD) to throw to, although the excitable tight end has also gone through bouts of inconsistency.

Philadelphia's defense has been tough against the run this year, holding opponents to just 96.8 yards per game (9th overall) and 3.7 yards per attempt. The Eagles did struggle in that area last week, however, as Seattle put up 135 yards on the ground and took advantage of the absence of athletic tackle Brodrick Bunkley (25 tackles, 2 sacks) in the middle. The second-year lineman is set to return from the knee sprain which forced him out of last Sunday's tilt and forms a stout interior presence along with active tackle Mike Patterson (56 tackles, 3 sacks). Strong safety Quintin Mikell (54 tackles, 1 sack), who had 10 tackles against the Giants earlier this season, is also expected to be back after sitting out the last two weeks with an MCL sprain.

Injuries have plagued a decorated Eagles secondary all season long, as cornerback Sheldon Brown (46 tackles, 3 INT, 14 PD) has been the lone regular to start every game. That's one reason why Philadelphia has recorded a league- low seven interceptions and ranks just 19th in defending the pass (220.5 ypg) this season. Sheppard (34 tackles, 1 INT) left the Seattle game with soreness in his problematic right knee, but the two-time Pro Bowl corner insists he'll be ready to go on Sunday. The Eagles have registered a respectable 30 sacks on the year and possess two good edge rushers in ends Trent Cole (56 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and Juqua Thomas (29 tackles, 5 sacks).

WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL

The return of McNabb (2329 passing yards, 13 TD, 6 INT) should stabilize a Philadelphia offense that has been prone to costly mistakes the last two weeks, as Feeley threw more interceptions in his pair of starts than McNabb had over the team's initial 10 games. The absence of both Westbrook (69 receptions, 4 TD), arguably the best receiving back in the NFL, and rock-solid left tackle William Thomas really hurt the Eagles in their earlier meeting with New York, as McNabb completed just 15-of-38 throws for 138 yards while being repeatedly battered by the Giants' pass rush. Philadelphia's receiving corps has been mostly hit-or-miss this year except for speedy wideout Kevin Curtis (56 receptions, 5 TD), who totaled 111 yards and a touchdown on six catches last week. The Eagles rank fifth overall in total offense (356.8 ypg) but are just 17th in scoring (21.5 ppg), partly due to the team's minus-nine turnover ratio.

Westbrook (994 rushing yards, 7 TD) wasn't missed as much in the run game during Philly's Week 4 defeat to the Giants, as capable backup Correll Buckhalter (249 rushing yards, 3 TD) rushed for 103 yards on only 17 carries in that contest. They're both quite dependable holding onto the ball as well, as neither back has fumbled in a combined 263 carries for the season. The Eagles come in averaging 120.5 rushing yards per game, the 11th-best mark in the league.

McNabb will be taking aim at a wounded New York secondary that will definitely be without its top playmaker in Wilson (76 tackles, 4 INT) and could also be missing strong safety James Butler (49 tackles, 1 INT), who aggravated a hamstring injury against the Bears. If he can't go, the Giants could be left with a pair of rookies, Michael Johnson (18 tackles) and Craig Dahl (6 tackles), as the all-important last line of defense. That means the Giants will have to keep applying the pressure up front, an area where the team has excelled this season. New York took down Chicago's Rex Grossman six times last Sunday, bringing the unit's league-best sack total to 44, and boasts three premier pass-rushing ends in Umenyiora (39 tackles, 11 sacks), Michael Strahan (44 tackles, 9 sacks) and Justin Tuck (46 tackles, 9 sacks). Ross (27 tackles, 3 INT, 1.5 sacks) sat out last week with his leg problem but is expected to be back for Sunday's test.

The Giants currently own the NFL's fifth-ranked rush defense (92.3 ypg) and limited the run-challenged Bears to only 68 yards on the ground in last week's win. However, Pierce's (82 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) ankle injury is a concern, as the steady middle linebacker is the team's best stuffer up front. He'll likely play but could be limited, as he recorded a rather-low total of three tackles last Sunday while battling through the ailment.

FANTASY FOCUS

There hasn't been a better fantasy running back this year than Westbrook, who's had a number of big games against the Giants in the past and should always be used when healthy. Curtis has quietly delivered a fine first season with the Eagles and makes a solid play at one of the receiver spots, while McNabb draws a favorable matchup against a banged-up Giants secondary. Be a little cautious with the star quarterback, however, as he could show some signs of rust and will face significant pressure from New York's excellent trio of pass rushers. No Philadelphia receiver other than Curtis merits starting consideration.

