PANTHERS:  Defense leads NFL with 25 sacks, including 21 by defensive line.  Need 2 sacks vs. Falcons to surpass 2001 season total (26).  Club has at least 1 takeaway in each game this season & seeks eighth consecutive game with INT.  Defense has not allowed 100-yard rusher in past 7 games……Club plays first NFC South division game……QB CHRIS WEINKE had career-high 38 yards rushing vs. Falcons in last meeting……RB LAMAR SMITH has 6 TD runs in 2002, most by Panthers RB since TSHIMANGA BIAKABUTUKA’s 6 in 1999.  Needs 2 TD runs to pass FRED LANE (7) for most in single-season in club history……WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD seeks second consecutive & third career 100-yard game vs. Falcons.  Had 10 catches for 132 yards in last game in Atlanta……First-round draft pick (No. 2) DE JULIUS PEPPERS had second career 3.0 sack game last week & leads all NFL rookies with 6.0 sacks.  Also had first career INT……FALCONS:  Club 25-10 (.714) all-time under head coach DAN REEVES when leading at halftime……QB DOUG JOHNSON had 121.6 passer rating in first start of season & had TDs passing (14 yards) & rushing (15 yards) vs. Giants.  QB MICHAEL VICK has 0 INTs & ranks second in NFL among QBs with 185 yards rushing……First-round draft pick (No.18) RB T.J. DUCKETT leads all NFC rookies with 226 yards rushing……WR BRIAN FINNERAN needs 2 receptions & 1 TD catch for career highs (23 & 3 in 2001).  Had game-winning 14-yard TD catch vs. Giants.  Helped NFL Europe League’s F.C. Barcelona Dragons to berth in 1999 World Bowl……WR SHAWN JEFFERSON had 63-yard catch vs. Giants, his longest with club……LB KEITH BROOKING seeks sixth consecutive game with at least 10 tackles.  LB JOHN HOLECEK had first sack as member of Falcons……CB JURAN BOLDEN had first career INT last week.

SERIES OF STREAKS:  Jaguars won first 8 meetings & Ravens have won past 4.  Past six meetings decided by 7 points-or-less (22 points total).  Eight of 12 all-time meetings decided by 3 points-or-less……JAGUARS:  QB MARK BRUNELL (306 yards & 2 TD passes in last game at Baltimore) has passed for 300 yards in 7 of 11 games vs. Ravens.  Has career 88.9 passer rating vs. Baltimore.  Is 35-19 (.648) for career against former AFC Central teams.  Offense is NFL’s 4th-best in yards per play (5.8)……RB FRED TAYLOR had first career 100-yard game (128 yards) vs. Ravens (9/20/98).  In past 15 games with at least 15 carries, Taylor has rushed for 1,754 yards (117.0 yards per game) & 14 TDs.  Team is 30-15 (.667) when Taylor plays.  Ranks 6th among AFC scrimmage yard leaders with 641 (5.3 per touch)……WR JIMMY SMITH has 1,344 receiving yards & 10 TDs in career vs. Ravens – his most vs. any opponent.  Smith set career highs in receptions (15), receiving yards (291), longest TD reception (72) & receiving TDs (3) vs. Baltimore……LB WALI RAINER recorded 12 tackles last week at Tennessee……P CHRIS HANSON leads NFL in gross avg. (47.9).  Rookie K HAYDEN EPSTEIN has 7 touchbacks on kickoffs, tied for 3rd-most in AFC……RAVENS:  Under head coach BRIAN BILLICK, team is 11-7 (.611) after loss……QB CHRIS REDMAN tied for 2nd among starters in AFC with fewest INTs (3)……In past 3 games, RB JAMAL LEWIS has 340 rush yards on 72 carries (4.7) & 3 TDs with 16 receptions for 98 yards……TE TODD HEAP has 11 catches for 175 yards & 2 TDs in past 3 games.  Tied for 3rd among AFC TEs in receiving TDs (2) & ranks 5th in receptions (19)……LB RAY LEWIS has 74 tackles & 1 INT in past 6 vs. Jacksonville.  LB PETER BOULWARE has 13.5 sacks in 10 games vs. Jacksonville, including 2.0 in last meeting.  Boulware leads defense with 3.0 sacks & 11 Ravens have at least 0.5 sacks……Defense posted 7 sacks in 2 games last year vs. Jags…….K MATT STOVER has converted 25 of 28 career field goal attempts vs. Jaguars.

