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NFL
Today's games
By JOANNE KORTH
Published November 20, 2005
THE HOT TICKET: Colts (8-0) at Bengals (7-2), 4:15 p.m., Ch. 10
THE SCOOP: The Colts are the 11th team since the merger in 1970 to reach 9-0. The last team to accomplish the feat, the 2003 Chiefs, had its win streak halted by ... the Bengals. Two years ago, it was quite an upset. Today's game is a battle between AFC playoff contenders. The key components of each team's offense rank among the league's top 10: Indy QB Peyton Manning, RB Edgerrin James and WR Marvin Harrison; Cincy QB Carson Palmer, RB Rudi Johnson and WR Chad Johnson. Defensively, the Colts rank No. 4 overall, but the Bengals lead in interceptions (20) and total takeaways (29) for a league-best turnover margin of plus-20.
KORTH'S PICK: Colts 24, Bengals 21
THE BUCS
Bucs (6-4) at Falcons (6-3), 1 p.m., Ch. 13
THE SCOOP: Coming on college rivalry weekend, this NFC South contest has all the requisite emotion. The marquee matchup is between the Michael Vick-led Falcons offense and the Derrick Brooks-led Bucs defense. Vick rarely has a big day against Tampa Bay, but Atlanta has won two of his past three starts. Bucs quarterback Chris Simms got his first win at home but winning in the noisy Georgia Dome is another matter.
KORTH'S PICK: Falcons 20, Bucs 14
OTHER MATCHUPS
Steelers (7-2) at Ravens (2-7), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Even with Tommy Maddox at quarterback, the Steelers win their 12th straight road game.
KORTH'S PICK: Steelers 17, Ravens 6
Panthers (7-2) at Bears (6-3), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Steve Smith proves the Panthers invested in the right receiver.
KORTH'S PICK: Panthers 21, Bears 10
Dolphins (3-6) at Browns (3-6), 1 p.m., Ch. 10
THE SCOOP: Feel free to debate whether Gus Frerotte and Trent Dilfer should be starting in the NFL.
KORTH'S PICK: Dolphins 14, Browns 6
Lions (4-5) at Cowboys (6-3), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Which Roy Williams catches more passes, the Cowboys safety or Lions receiver?
KORTH'S PICK: Cowboys 27, Lions 12
Saints (2-7) at Patriots (5-4), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Okay, so I buried the Patriots too soon.
KORTH'S PICK: Patriots 20, Saints 13
Eagles (4-5) at Giants (6-3), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Who knew Jim McMahon was still in the league? What's that? Who's Mike McMahon?
KORTH'S PICK: Giants 31, Eagles 10
Cardinals (2-7) at Rams (4-5), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Kurt Warner makes a less-than triumphant return to St. Louis.
KORTH'S PICK: Rams 28, Cardinals 6
Jaguars (6-3) at Titans (2-7), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Jags should win this. Should.
KORTH'S PICK: Jaguars 20, Titans 17
Raiders (5-4) at Redskins (5-4), 1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Washington returns to winning ways at home.
KORTH'S PICK: Redskins 21, Raiders 10
Seahawks (7-2) at 49ers (2-7), 4:05 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Cody Pickett's eight seconds of fame are over.
KORTH'S PICK: Seahawks 35, 49ers 3
Jets (2-7) at Broncos (7-2), 4:15 p.m.
THE SCOOP: On return flight, Jets charter makes unexpected stop in Kansas City.
KORTH'S PICK: Broncos 24, Jets 7
Bills (4-5) at Chargers (5-4), 4:15 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Hmmm, L.T. or J.P.?
KORTH'S PICK: Chargers 31, Bills 13
Chiefs (5-4) at Texans (1-8), 8:30 p.m., ESPN
THE SCOOP: Texans hold 'em for a half, then fold.
KORTH'S PICK: Chiefs 28, Texans 10
MNF: Vikings (4-5) at Packers (2-7)
THE TALLY
LAST WEEK: 9-5.
SEASON: 92-52.
No more byes for the rest of the season.
[Last modified November 20, 2005, 00:54:20]
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