The safest fantasy plays on the Giants side appear to be Toomer and Shockey. Burress presents more of a dilemma for his owners, as he's a borderline No. 1 receiver when healthy but his recent numbers draw some red flags. As for Manning, who knows? He usually plays better on the road, where he doesn't have to deal with the notorious winds of Giants Stadium, but hold your breath if you don't have more reliable alternatives at quarterback. Hold off on starting Jacobs, who's still not 100 percent, but Droughns makes for a decent option because he usually gets goal-line carries. Finally, the Giants defense had a huge point total against the Eagles in September and is certainly worth a look.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

These two bitter rivals played two games that went down to the wire last year, including a 23-20 Eagles victory in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs that was decided on a last-second field goal by David Akers. The Giants won this season's first encounter by a comfortable margin, but keep in mind that Philadelphia played that game seriously short-handed and is now in a much better situation injury-wise. New York is the team with health questions this time around, and it's hard to expect the defense to produce a double-digit sack total like it did back in September. With both quarterbacks likely to deliver uneven performances, as McNabb hasn't played in three weeks and Manning often mixes as many head-scratching decisions as he does big plays, and each team possessing solid defenses that have shown to be vulnerable at times, expect another close contest. The x-factor will be Westbrook, who's been as close to unstoppable as any offensive player in the league this season. The Eagles have shown an ability to deliver with their backs to the wall before, and they'll rally behind Westbrook and a raucous home crowd to stay alive in the postseason chase.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eagles 23, Giants 20

Game Preview for Cowboys vs Lions

(Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys have assured themselves a spot in the NFC's postseason fray. As for the Detroit Lions, their once-promising chances of reaching the playoffs have been fading with each passing week.

The Lions will attempt to reverse their recent fortunes when the badly- slumping club hosts the powerful Cowboys this Sunday at Ford Field in a matchup between teams currently headed in decidedly opposite directions.

Detroit had put itself in good position to earn its first playoff berth since 1999 by posting a strong 6-2 record at the season's midway point, making quarterback Jon Kitna seem like a prophet for his bold preseason prediction of a 10-win campaign. However, the Lions have returned to their customary losing ways since, having dropped four consecutive games heading into this week's showdown.

The low point came last Sunday in Minnesota, where Detroit was routed by the surging Vikings by a 42-10 score. It was the Lions' third double-digit defeat during its present slide.

Adding injury to insult, Detroit star wide receiver Roy Williams suffered a potential season-ending knee sprain during the game. The 2007 Pro Bowl participant was leading the team with 63 catches and 836 receiving yards.

Being without their best offensive player certainly won't help the Lions' hopes for a sudden turnaround. Neither will a tough four-game stretch to close out the regular season that begins with a visit from a strong Dallas squad that stamped itself the favorite to represent the NFC in this year's Super Bowl with a 37-27 home triumph over Green Bay in Week 13.

The victory sewed up a postseason berth for the 11-1 Cowboys, who bring a six- game win streak into the Motor City and now control their own destiny for home-field advantage through the conference playoffs. Dallas can also clinch the NFC East by defeating the Lions or if the second-place New York Giants lose at Philadelphia on Sunday.

If the Cowboys need any further motivation, the team can point to its 39-31 loss to Detroit in the 2006 regular-season finale. Kitna provided some bulletin board material a few days after the game with some unflattering remarks about the Dallas defense on a Seattle radio show.

Following Sunday's contest, the Lions will visit AFC-West leading San Diego and still have to travel to 10-2 Green Bay in Week 17.

SERIES HISTORY

Dallas has a 10-9 lead in its all-time regular season series with Detroit, but was shocked by a 39-31 count at Texas Stadium during Week 17 of the 2006 season. The Lions were 2-13 entering that game. Dallas last beat Detroit in 2005, scoring a 20-7 win at home. The Cowboys were 38-7 winners when they last visited the Motor City in 2003, but dropped a 9-7 decision there in 2002.

In addition to their regular season history, the teams have met twice in the postseason. The Cowboys were 5-0 winners in a 1970 NFC Divisional Playoff, and the Lions won a 38-6 affair in a 1991 NFC Divisional Playoff.

Detroit's Rod Marinelli is 1-0 against the Cowboys in his brief head coaching career. The Cowboys' Wade Phillips will be meeting both the Lions and Marinelli for the first time as a head coach.

WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL

Dallas' gaudy record has been built on the strength of a prolific offense that has produced the second-most total yards (390.9 ypg) and points (32.9 ppg) in the NFL this season. The Cowboys also rank third in the league in passing offense (269.5 ypg) and have scored at least 24 points in every 2007 game. Quarterback Tony Romo (3352 passing yards, 33 TD, 14 INT) has produced a 100- plus passer rating in six straight contests and had his third four-touchdown outing in four weeks to key the big win over Green Bay. Terrell Owens (71 receptions, 1249 yards) has been on just as hot a streak, as the entertaining receiver eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the fifth time in his last six games with a dominating seven-catch, 156-yard effort against the Packers. Owens leads the NFC with 14 touchdown grabs and has scored in seven straight contests. Fellow wideout Patrick Crayton (36 receptions, 7 TD) hauled in two of Romo's scoring strikes last week, while tight end Jason Witten (65 receptions, 6 TD) is on the verge of a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

The Cowboys can run the ball as well, with its backfield tandem of Marion Barber (796 rushing yards, 30 receptions, 8 total TD) and Julius Jones (521 rushing yards, 2 TD, 18 receptions) combining for over 109 yards per week. The duo works behind a standout offensive line that has provided excellent protection for Romo, who's only been sacked 16 times this year, and consistently opened holes for the league's seventh-rated ground attack (121.4 ypg).