BEARS:  QB JIM MILLER looks for third win in fourth career start vs. Lions, including 252-yard, 2 TD, 0 INT performance in last meeting.  Needs 3 TD passes to tie career high (13 in 2001).  His 49 pass attempts vs. Packers in Week 5 is career-high……RB ANTHONY THOMAS played collegiately at Michigan, where he holds school records with 924 carries for 4,472 yards & 55 TDs……WR MARTY BOOKER has led club in receiving yards in 7 of past 8 games.  Coming off career-high 12 reception, 141-yard performance vs. Packers.  Averaging career-high 15.3 yards per catch & aims for third 100-yard receiving game in 2002.  Averages 9 catches per game in past 2 vs. Lions, including 115-yard effort in last meeting……TE JOHN DAVIS has 9 receptions with 3 TDs in 2002……Club has recorded takeaway in 23 consecutive games……Rookie first-round draft pick T MARC COLUMBO makes first career start……LB ROSEVELT COLVIN has at least 1.0 sack in 8 consecutive games & needs 1.0 sack vs. Lions to tie BRUCE SMITH & KEVIN GREENE (9) for second-longest consecutive games with sack streak in NFL history.  Has 11.0 sacks during streak……LIONS:  Rookie first-round draft pick (No. 3) QB JOEY HARRINGTON had first career 300-yard passing game vs. Vikings (309, 2 TDs, 1 INT) & makes second career start at home, winning first vs. Saints in Week 4……RB JAMES STEWART has 5 TDs (3 rushing, 2 receiving) in past 5 vs. Bears.  Had career-high 97 yards receiving, including career-long 56-yard reception, vs. Bears on 12/2/01……WR BILL SCHROEDER looks for fourth 100-yard receiving game vs. Bears in past 5 games.  Tied career high with 2 TD catches (17, 17) vs. Bears on 10/1/00……TE MIKHAEL RICKS leads all NFC TEs with 216 yards receiving & 19.6 yards per catch.  Had career-long 41-yard TD reception (3 catches, 79 yards) vs. Vikings……KR-PR DESMOND HOWARD has 8 career PR-TDs & needs 2 to tie ERIC METCALF for most all-time……LB CHRIS CLAIBORNE had first career INT-TD (20 yards) last week vs. Vikings & has career-high 3 INTs in 2002.  

GAME FEATURES NFL’s top rush offense (KC, 163.3 yards per game) vs. best run defense (Denver, 62.0)…… BRONCOS:  Under head coach MIKE SHANAHAN (since 1995), Broncos own NFL’s greatest 1st quarter point differential (+357).  Green Bay is second with +213.  Denver has outscored opponents 30-0 in 1st quarter in 2002……QB BRIAN GRIESE has thrown for 300+ yards in 3 consecutive games for 2nd time in career.  Needs 16 completions to surpass CRAIG MORTON (907) for 2nd-most in team history ……RB CLINTON PORTIS leads all NFL rookie rushers with 381 yards (5.2 avg.)……WR ROD SMITH has 66 catches for 1,034 yards vs. Chiefs in career.  His 1,034 receiving yards are most vs. any opponent.  Has 8 100-yard games vs. KC in 12 games (8 starts).  Needs 2 TDs to surpass SAMMY WINDER (48) for 3rd-most in club history.  WR ED MC CAFFREY has reception in 60 consecutive games & needs 3 more to surpass LIONEL TAYLOR (62) for club record.  TE SHANNON SHARPE has 86 catches & 10 TDs in career vs. KC, his most vs. any opponent.  Sharpe needs 1 TD to tie DAVE CASPER for 2nd-most TD catches by TE (52).  Former Wash. TE JERRY SMITH leads all TEs with 60 TD catches …….Defense intercepted KC QB Green career-high 4 times in last game at Arrowhead…...CHIEFS:  In series vs. Denver, have won 5 of past 6 overall & 8 of past 10 at home.  Club is 7-2 (.777) at Arrowhead vs. Broncos head coach Shanahan ……Club ranks 2nd in NFL in points scored (34.2) & 3rd in total offense (404.7)……QB TRENT GREEN completed 17 of 21 passes (career-best 81.0 pct.) for 292 yards with 1 TD & 1 INT for 114.8 passer rating in last meeting.  Leads NFL in TD passes (15)……In last game vs. Broncos, RB PRIEST HOLMES rushed for 121 yards & 1 TD.  NFL leader in rush (653) & scrimmage yards (962), TDs (11), & 1st downs (53)……TE TONY GONZALEZ has 25 catches for 355 yards & 1 TD in past 4 vs. Denver.  Leads NFL in rec. TDs (6).  WR MARC BOERIGTER caught 4 passes last week for 85 yards & 2 TDs……S GREG WESLEY tied for league-lead in INTs with 4.  Defense has allowed 1 TD pass (vs. 3 INTs) by Denver QB Griese in 3 career games.

