If you're wondering why the schedule is a little bit lighter this Sunday, there's a good reason. (No, your cousin Ted didn't go on a crash diet!) We got a head start on week 12 Thursday with three games. Yep. Granted, the Green Bay-Detroit game was a dud (of sorts) but the Miami-Dallas and San Francisco-Baltimore games were a little more interesting than the potato salad your sister-in-law Helen made.
Since they played last Thursday, that means that fans of Detroit, Green Bay, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco and Baltimore will have to watch someone else or that NCIS marathon on USA. (Yes, you can't get enough Ziva smacking Tony!) Three games down. That doesn't mean that the football this Sunday isn't as good as the games that were played Thanksgiving day. As far as last week's picks go, a 10-4 week makes me for the year 93-63, which is pretty good. Hope you survived Black Friday (which is a waste of time, energy, money and manpower).
Here are Sunday's picks. Try not to get trampled as you eat that last bit of turkey (and avoid the fruitcake that your Aunt Cathy brought. That stuff'll make Rush Limpbrain reach for the Vicodin!).
Minnesota (2-8) at ATLANTA (6-4), 1 p.m. (FOX)(DirectTV 707). Two teams coming from different directions square off in the great indoors as the Falcons host Minnesota in the Big Peach. The Falcons needed every bit of luck last week against Tennessee as they led from start to finish against the Titans in the Georgia Dome, taking a seven-point win from Tennessee. RB Michael Turner rushed for 100 of the 116 yards the Dirty Birds had on the ground while the Falcons defense held Tennessee to 41 yards rushing and knocked Matt Hasselbeck out of the contest.
The Purple Gang played Oakland close last week in the Twin Cities but lost the services of RB Adrian Peterson to a high ankle sprain in their loss last week. Peterson had only 26 yards on six carries before he left the contest. Minnesota also coughed up the pigskin five times (3 Chris Ponder interceptions and 2 fumbles). Falcons QB Matt Ryan had a better day than Ponder, throwing for over 300 yards (316) with no interceptions and a touchdown. The Vikings lead the series 15-9 and have outscored the Falcons 568-390. Atlanta won the last meeting in 2008, a 24-17 win in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota's last victory over the defending NFC South champions took place in 2007, with the Vikings taking a 24-3 in Minnesota. The last Falcons win in the Big Peach over the Purple Gang? 2005, when they won in Atlanta 30-10. Atlanta is a 9 1/2 point favorite and the over/under is 44 1/2. The Vikings are not going to make the playoffs but the Falcons could not only make the playoffs, they could win the NFC South for a second straight year. The Dirty Birds are going to need some help in doing that but stranger things have happened. The Falcons play four of their last five games in stadiums with domes and only have to go outside once, when they take on Carolina in Charlotte in week 14. The Vikings also play four of their last five in the great indoors and their last game outside (baring another roof collapse!) is in week 16 at Washington. Falcons take Vikings to the woodshed and win in the Big Peach, covering the 9 1/2.
Houston (7-3)at Jacksonville (3-7), 1 p.m. (CBS)(DirectTV 704). They meet again and this time, it's Houston's turn to travel down I-10 to play Jacksonville. In their first meeting in Houston, the Texans took a 10-point win over Jacksonville at Reliant Stadium in a game that saw Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew held to 63 yards rushing while Texans RB Adrian Foster tallied 112 yards on 33 carries. The Texans were favored by 10 and the over/under in that first meeting in the Lone Star State was 40 1/2. This time around, the Texans are still a favorite but it's a 3-point spread and the over/under is 37 1/2. QB Matt Schaub threw for 225 yards in the first meeting but he's out in this one.
Houston had a bye last week while the Jaguars blew a 7-7 tie in the fourth quarter to take a 4 point loss to Cleveland. In the contest against the Browns, Jacksonville played error-free football but was only 7 for 15 on third down conversions last week. Four of Houston's last five games are indoors and they only have to venture outside in week 14 when they face Cincinnati. The Jaguars play three of their next five in the Sunshine State. History has a way of repeating itself and there's that saying which goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Texans cover the 3 and win on the road.