It would be a surprise if Romo and Owens didn't again produce big numbers against a Detroit defense that ranks next-to-last in passing yards allowed (265.6 ypg) and has yielded 24 touchdowns through the air. The Lions have compensated somewhat by forcing 32 turnovers, the second-most in the NFL, but need to get more of a pass rush out of ends Dewayne White (33 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT) and Jared DeVries (19 tackles, 5 sacks) in order to slow down Dallas' dangerous offense. An already shaky secondary could have further issues if cornerback Travis Fisher (54 tackles, 2 INT), who is considered questionable to play with a wrist problem, can't go.

The Lions have fared better against the run, where stud tackles Shaun Rogers (26 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT) and Cory Redding (26 tackles) anchor a unit that has allowed a respectable 105.8 rushing yards per game (15th overall). Detroit couldn't stop Adrian Peterson and the Vikings last week, however, as Minnesota rolled up a whopping 216 yards on the ground in its victory. Second- year linebacker Ernie Sims had 11 tackles in the game and tops Detroit with 105 stops on the year.

WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL

Kitna (3157 passing yards, 15 TD, 13 INT) still has a number of capable weapons with which to work even without Williams available, but Detroit has been plagued throughout the year by a noticeable imbalance on offense. The Lions have the fewest rushing yards (77.2 ypg) and attempts (234) in the NFL and only tried to run the ball seven times against Minnesota, although that was partly due to the team facing a sizeable deficit for much of the game. Top back Kevin Jones (458 rushing yards, 30 receptions, 6 TD) had only one yard on three carries last Sunday after putting up an impressive 93 on 20 tries against a quality Green Bay defense the previous week.

With Williams out, receivers Shaun McDonald (59 receptions, 4 TD), Mike Furrey (46 receptions, 1 TD) and heralded rookie Calvin Johnson (32 receptions, 4 TD) will all be asked to assume greater roles on Sunday. Furrey had a huge day against the Cowboys last year, catching a career-high 11 passes for 102 yards and a score. Kitna has struggled during Detroit's losing streak, having thrown seven interceptions in the four defeats after being picked off only six times through the first eight games, and there's a concern that the 11-year veteran has worn down some after being sacked an unacceptable 47 times over the course of the year.

Kitna will likely be feeling the heat from a Dallas defense that has produced 33 sacks thus far and battered Brett Favre into an early exit in Week 13. The majority of that total has come from outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware (66 tackles, 10 sacks) and Greg Ellis (23 tackles, 10.5 sacks), who have terrorized enemy quarterbacks on a weekly basis. Ware took down Kitna three times in last year's meeting, while Ellis is coming off a two-sack game versus Green Bay. The Cowboys have been vulnerable at times to strong passing teams but have compiled 18 interceptions (2nd overall) on the year, with cornerbacks Terence Newman (36 tackles, 5 INT, 11 PD) and Anthony Henry (19 tackles, 5 INT, 11 PD) and free safety Ken Hamlin (44 tackles, 5 INT, 11 PD) all having been playmakers in the secondary.

The Cowboys have yet to allow an opposing back to run for 100 yards this season, and that streak figures to continue with the Lions' reluctance to feed Kevin Jones the ball. As a team Dallas is giving up a scant 85.6 rushing yards per game (4th overall) and boasts one of the game's best run-stopping safeties in four-time Pro Bowler Roy Williams (71 tackles, 2 INT). Linebacker Bradie James (72 tackles, 2 sacks), a target of Kitna's comments following last year's meeting with Detroit, has also had a strong year on the inside.

FANTASY FOCUS

Those who have Romo and Owens on their teams don't need a recommendation here to know to start these two fantasy superstars. Witten is a must-play as well, as Detroit's Cover 2 defensive scheme often provides plenty of opportunities for tight ends that can stretch the middle of the field. Barber's also quite worthy of a start this week, especially with a good possibility of the Cowboys building a big lead and using the powerful back to run out the clock.

Judging by Kevin Jones' three-carry effort last week and Dallas' prowess in stopping the run, bench him this week if he's still got a spot on your roster. The injury to Detroit's Roy Williams boosts the fantasy stock of Furrey and McDonald, and both make decent choices this week as No. 2 receivers or flex players. It's a tougher call on Johnson; the rookie's got a world of ability but has been inconsistent. Kitna will be chucking it early and often on Sunday. That gives the mouthy signal-caller a chance to put up good numbers, but also increases the point potential of a Cowboys defense that should have plenty of opportunities for sacks and interceptions.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Clearly, Dallas is the superior team on both sides of the ball in this matchup, and the only realistic way the Cowboys shouldn't deliver a comfortable victory is if they don't take this game too seriously. With last year's loss to the Lions and Kitna's subsequent comments still fresh in the team's minds, don't expect that to happen. Detroit doesn't have the personnel to prevent another scoring outburst from the Dallas offense, and the Lions either can't or won't run the ball to keep the likes of Romo, Owens, Barber and Witten off the field. As the Patriots proved in mid-October, the only way to beat the Cowboys is to outscore them in a shootout. With Detroit's offense losing some bite with the injury to Roy Williams, that seems like a near- impossible task.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Cowboys 38, Lions 17