HOME TEAM has won 8 of past 11 in series……Club leading turnover ratio has won 10 of past 11……BILLS:  QB DREW BLEDSOE has passed for 4,208 yards vs. Dolphins, his most vs. any opponent.  Is 1st NFL QB to surpass 2,000 passing yards on season (2,016) & has most passing yards after 6 games in team history.  Including last week vs. Hou., Bledsoe has brought his team back to win 21 games after trailing in 4th qtr……In only career meeting, RB TRAVIS HENRY had 97 rush yards on 19 carries (5.1 avg.) with 1 TD.  For 2nd time in 2002, set single-game career high in rush yards with 159 on 28 carries, including 2 TDs last week at Hou.  Has scored 8 TDs (7 rush) on season, 2nd in NFL.  Henry’s 159 rush yards last week were most by Bills player since KENNETH DAVIS (181) on 11/22/92 vs. Atl……WR ERIC MOULDS has TD catch in 5 of past 8 vs. Miami.  Had 12 catches for 278 yards (23.2 avg.) & 2 TDs in 2 games vs. Dolphins last year.  Had career-best 240 receiving yards in 1998 Wild Card vs. Miami (1/2/99).  Leads NFL with 45 catches……11 of rookie WR JOSH REED’s 19 receptions have resulted in 1st downs……Defense 2nd in AFC with 18 sacks ……DOLPHINS:  Since 1995, club is 72-46 (.610), 4th-best in NFL in that span.  Aim for 9th 6-1 or better start in team history.  Six of previous 8 times, club has made playoffs……Head coach DAVE WANNSTEDT has never lost to Bills (6-0)……QB RAY LUCAS makes first start of 2002.  Has won past 4 starts & 6 of past 8 (w/ NYJ).  Has played QB in 5 career games vs. Buffalo (1 start), completing 18 of 22 passes (81.8 pct.) for 186 yards.  Lucas’ teams are 5-0 in those 5……In only career meeting (w/ NO), RB RICKY WILLIAMS had 93 rushing yards & 1 receiving TD……Rookie TE RANDY MC MICHAEL has TD catch in each of first 3 games at home……Defense held Buffalo to 39 rushing yards in last meeting.  Club leads AFC in INTs (11)……DE JASON TAYLOR has 5.5 sacks in past 4 vs. Bills, including career-best 3.0 in 12/3/00 contest……S BROCK MARION had 100-yard INT-TD in last meeting, 2nd-longest in team history……K OLINDO MARE had game-winning 53-yard FG last week vs. Denver & has hit 23 of 25 career FG attempts vs. Bills.

49ERS:  QB JEFF GARCIA has 95.5 passer rating (362 of 589, 4,269 yards, 40 TDs, 15 INTs) in past 20 road-starts.  Has thrown 8 TD passes & 0 INTs in past 2 starts vs. Saints, including career-high tying 4 TDs in last meeting.  Leads NFL with a 109.5 third down passer rating……RB GARRISON HEARST has 14 career 100-yard rushing games with 49ers & will move into second place in club history (ROGER CRAIG) with 100-yard outing vs. Saints.  Club has 13-1 (.929) record when he rushes for 100 yards.  Averaged 97.3 yards rushing in past 3 vs. NO.  Had career-long 81-yard TD catch vs. Saints on 11/22/98……WR TERRELL OWENS has 63 career TDs & needs 4 to pass Craig for second in club history.  Has 2 consecutive 100-yard receiving games vs. Saints & averages 115 yards per game in past 3 vs. NO……DE ANDRE CARTER tied career high with 2.0 sacks in last meeting……S TONY PARRISH needs 1 INT to tie career high (3, 2000-01)……K JOSE CORTEZ has connected on 9 consecutive FGs……SAINTS:  Club’s 5-1 start best since 1993 (5-1)……Offense ranks second in NFC with 68.4 redzone TD pct. (19 trips, 13 TDs)……KR-PR MICHAEL LEWIS became seventh player in NFL history & first since EDDIE PAYTON (12/17/77) to have KR-TD (90) & PR-TD (83) in same game.  Also added 70 yards receiving for 356 combined net yards gained, third-highest single-game total in NFL history.  Spent spring of 2001 with NFL Europe League’s Rhein Fire, leading club with 3 TD receptions……QB AARON BROOKS looks for seventh consecutive game with at least 200 yards passing……RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER has 4 100-yard rushing games in 2002 & needs 100 yards vs. 49ers to tie RICKY WILLIAMS (5) with third-most 100-yard games in single-season in club history……WR JOE HORN has 3,105 yards receiving with Saints & needs 120 yards to pass HENRY CHILDS in fifth place in club history.  DE DARREN HOWARD had career-high 3.0 sacks vs. Redskins……S JAY BELLAMY tied career high with 2 INT vs. Redskins.