Tampa Bay (4-6) at Tennessee (5-5), 1 p.m. (FOX)(DirectTV 710). Tampa Bay played Green Bay pretty tough last week at Lambeau and made a game of it before the defending Super Bowl champs stopped them on their side of the 50 at the end of the contest. Running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for 107 of Tampa's 121 on the ground in the loss as the Bucs also gave up a pair of interceptions in the contest. Tampa Bay was 5 for 11 on third down conversions and 0 for 1 on fourth down tries.
The Titans are also coming off a loss on the road last week as Tennessee fell behind early to Atlanta in the Big Peach and lost by seven to the Falcons. Matt Hasselbeck was 13 for 25 with 124 yards before injuring his right arm and elbow. The Titans were also held to 41 rushing yards and 8 for 14 on third downs. Tennessee leads the series 7-2 and have outscored Tampa Bay 208-147. Tampa won the last meeting between the clubs, a 13-10 decision in the Sunshine State in 2007, while Tennessee took a 33-13 win in the Music City in 2003.
Tennessee is favored by 3 1/2 with a 42 over/under. Tampa Bay plays two of their last five games at home and do not have to leave the Eastern Time Zone. Tennessee also plays two of their last five games at home and faces three contending teams (at Buffalo December 4, vs. New Orleans December 11 and at Houston on New Year's Day).
Arizona (3-7) at St. Louis (2-8), 1 p.m. (FOX)(DireectTV 708). They're at it again. The Angry Desert Birds and the Rams, fighting to stay out of the NFC West cellar. When we last saw these two teams play each other, it was in the desert and Arizona needed overtime to beat St. Louis after being held to 70 yards rushing, thanks in part to a 99-yard punt return by Patrick Peterson. In the week nine contest, the Desert Angry Birds were a 3 point favorite and the over/under was 42.
Both the Desert Angry Birds and the Rams are coming off losses last week. St. Louis was held in check by a Seattle team that is a lot better than their record would indicate. The Seahawks scored 24 unanswered points after St. Louis scored first to take a 17-point win on the road. Seattle also took advantange of a pair of interceptions in the contest. St. Louis last week was 5 for 15 on third down conversions at home last week. Arizona was held to a fourth quarter touchdown last week in San Francisco against the first-place 49ers and rushed for 80 yards in the loss. The oddsmakers this time around like the Rams at home, making them the favorite by 3 with a 39 1/2 over/under.
The Rams play two of their next five games at home and three of those next five are against teams in contention. The Desert Angry Birds play four of their next five in Glendale and will face three teams in the playoff hunt. Rams earn the split in the series and cover the 3.
Cleveland (4-6) at Cincinnati (6-4), 1 p.m. (CBS)(DirectTV 706). They met in the opening weekend in Cleveland and it was Cincy erasing a 3-point halftime deficit to take the 10 point win along the shores of Lake Erie. In the first meeting, Cincinnati, who were a 6-point underdog with a 36 over/under, held Cleveland to 89 yards on the ground. In Cincy's seven-point loss to Baltimore last week, rookie QB Andy Dalton threw three interceptions but the Bengals had their chances to tie things up. Cincy was 5 for 13 on third down tries in the loss. Cleveland broke a 7-7 tie with Jacksonville last week along the shores of Lake Erie to take the four-point win.
The oddsmakers this time around like the Bengals and they've made them a 7 1/2 point favorite with a 37 over/under. Those numbers make sense. Three of the Bengals next five games are at home and of those five games, three are against teams in contention. The Browns play two of their next five at home and face two contenders in the time span. Cincinnati wins the second game in the series and covers the 7 1/2.
Buffalo (5-5) at New York Jets (5-5), 1 p.m. (CBS)(DirectTV 705). These two teams were chasing New England for the top spot in the AFC East. They're still chasing and they've both fallen on hard times, so to speak. The Bills have lost three in a row, while the Jets have lost their last two. Rex Ryan's mouth has gotten him into trouble and the league office has made his wallet a bit lighter. Add to that the fact that Rex and his starting QB Matt Sanchez are feuding and the wings on the Jets have fallen off.
The Bills didn't circle the wagons against the Dolphins last week on South Beach, rushing for a season-low 41 yards in their loss to Miami and were 0 for 12 on third down conversions. The J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! blew a lead against Denver last Thursday night in the Mile High City as Tim Tebow scored what would be the game winning touchdown with under 90 seconds to go in the contest. New York was 3 for 14 on third down conversions in their loss out west.