VIKINGS:  Head coach MIKE TICE earned first career win vs. Lions last week.  Born in Bayshore, NY & played HS football at Central Islip on Long Island……QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER has thrown 9 TD passes & 3 INT in past 5 vs. AFC opponents.  Looks for second career 300-yard passing game vs. AFC.  Has 54 TD passes & needs 5 to pass WARREN MOON (58) for fourth in club history.  Has connected with WR RANDY MOSS for 23 career TDs & needs 4 to become most prolific scoring tandem in club history (Moon/CRIS CARTER)……RB MICHAEL BENNETT has 278 consecutive scrimmage attempts without losing fumble……RB MOE WILLIAMS needs 103 yards for career high (291, 2001)……Moss aims for fourth 100-yard receiving game in past 6 vs. AFC opponents.  Had 11 receptions for 111 yards & 1 TD in only game vs. AFC foe in 2002 (Week 2 vs. Buffalo).  WR DERRICK ALEXANDER averages 18.9 yards per catch in past 3 vs. Jets…… JETS:  Are 5-1 (.833) all-time vs. Vikings, including 3-0 at home……In 10 games vs. Vikings as TB assistant head coach/DB coach, head coach HERMAN EDWARDS held Minnesota under 300 net yards passing 8 times……QB CHAD PENNINGTON has career 105.3 passer rating in October.  Has completed 31 of 43 passes (72.1 pct.) for 305 yards with 3 TDs & 1 INT…….In only career game vs. Minnesota (11/2/97 w/ NE), RB CURTIS MARTIN rushed 21 times for 104 yards (5.0 avg.) & added 6 receptions for 36 yards……WR WAYNE CHREBET averaging 16.5 yards per catch in career vs. Vikings.  WR LAVERANUES COLES leads team with 22 catches & 259 yards.  Has 16 catches for 213 yards (13.3 avg.) in past 2.  WR SANTANA MOSS had first career TD in last game (27 yards)…….CB DONNIE ABRAHAM has 5 INTs, including 55-yard INT-TD, & 53-yard blocked-FG return in career vs. Vikings (w/ TB).  In 2 career meetings, LB MO LEWIS has 20 tackles, 2 passes defensed & 1.0 sack.  S SAM GARNES had 4 tackles, 2 passes defensed & 1 INT in 2000 NFC Championship Game to help NYG defeat Minnesota & advance to SB XXXV……. KR CHAD MORTON ranks 3rd in NFL with 28.6 KR avg. & leads NFL with 2 KR-TDs.

SEAHAWKS:  Defense ranks third in NFC holding opponents to 40.0 red zone TD pct (8 TDs, 20 trips)……QB TRENT DILFER makes first career start vs. Rams.  Has won 19 of his past 25 starts……RB SHAUN ALEXANDER has 5 career 100-yard rushing games & club is 5-0 in those contests.  Needs 24 yards rushing to become sixth player in club history to rush for 2,000 career yards.  Has 21career rushing TDs & needs 2 to pass RICKY WATTERS in fourth in club history……WR DARRELL JACKSON made first NFL start in last meeting & had first career TD catch (34 yards).  WR BOBBY ENGRAM seeks second consecutive 100-yard receiving game vs. Rams.  Had career highs with 13 receptions, 143 yards & 2 TDs vs. Rams on 12/26/99 (with Bears).  Had first career PR-TD (61 yards) vs. 49ers……Rookie DT ROCKY BERNARD has 4.0 sacks & needs 0.5 sacks to set club single-season record for rookies (BRIAN BOSWORTH, 1987; MICHAEL MC CRARY, 1993; SAM ADAMS, 1994)……RAMS:  QB MARC BULGER made first career start vs. Raiders & had 4 TDs (3 pass, 1 rush) & 134.1 passer rating.  QB KURT WARNER had 3 TD passes in his first career start (9/12/99).  Bulger played HS football at Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, same HS as NFL legend DAN MARINO……RB MARSHALL FAULK has 115 career TDs & needs 2 to pass JOHN RIGGINS (116) for seventh all-time.  Has rushed for 9,861 career yards & needs 139 to become 15th player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards.  Rushed for his season-high 158 yards vs. Raiders……WR ISAAC BRUCE has 58 career TDs & needs 1 to pass ERIC DICKERSON in second place on club’s all-time list.  Needs 100 yards receiving vs. Seahawks to become first player in club history with 30 career 100-yard receiving games……WR TORRY HOLT ranks second in NFC with 39 receptions & 542 yards receiving……Defense held previously undefeated Oakland to season-low 13 points last week……K JEFF WILKINS leads NFC with 8 touchbacks on KOs.