When these two teams met in Orchard Park in week nine, the Bills were a 2-point favorite and the over/under was 44 1/2. GangGreen managed to hold Buffalo to 98 yards on the ground. The Jets are the favorite at home in the Meadowlands, an 8-point favorite with a 42 1/2 over/under. The Jets play two of their last five games at home and only have to deal with one contending team in that time span, a Christmas Eve date with the New York Giants. Buffalo will play three of their next five games in upstate New York and only have to leave the Eastern Time Zone once. Bills get some revenge on GangGreen this week and upset Rex in Jersey.
Carolina (2-8) at Indianapolis (0-10), 1 p.m. (FOX)(DirectTV 709). The Panthers may have Cam Newton. They may not make the postseason but they are entertaining. Carolina blew a lead against the Lions last week at Ford Field and took a 14-point loss. The Heisman Trophy winner threw for over 300 yards but also had four interceptions last week. For Colts fans, they can be thankful. The Peyton-less ones were idle last week. The Panthers lead the series 3-1 but Indy won the last meeting in 2007 in Charlotte by a 31-7 count. Carolina's last win came in 2003, when they won in overtime 23-20 in Indy. The Panthers are a 3 1/2 point favorite with a 45 over/under.
This might be the game to miss and watch that NCIS marathon on USA. Indy's last five games are against contending teams and two of those games are at home. Carolina also plays two of their last five at home and faces three contending teams. Sorry, Panther fans but I don't see the Dolts going 0-fer this season. They won't make the playoffs and Peyton might not see the field this season but the Colts will see the win column. Indy pulls the upset at home and covers the 3 1/2.
Washington (3-7) at Seattle (4-6), 4:05 p.m. (FOX)(DirectTV 712). The Redskins had Dallas where they wanted them last week at FedEx Field in overtime and were it not for a Greg Gano 52-yard field goal try hitting the upright, they would be in contention for the NFC East. At 3-7, the 'Skins have to all but run the table the rest of the season and hope that the Giants and Cowboys slip. Although they rushed for only 60 yards, Washington made Dallas work for the win. Rex Grossman was no Joe Theissman but he did have a pair of touchdowns and one interception. Washington last week in their loss was 6 for 15 on third down tries, something they have to improve on if they want a playoff spot. Seattle, on the other hand, made quick work of St. Louis last weekend in the Archway City.
The defending NFC West champs held their hosts to 42 yards on the ground and forced three St. Louis turnovers in the win on the road. Seattle is favored by 4 with a 37 over/under. The Redskins hold a 10-4 lead in the series and have outscored the Seahawks 271-205. Washington won the last meeting between the two clubs in 2008 in Seattle by a 20-28 score. Seattle's last win over the guys from DC came in 1998 (when Bill Clinton was in the White House), 24-14 in Seattle.
It's almost safe to say that neither of these teams will make the postseason but they will give the teams they play that are contending scares if they're taken lightly. Three of Seattle's next five games are at home and they face two teams that are contending for playoffs (at Chicago December 18th and at home vs. San Francisco on Christmas Eve). The Redskins also play three of their next five in Landover and play three contending teams with playoff hopes as well (at home vs. New York Jets December 4 and New England December 11 and at the New York Giants on December 18th). Washington will make this interesting but Seattle takes the win at home.
Chicago (7-3) at Oakland (6-4), 4:05 p.m. (FOX)(DirectTV 711). Da Bears travel west to take on the Raiders in the Black Hole this week. Both teams are coming off wins last Sunday as Oakland took Vikings RB Adrian Peterson out of the equasion in the Twin Cities to take a 6-point win. The Silver and Black also forced five Viking turnovers (3 Chris Ponder interceptions and a pair of fumbles). Oakland was 5 for 14 on third down tries in their game last week in the great indoors. Da Bears may have lost the services of Jay Cutler (thumb) but they did manage to come away with the 11-point win over San Diego, who all of sudden have been struggling of late. The Monsters of the Midway held San Diego to 52 yards rushing and took advantage of three Charger turnovers.
The series between the two teams is tied 6-6 and the Bears hold a 10-point lead in scoring, 214-204. Chicago has won the last two meetings against Oakland, including a 2007 17-6 win in Oakland. Oakland's last win in the series over Da Bears was in 1999, when the Raiders took a 24-17 win at home. Oakland's a 4-point favorite at home and this game carries a 41 1/2 over/under. The Raiders play two of their next five games at home and face two teams that are in contention (at Green Bay December 11 and host Detroit, who may be without the services of Mr. Suh, on December 18th). The Raiders may make this one interesting and entertaining but Da Bears come away with the win on the road.
New England (7-3) at Philadelphia (4-6), 4:15 p.m. (CBS)(DirectTV 713). A pair of interconference teams hook up in the city of Brotherly love this weekend as New England takes on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. At 7-3, the Patriots are tied for the best record in the AFC and lead their division by two games. New England defeated Kansas City last Monday night by a 34-3 score.
Patriots tight end Rob Grponkowski scored two touchdowns last week and reached 20 career TD catches in his 26th game, the fewest games that any tight end in NFL history has needed to reach 20 touchdowns (Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, 31 games). Gronkowski has also reached the 10-TD mark for the second consecutive season and joins San Diego's Antonio Gates (2004-05) as the only TEs in league annals to accomplish the feat.
The Eagles may hold a 6-4 lead in the series and may have outscored New England 228-203 but the Pats have won the two regular season meetings. The last time New England and Philly hooked up in the regular season was in 2007 in Foxboro, with the Pats taking a 31-28 victory. Philly's last win was in 2003, with the Eagles winning in Philly 31-10.
The Eagles, who did not have the services of Michael Vick (ribs) notched an important win last Sunday night with a 17-10 victory against the New York Giants. With the win, Philadelphia moved to within two games of first place in the division, trailing the Giants and Dallas.
“You have to take it one game at a time,” says Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “You control what you can control and that’s getting ready to play the New England Patriots, who are a good football team.” As bad as the Eagles have been, they're still in contention for a playoff spot if not winning the NFC East outright. New England is a 3 1/2 point favorite and the over/under is the largest of the week, 50 1/2.
Philadelphia running back Le Sean McCoy leads the NFL with 1,019 rushing yards – the most ever by an Eagles player through the first 10 games – and is tied for the league lead with 12 touchdowns (10 rushing, two receiving). “If we just win out and take care of business, we’ll be fine,” McCoy told USA Today. “But it won’t be easy.”
This game might be worth watching, so having said that... if you've already used up those Thanksgiving leftovers (except for that fruitcake that your cousin Gretchen got you... that thing smells really bad [the fruitcake, not Gretchen... no wonder she lives alone with three cats!]), here's the drill and for those of you that already know, you may take a nap but no snoring. The rest of you, pay attention. After you go to either the 4:30 vigil mass on Saturday or the 9:30 mass on Sunday, head out to your favorite deli or grocery store (now if you go to Target or Wal Mart, that's acceptable!) and get the eats, the paper goods and those Double Stuff Oreos that your cousin Connie likes so much and has been known to eat an entire bag in one sitting and not gain a pound... WTH? Then invite everyone over, including that really attractive kindergarden teacher with the red hair that knows what a cover 2 looks like (who said teachers can't have fun?).
Of Philly's next five games, two of them are against contending teams and they have a short week this week, since they have to travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Only two of those five games are in Philly. New England plays three of their next five in Foxboro and only two of those games are against contending teams. Patriots flex some more muscle this week and cover the 3 1/2.
Denver (5-5) at San Diego (4-6), 4:15 p.m. (CBS)(DirectTV 714). It's the second meeting between Denver and San Diego and this time, it's on the Left Coast and both teams are entering this game with different results from last week's play. Denver needed every bit of luck they could get their hands on against the J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! last Thursday night in the Mile High City as they rallied late to beat Mark Sanchez and GangGreen with a Tim Tebow touchdown. The former Heisman winner led all Denver rushers with 68 yards and was 9 for 20 passing-wise but had no interceptions. Denver was also 3 for 13 on third down conversions in the contest. The Chargers seem to be in self-destruct mode of late, losing four in a row, with their last loss coming in the Windy City to Da Bears by 11 last Sunday. The Chargers turned the ball over three times in the contest, two of those turnovers coming off Phillip Rivers' arm.