GAME FEATURES QBs drafted first overall in NFL draft: Houston’s DAVID CARR (2002) & Cleveland’s TIM COUCH (1999)……TEXANS:  Head coach DOM CAPERS states “Cleveland Browns” as his favorite NFL team as youngster.  Grew up in Buffalo, OH, (213 miles from Cleveland) & graduated from Mount Union College (Alliance, OH).  Also coached for 3 years (1972-74) at Kent State (38 miles from Cleveland) while earning masters degree.  Offensive coordinator CHRIS PALMER was Cleveland head coach from 1999-2000……Rookie QB Carr completed 12 of 23 passes (52.2 pct.) for 218 yards & 1 TD vs. 0 INTs for 99.5 passer rating while adding 50 rushing yards & 1 TD last week……Rookie RB JONATHAN WELLS has 217 rushing yards on 49 carries (4.4) & played 4 years at nearby Ohio State……WR COREY BRADFORD has AFC’s longest reception of 2002 (81 yards vs. Bills).  Leads Texans with 18 receptions for AFC’s 12th-best 352 yards……DE JEFF POSEY tied for 5th in AFC in sacks (4.5).  Defense surrenders 4.67 yards on 1st down, 2nd-fewest in AFC & is No. 4 in AFC inside 20, allowing 6 TDs in 14 possessions (42.9 pct.)……P CHAD STANLEY has placed 11 punts inside 20 with 1 touchback……BROWNS:  In past 4 games, defense has allowed one opposing starting QB to throw for more than 200 yards (CHRIS REDMAN, 208)……In 4th quarter, QB TIM COUCH has completed 27 of 42 passes (64.3 pct.) for 212 yards with 3 TDs & 0 INTs for 100.5 passer rating……RB JAMEL WHITE leads team in rushing yards (300) & receptions (32).  Is 4-for-4 in converting 3rd & 1 rushing situations into 1st downs.  No AFC player is perfect in 5 attempts……WR-PR DENNIS NORTHCUTT has 20 receptions on season, 2 more than all of 2001.  Owns AFC’s No. 1 PR avg. (15.7) & added 30-yard PR last week vs. Tampa Bay.  WR ANDRE’ DAVIS stands 3rd among AFC rookies in receptions (20).  Offense ranks No. 4 in AFC in most passing yards per game (246.7)……S EARL LITTLE recorded 6 tackles and 1 INT in 1st start of season last week……Defense inside 20 is tied for AFC’s 2nd-best with Balt., allowing 10 TDs in 25 possessions (40.0 pct.).  Team has allowed 0 points inside 20 an NFL-best 6 times……P CHRIS GARDOCKI ranks 4th in AFC with 45.2 avg.  K PHIL DAWSON has 5 touchbacks on kickoffs.

SIX OF PAST 8 decided by 7 points-or-less.  Teams are 2 of 8 in NFL with 1 loss.  AFC’s top two teams in 3rd-down conversions: Oak: 31 of 65 (47.7) & SD: 37 of 78 (47.4)……CHARGERS:  Aim for first 6-1 start since 1994 (6-1), when club advanced to Super Bowl XXIX…… Head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER is 19-5 (.792) in career vs. Raiders……QB DREW BREES passed for 1st-career 300-yard game (319) in come-from-behind victory last week vs. KC.  In past 2 games, Brees has completed 54 of 83 passes (65.1 pct.) for 554 yards & thrown 3 TDs…… RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON ranks 2nd among NFL rushers (632) & ties for 3rd with 6 rush TDs.  Stands 3rd among AFC RBs in receptions (29)……WR CURTIS CONWAY had 6 catches for 99 yards in last meeting.  Has scored at least 1 TD in 3 games in row & 6 of past 7.  Has 5 rush attempts for 49 yards & 2 TDs this season.  WR TIM DWIGHT scored first 2 TDs of season this past week vs. KC (1 rush, 1 receiving)……LB DONNIE EDWARDS leads team with 3 INTs; club ranks No. 2 in AFC in INTs with 10.  DE RAYLEE JOHNSON tied career high with 3.0 sacks in last game at Oakland.  Club leads AFC in sacks (19) & tied with Carolina for NFL’s best sack differential (+13)……RAIDERS:  Have won 7 of past 8 vs. SD & 4 in row.  Club is 13-3 (.813) in past 16 home games……QB RICH GANNON has completed 48 of 67 passes (62.5 pct.) for 595 yards with 6 TDs & 1 INT for 122.4 passer rating at home in 2002.  In past 15 home games, Gannon has completed 324 of 482 passes (67.2 pct.) for 3,584 yards with 39 TDs & 8 INTs for 109.1 passer rating.  RB CHARLIE GARNER leads NFL in runs of 20+ yards (6)……In 7 career games vs. SD (including SB XXIX w/ SF), WR JERRY RICE has 54 catches for 879 yards (125.6 yards per game), including 5 100-yard games & 13 TDs.  In career vs. Chargers, WR TIM BROWN has 115 catches for 1,474 yards & 8 TDs.  Offense leads NFL with 35.0 points per game……In 2 games, defense has held Chargers RB Tomlinson to 114 yards on 39 carries (2.9 avg.).  AFC’s 2nd-best rush defense (79.2).