In the first meeting between the two clubs in Denver in week five, the Chargers were favored by four points and they won by five and the over/under was 46. Once again, the Chargers are favored in this Sunday's contest by 6 1/2 with a 42 over/under. Throw records out of the window when these two teams hook up. Both are chasing Oakland and both are looking for a playoff spot, even if it's a Wild Card berth. Denver plays three of their next five games at home and only have to deal with Chicago and New England as far as teams in contention are concerned. The Chargers, who started out hot but have since fizzled like the Alka Seltzer your cousin Barry is drinking after eating too much of Aunt Marge's mashed potatoes with sour cream, plays two of their next five at home and face four teams with playoff hopes.
The Chargers are slowly fading and they'll get Tebowed. Denver gets some revenge this weekend in San Diego and pulls the upset on the road.
Pittsburgh (7-3) at Kansas City (4-6), 8:20 p.m. (NBC). The Steelers were idle last week after their win over Cincy. The Chiefs are stumbling like a drunken Marine on shore leave, losing three in a row after beating San Diego in overtime in week 8. Kansas City would like nothing more than to wash Tom Brady and New England out of their hair. Despite rushing for over 100 yards in Foxboro, Kansas City turned the ball over three times on interceptions and was 6 for 14 on third downs and 1 for 2 on fourth down conversions.
Pittsburgh leads the series 17-9 and have outscored the Chiefs 639-492. The Chiefs took a 2009 win over Pittsburgh in Kansas City, a 27-24 victory in overtime. Pittsburgh's last win in the series came in 2006 in the Steel City, with the Steelers taking Kansas City to the woodshed 45-7 at the Ketchup Bottle (Heinz Field).
The Steelers are a huge favorite over Kansas City this week, a 10 1/2 point spread with a 39 over/under. Pittsburgh plays three of their next five in the Keystone State and two of those contests will come against teams that are in contention (at home vs. Cincinnati December 4 and will make their only other trip outside of the Eastern Time Zone when they face San Francisco December 19).
The Chiefs, who need to win to either keep pace with Oakland and Denver, play two of their next five at home and all five of those games are against teams in contention. You may want to tape the "Housewives" this week. This might be a pretty good game to watch. Steelers take the win on the road and cover the 10 1/2.
New York Giants (6-4) at New Orleans (7-3), 8:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN). Two teams in the thick of the NFC playoff race will meet on Monday night. The Giants are currently tied with Dallas for first place in the NFC East while the Saints enter Week 12 at 7-3 and holding a one-game lead on Atlanta in the NFC South.
New York quarterback Eli Manning returns to his hometown and the site where his father, Archie, played quarterback for the Saints (1971-82). Manning leads the NFL with a 120.5 passer rating in the fourth quarter this season, throwing for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“Obviously, we have to go win,” says Manning on the importance of this game. “That is always going to be the case since we have a tough road ahead. We have a good team coming up this week and we just have to find ways to play more consistent football throughout the game.” The Giants may lead the series 14-11 but the Saints have outscored the G-men 522-495 and have won the last two meetings, including a 48-27 win in 2009 in the Big Easy, which was their last meeting. New York's last win in the series between the teams came in 2005 in New Jersey, when they won 27-10, even though the Saints were the designated home team after Katrina damaged the Superdome.
The Saints are coming off a bye in Week 11, have won two in a row and the team is a perfect 4-0 at home. Quarterback Drew Breese leads the NFL with 3,326 passing yards, the most yards through the first 10 games of a season in NFL history. He has thrown a touchdown pass in 37 consecutive games, the second-longest streak all-time (Pro Football Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas, 47 games) and the former Purdue product has completed at least 20 passes in an NFL-record 30 games in a row.
“This six-game stretch to end the season without a doubt becomes the race trying to put distance between you and the teams behind you,” says Saints head coach Sean Payton. “It’s just as important to improve each week with your own team and challenge yourselves to be playing your best football toward the latter part of the year.” The Saints are favored by 6 1/2 with the over/under at 51 1/2. Both teams are contending for a playoff spot and it might be one of those games worth watching.
The Giants' next five games are not going to be easy, as three of their opponents are contending teams (vs. Green Bay December 4, at Dallas December 11, at New York Jets December 24 and vs. Dallas January 1), while the Saints play four of their last five indoors, with only an outdoor meeting at Tennessee in week 14 on their docket. New York's a little angry after losing at home last Sunday night to Philly and the Saints have had some time off. Giants pull off the Monday Night upset and cover the 6 1/2.
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Week 12 Sunday Schedule
Minnesota at ATLANTA, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tampa Bay at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Arizona at St. Louis, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Buffalo at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Carolina at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Washington at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)
Chicago at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)
New England at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Denver at San Diego, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 12 Sunday Odds
Sunday, November 27
Favorite Spread Underdog Over/Under
ATLANTA + 9 1/2 Minnesota 44 1/2
Houston + 3 Jacksonville 37 1/2
TENNESSEE + 3 1/2 Tampa Bay 42
ST. LOUIS + 3 Seattle 39 1/2
CINCINNATI + 7 1/2 Cleveland 37
NEW YORK JETS + 8 Buffalo 42 1/2
Carolina + 3 1/2 INDIANAPOLIS 45
SEATTLE + 4 Washington 37
OAKLAND + 4 Chicago 41 1/2
New England + 3 1/2 Philadelphia 50 1/2
SAN DIEGO + 6 1/2 Denver 43 1/2
Pittsburgh + 10 /2 KANSAS CITY 39
Monday, November 28
Favorite Spread Underdog Over/Under
NEW ORLEANS + 6 1/2 New York Giants 51 1/2
Week 12 Sunday NFL Weather
Minnesota at ATLANTA, 1 p.m. (FOX)(Game indoors)
Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS)(Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of rain and 63 degrees)
Tampa Bay at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (FOX)(Cloudy with a 100 percent chance of rain and 59 degrees)
Arizona at St. Louis, 1 p.m. (FOX)(Game indoors)
Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS)(Cloudy with a 100 percent chance of rain and 56 degrees)
Buffalo at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS)(Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain and 63 degrees)
Carolina at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX)(Game indoors; if roof is open, cloudy with a 90 percent chance of rain and 52 degrees)
Washington at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)(Cloudy with a 100 percent chance of rain and 52 degrees)
Chicago at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)(Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain and 68 degrees)
New England at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)(Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain and 66 degrees)
Denver at San Diego, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)(Sunny and 78 degrees)
Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)(Clear and 26 degrees)
New York Giants at New Orleans, 8:30 (Monday)(ESPN)(Game indoors)
Week 12 Sunday Injury Report
Arizona at St. Louis (1 p.m. on FOX)
Arizona
OUT - LB Joey Porter (knee), S Kerry Rhodes (foot)
QUESTIONABLE - CB Michael Adams (hamstring), TE Todd Heap (hamstring), TE Rob Housler (groin), T Brandon Keith (head), QB Kevin Kolb (toe)
PROBABLE - DT Darnell Dockett (groin), LB Paris Lenon (groin), KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (shoulder), RB Chris Wells (knee)
St. Louis
OUT - DT Justin Bannan (shoulder), LB Josh Hull (hamstring), T Mark LeVoir (pectoral)
QUESTIONABLE - WR Danario Alexander (hamstring), LB James Laurinaitis (foot), DE Chris Long (ankle), RB Carnell Williams (calf)
PROBABLE - TE Lance Kendricks (head), CB Justin King (knee), WR Austin Pettis (knee)
Buffalo at New York Jets (1 p.m. on CBS)
Buffalo