COWBOYS:  RB EMMITT SMITH has 16,552 yards rushing & needs 175 yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON (16,726) as all-time leading rusher.  Needs 1 rushing TD to become first player in NFL history with 150 rushing TDs.  Has 11 career 100-yard rushing games vs. Cardinals & needs 1 to tie for most vs. any club (12, Philadelphia).  In 24 career games vs. Cardinals, has rushed for 25 TDs, most vs. any club.  His 2,204 yards are third-most vs. any club, averaging 91.8 yards per game……Has 479 career receptions & needs 1 to pass TONY HILL in third on club’s all-time list…….QB QUINCY CARTER had career-long 80-yard TD pass vs. Panthers, leading club to come-from-behind win.  Needs 200 yards passing to become first Cowboys’ QB to pass for 200 yards in 6 consecutive games since TROY AIKMAN (1993)……WR JOEY GALLOWAY seeks third consecutive 100-yard receiving game (104 vs. Panthers, 109 vs. Giants).  Rookie WR ANTONIO BRYANT leads all NFC rookies with 19 receptions for 275 yards……CARDINALS:  Win gives club best start since 1988……QB JAKE PLUMMER has 15-8 record (.652) as starter when completing at least 60 pct. of passes.  Had career-high 465 yards passing vs. Cowboys on 11/15/98……RB THOMAS JONES has 310 yards rushing & needs 71 for career-high (380 in 2001).  Averaging career-best 4.5 yards per carry.  Rookie RB DAMIEN ANDERSON made NFL debut in Week 5 win over Panthers, rushing for 61 yards……WR FRANK SANDERS needs 1 reception vs. Cowboys to pass PAT TILLEY (469) in fourth-place on club’s all-time list.   WR DAVID BOSTON looks for third career 100-yard receiving game vs. Cowboys & has 2 100s vs. club in past 4 games……TE FREDDIE JONES had first TD catch with Cardinals in Week 5 win……T LEONARD DAVIS was college star at Texas & hails from Wortham, TX, 77 miles from Dallas……Club aims for third consecutive game holding opponents below 75 yards rushing (58, Car; 67, NYG) & fourth consecutive under 300 total yards (244, Car; 263, NYG; 289, SD)……Rookie first-round draft choice (No. 12) DT WENDELL BRYANT had 1.5 sacks in last game for first NFL sacks.

REDSKINS:  Offense leads NFC with 72.7 red zone TD pct. (11 trips, 8 TDs)……Rookie first-round draft pick QB PATRICK RAMSEY makes second career start.  Had first 300-yard passing game (320 yards) & first rushing TD (1 yard) last week vs. Saints.  Leads NFC with 110.2 fourth-quarter passer rating……RB STEPHEN DAVIS has 18 career 100-yard rushing games & with 1 more ties for most in club history (LARRY BROWN, JOHN RIGGINS).  Has rushed for 100 yards in 5 of past 10 games.  Has 19 receptions & is on pace for career-high (33 in 2002).  Rookie second-round draft pick RB LADELL BETTS had career-long 40-yard reception last week.  RB KENNY WATSON had 62-yard TD catch vs. Saints, his first career TD……WR ROD GARDNER needs 2 TD receptions to tie career high (4 in 2001)……LB LAVAR ARRINGTON tied career-high with 2.0 sacks vs. Saints……CB DARRELL GREEN needs 1 INT to increase NFL record of consecutive seasons with INT to 20……PACKERS:  Club won its 17th consecutive game when leading at halftime (14-3 vs. NE), longest current streak in NFL……QB BRETT FAVRE has 40,244 career yards passing & needs 308 to pass JOE MONTANA (40,551) in sixth place all-time.  Has 68-12 record (.850) as starter at home, best by home QB since 1950.  Has started 163 consecutive games, most by any active player.  Will tie WILLIE WOOD (166) for second on club’s all-time consecutive games played list on Sunday……RB AHMAN GREEN has 13 100-yard rushing games with Packers & club is 13-0 in those games.  Rushed for 136 yards & had 2 TDs (8-yard catch, 1-yard run) vs. Patriots.  Looks for second consecutive 100-yard game vs. Redskins, finishing with 116 yards in last meeting……WR DONALD DRIVER is tied for third in NFC with 9 third-down receptions……TE BUBBA FRANKS leads NFC TEs with 21 receptions & 3 TDs.  Has TD catch in only career game vs. Redskins……Club tied for NFL lead with 12 INTs after finishing with 20 in 2001.  Defense held Patriots to season-low 10 points despite playing without 5 starters from Week 1.