OUT - RB Fred Jackson (fibula), WR Donald Jones (ankle), K Rian Lindell (shoulder), CB Terrence McGee (knee), WR Naaman Roosevelt (shoulder), S George Wilson (neck)
PROBABLE - T Demetrius Bell (shoulder), WR Steve Johnson (shoulder), WR David Nelson (illness)
New York Jets
QUESTIONABLE - KR Jeremy Kerley (knee), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee)
PROBABLE - DT Mike Devito (knee), DT Marcus Dixon (shoulder), DT Kenrick Ellis (ankle), T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (ankle), RB Shonn Greene (rib), LB David Harris (groin), T Wayne Hunter (hamstring), C Nick Mangold (ankle), TE Matthew Mulligan (hip), LB Calvin Pace (groin), S Brodney Pool (knee), RB Bilal Powell (illness), QB Mark Sanchez (neck), G Matt Slauson (knee)
Carolina at Indianapolis (1 p.m. on FOX
Carolina
DOUBTFUL - LB Omar Gaither (knee)
QUESTIONABLE - WR Legedu Naanee (ankle), LB Jason Phillips (calf)
PROBABLE - LB James Anderson (ankle), LB Dan Connor (shoulder), DE Charles Johnson (shoulder)
Indianapolis
OUT - TE Dallas Clark (fibula), QB Peyton Manning (neck)
DOUBTFUL - G Joe Reitz (knee)
QUESTIONABLE - RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), CB Stevie Brown (hamstring), TE Brody Eldridge (hand), WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin), CB Terrence Johnson (ankle), LB Adrian Moten (not injury related), DT Drake Nevis (back)
Chicago at Oakland (4:15 p.m. on FOX)
Chicago
OUT - QB Jay Cutler (right thumb)
DOUBTFUL - CB D.J. Moore (ankle)
PROBABLE - WR Devin Hester (shin), S Brandon Meriweather (concussion)
Oakland
OUT- QB Jason Campbell (collarbone), WR Jacoby Ford (foot), RB Darren McFadden (foot), DE Jarvis Moss (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (neck), DE Lamarr Houston (knee), S Michael Huff (ankle), CB Chris Johnson (hamstring, groin), RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring), S Michael Mitchell (ankle), WR Denarius Moore (foot), DT Richard Seymour (knee), RB Manase Tonga (knee)
PROBABLE - C Samson Satele (concussion)
Cleveland at Cincinnati (1 p.m. on CBS)
Cleveland
OUT - LB Quinton Spears (hamstring), CB T.J. Ward (foot, finger)
QUESTIONABLE - RB Montario Hardesty (calf), RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring), RB Owen Marecic (head), DE Jayme Mitchell (ankle), T Tony Pashos (ankle), DT Brian Schaefering (ankle)
PROBABLE - LB Auston English (knee), G Shawn Lauvao (knee), QB Colt McCoy (right shoulder), DE Jabaal Sheard (thigh), DE Emmanuel Stephens (foot), TE Benjamin Watson (elbow)
Cincinnati
DOUBTFUL - DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), TE Donald Lee (foot)
PROBABLE - CB Nate Clements (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), QB Andy Dalton (right shoulder), CB Brandon Ghee (groin), WR A.J. Green (knee), DE Michael Johnson (shoulder), CB Adam Jones (groin), LB Dontay Moch (not injury related), DT Domata Peko (foot), LB Vincent Rey (hamstring), T Andrew Whitworth (thigh)
Denver at San Diego (4:15 p.m. on CBS)
Denver
PROBABLE - S David Bruton (achilles), S Brian Dawkins (ankle), TE Daniel Fells (concussion), RB Willis McGahee (hand), TE Julius Thomas (ankle), CB Cassius Vaughn (hamstring)
San Diego
OUT - DE Luis Castillo (tibia), WR Malcom Floyd (hip), T Marcus McNeill (neck)
DOUBTFUL - G Tyronne Green (hand), G Louis Vasquez (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE - CB Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring), LB Shaun Phillips (foot)
PROBABLE - LB Bront Bird (ankle), DE Jacques Cesaire (knee), TE Antonio Gates (not injury related), RB Ryan Mathews (knee)
Houston at Jacksonville (1 p.m. on CBS)
Houston
DOUBTFUL - TE Garrett Graham (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE - DE Tim Bulman (calf), RB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)
PROBABLE - LB Mister Alexander (shoulders), CB Jason Allen (knee), LB Bryan Braman (thigh), RB James Casey (chest), TE Owen Daniels (knee), LB Tim Dobbins (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (hamstring), S Danieal Manning (ankle), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), DE Jesse Nading (shoulder, hip), LB DeMeco Ryans (shoulder), DE Antonio Smith (shoulder)