BUCCANEERS:  Defense has scored as many TDs (4) as has surrendered.  Club has allowed NFL-low 56 points & seeks to hold opposing offense without TD for fourth consecutive game.  Defense ranked first in NFL overall, second vs. run (77.7 yards) & fourth vs. pass (173.0 yards).  Tied for second in NFL with 19 sacks……RB MIKE ALSTOTT has rushed for 4,190 career yards & needs 11 yards to pass WARRICK DUNN for second in club history.  Rushed for season-high 126 yards & 2 TDs (1, 17), averaging 7.4 yards per carry, vs. Browns……WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON seeks second career 100-yard receiving game vs. Eagles in fourth meeting, including postseason.  Averages 86 yards per game in past 3……DT WARREN SAPP has 5.0 sacks in past 4 games……LB DERRICK BROOKS needs 1 INT for career high & is only LB in NFL history with 3 INT-TDs in 1 season.  Needs 1 INT-TD to become fourth player in NFL history & first since ERIC ALLEN in 1993 to have 4 INT-TDs in season…… EAGLES:  Club 3-0 following bye under head coach ANDY REID & 24-4 (.857) when scoring 20 or more points.  Team has scored 165 points in first 5 games, most in club history.  Club has scored in 17 of 20 quarters this season & 4-2 start would be best since 1996……QB DONOVAN MC NABB leads all QBs with 241 yards rushing, including 100 yards rushing in Week 5 vs. Jaguars……RB DUCE STALEY has 9 career 100-yard rushing games & needs 100 yards vs. Buccaneers to become only fourth player in club history with 10 career 100-yard games.  Has rushed for 3,544 yards & need 20 yards to pass TOM WOODESHICK (3,563) & 160 to pass TIMMY BROWN (3,703) in fifth place on club’s all-time list.……WR JAMES THRASH has TDs in 5 of past 6 games.  WR TODD PINKSTON has 21 receptions for 212 yards & is on pace for career highs (42, 586 in 2001) in both categories……LB LEVON KIRKLAND has started 128 consecutive regular-season games & has never missed game (165) in NFL career…….K DAVID AKERS has connected on 16 consecutive field goals, including postseason.

COLTS:  Head coach TONY DUNGY was former Steelers player (1977-78), def. assistant coach (1981), secondary coach (1982-83) & def. coordinator (1984-88)……One of 8 NFL teams with 1 loss.  Last 2 wins were vs. AFC North (Cin., Balt.).  Last win at Pitt. came in 1968 (Pitt Stadium).  In 50-year history, club has reached 4-1 start or better 11 times…… Dungy joins DON MC CAFFERTY (’70) & LINDY INFANTE (’96) with best start by new Colts head coach after 5 games ……QB PEYTON MANNING threw career-high 440 yards & 4 TDs (since tied) on MNF (9/25/00 vs. Jax).  In. Wk. 6 Manning (17,698) surpassed BERT JONES (17,663) for 2nd-most passing yards by Colts’ QB in 29 fewer games played.  Posted 10th career 4th-quarter comeback win in last week vs. Ravens ……WR MARVIN HARRISON had 4th-consecutive 100-yard receiving game last week, 3rd such streak of career.  Club record held by RAYMOND BERRY (6 games).  Harrison has 40 catches in past 4 games, club-best in 4-game stretch…… Kick coverage tied for No. 1 in NFL in PR avg. (3.8) & 3rd in AFC in KR avg. (19.1)……STEELERS:  Are 11-1 (.917) all-time at home vs. Colts.  Club is 18-5 (.783) at home on MNF.  Including playoffs, club has won 8 in row vs. Indy & 12 of past 13……Head coach BILL COWHER has never lost to Colts (5-0)……In last meeting vs. Indy (10/12/97), RB JEROME BETTIS rushed for 164 yards & 1 TD.  Bettis has 8 100-yard performances on MNF in 10 games; only EMMITT SMITH has more (12).  Had season-best 109 rush yards in Wk. 6, including 5th-longest run of career (41 yards)……WR PLAXICO BURRESS equaled single-game high in catches last week (8) for 149 yards.  Rookie WR-KR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL recorded 1st career TD in Wk. 6 with 99-yard KR-TD.  WR HINES WARD ranks 9th among AFC reception leaders (33)……In AFC, LB JOEY PORTER tied for lead in sacks (6.0) & tied for 2nd in INTs (3).  Club has 17 sacks, 3rd-most in AFC & 2nd-best sack differential (+6).

CINCINNATI, NEW ENGLAND, N.Y. GIANTS & TENNESSEE HAVE OPEN DATES IN WEEK 7

CINCINNATI (0-6):  In past 2 games, RB COREY DILLON has 221 yards on 40 carries (5.5 avg.) & 3 rushing TDs.  Ranks 5th among AFC rush leaders with 464 yards on 110 attempts (4.2).  Ranks 8th in AFC in total scrimmage yards (608) for 101.3 per game.  Leads team with 22 receptions.  Dillon’s 33 1st downs are 4th-most in NFL.  Is 4-for-4 in converting 3rd & 1 rushing situations into 1st downs.  No AFC player is perfect in 5 attempts……WR CHAD JOHNSON has 13 catches for 143 yards in past 2 weeks.  Caught career-high 7 passes last week vs. Pittsburgh……Club is tied for 4th in AFC in fewest fumbles (3)……DT TONY WILLIAMS leads club & is 13th among AFC sack leaders with 3.0……Defense limiting opponents to AFC’s 3rd-lowest average yards per 1st down play (4.91).

NEW ENGLAND (3-3):  QB TOM BRADY has thrown AFC’s 2nd-most TD passes (14) & has 88.1 rating.  Is NFL’s 3rd-highest rated passer in 4th quarter (110.3), completing 37 of 57 passes (64.9 pct.) for 441 yards & 5 TDs vs. 1 INT…… WR DEION BRANCH leads all NFL rookies in 3rd down receptions (12) & is tied for 3rd in NFL overall.  Leads team & stands 5th in AFC in receptions with 37.  Ranks 5th among AFC KR leaders (26.4)……Club is tied for 2nd in AFC in total defense (299.0)……WR TROY BROWN returned to lineup in Wk. 6 to make 5 receptions vs. Green Bay for 37 yards…… Among AFC rushers, RB ANTOWAIN SMITH is 10th in rush yards (385) for 4.5 avg……Offensive line has allowed only 11 QB sacks.  Club is tied for 5th in AFC in sack differential (+4)……Defense leads NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game (155.7).

N.Y. GIANTS (3-3):  Club 36-4 (.900) under head coach JIM FASSEL when leading after 3 quarters……QB KERRY COLLINS has 24 wins as starter with club, second-most (PHIL SIMMS) in Giants Stadium era (1976).  Leads all NFC QBs with 7.7 average yards per completion……RB TIKI BARBER has 3,171 career yards rushing & needs 122 to pass EDDIE PRICE in seventh in club history.  Has 312 career receptions and needs 16 to pass BOB TUCKER in fourth in team annals……WR IKE HILLIARD has reception in club-record 68 consecutive games.  Rookie second-round draft pick WR TIM CARTER saw first action of season last week vs. Falcons & had first career reception……TE JEREMY SHOCKEY second among NFC rookies with 16 receptions & 209 yards receiving……Native New Yorker DE FRANK FERRARA made first career start vs. Falcons & had 1.5 sacks.

TENNESSEE (2-4):  Since 1992, club is 24-15 (.615) in October & 7-6 (.538) following bye week……QB STEVE MC NAIR ranks 3rd in AFC among 3rd down passing leaders with 37 completions on 56 attempts (66.1 pct.) for 371 yards & 4 TDs vs. 1 INT for 101.1 rating……RB EDDIE GEORGE posted his 1st 100-yard rush game of season vs. Jacksonville (13 carries for 113 yards & 1 TD).  In 102 career games, has rushed for 100 yards or more in 31 of them……WR DREW BENNETT tied single-game career-high in receptions last week with 6.  TE FRANK WYCHECK leads all NFL TEs in receptions with 25……LB KEITH BULLUCK has led team in tackles past 2 games……KR coverage ranks No. 2 in NFL, allowing 17.4 yards per return.  Coverage unit forcing opponents’ avg. drive start at 20.2 – poorest field position in NFL.