Jacksonville
OUT - DT Terrance Knighton (ankle), DE Matt Roth (concussion)
QUESTIONABLE - DE Aaron Kampman (hamstring)
PROBABLE - RB Brock Bolen (calf), DE John Chick (abdomen), WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring), WR Cecil Shorts (hamstring), T Guy Whimper (thigh)
Minnesota at Atlanta (1 p.m. on FOX)
Minnesota
OUT - S Husain Abdullah (concussion), CB Chris Cook (not injury related), G Anthony Herrera (knee)
DOUBTFUL - RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), TE Kyle Rudolph (quadricep)
QUESTIONABLE - WR Percy Harvin (ribs), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring)
PROBABLE - DT Christian Ballard (hamstring), LB Erin Henderson (hamstring), T Charlie Johnson (achilles), QB Christian Ponder (knee), S Jamarca Sanford (shoulder)
Atlanta
OUT - CB Kelvin Hayden (toe)
QUESTIONABLE - T Sam Baker (back), CB Brent Grimes (knee), DT Vance Walker (groin)
PROBABLE - DE John Abraham (not injury related), G Justin Blalock (ankle), TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury related), WR Julio Jones (hamstring), LB Curtis Lofton (ankle), C Todd McClure (not injury related), S William Moore (quadricep), DT Corey Peters (knee)
New England at Philadelphia (4:15 p.m. on CBS)
New England
OUT - LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
QUESTIONABLE - WR Deion Branch (hip), S Patrick Chung (foot), G Dan Connolly (groin), LB Gary Guyton (shoulder), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), T Matt Light (ankle), CB Devin McCourty (shoulder), WR Chad Ochocinco (hamstring), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), WR Matt Slater (shoulder), T Sebastian Vollmer (back)
PROBABLE - G Brian Waters (knee), WR Wes Welker (knee)
Philadelphia
OUT - T King Dunlap (concussion)
DOUBTFUL - WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder)
QUESTIONABLE - CB Nnamdi Asomugha (knee), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle), QB Michael Vick (ribs)
PROBABLE - WR DeSean Jackson (foot)
Tampa Bay at Tennessee (1 p.m. on FOX)
Tampa Bay
DOUBTFUL - DE Michael Bennett (groin)
QUESTIONABLE - LB Adam Hayward (foot), S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), LB Dekoda Watson (groin)
PROBABLE - DT Albert Haynesworth (knee), DT Brian Price (forearm), T Jeremy Trueblood (knee)
Tennessee
OUT - LB Barrett Ruud (groin)
QUESTIONABLE - DT Karl Klug (knee), LB Colin McCarthy (knee), DE Derrick Morgan (ankle), T Michael Roos (groin), T David Stewart (calf)
PROBABLE - C Eugene Amano (hip), K Rob Bironas (back), QB Matt Hasselbeck (right elbow)
Washington at Seattle (4:15 p.m. on FOX)
Washington
QUESTIONABLE - WR Niles Paul (toe), WR Donte' Stallworth (foot)
PROBABLE - T Jammal Brown (groin), LB London Fletcher (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (infection), S DeJon Gomes (knee), G Maurice Hurt (knee), S LaRon Landry (achilles), T Sean Locklear (ankle), WR Santana Moss (hand), T Trent Williams (knee), CB Josh Wilson (hamstring)
Seattle
QUESTIONABLE - DT Alan Branch (ankle), CB Byron Maxwell (ankle)
PROBABLE - S Atari Bigby (hamstring), DT Tony Hargrove (hamstring), QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral), WR Ben Obomanu (knee, ankle), WR Sidney Rice (knee)
Pittsburgh at Kansas City (8:20 p.m. on NBC)
Pittsburgh
QUESTIONABLE - WR Arnaz Battle (hamstring), LB Stevenson Sylvester (calf), LB LaMarr Woodley (hamstring)
PROBABLE - LB James Harrison (back), S Troy Polamalu (ribs), QB Ben Roethlisberger (right thumb), WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee)
Kansas City
OUT - G Ryan Lilja (head)
QUESTIONABLE - DE Glenn Dorsey (knee), S Jon McGraw (shoulder), LB Demorrio Williams (groin)
Schedule and Injury report courtesy the National Football League; odds courtesy USA Today; weather courtesy the Weather Channel
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