Today's games
By JOANNE KORTH
Published December 11, 2005
THE HOT TICKET:Colts (12-0) at Jaguars (9-3)
1 p.m., Ch. 10
THE SCOOP: Many consider the Jaguars the team with the best chance to beat the Colts because Jacksonville's defense usually gives Peyton Manning and the gang fits. The Jaguars handed the Colts their most recent AFC South loss, 27-24 on Oct. 24, 2004. The Colts beat the Jags 10-3 in Week 2. But Indy's offense has shucked its slow start to win seven of its past nine games by at least 17 points and has not trailed in a game since Week 6. Playing for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Colts are not likely to slip here.
KORTH'S PICK: Colts 24, Jaguars 13
THE BUCS: Bucs (8-4) at Panthers (9-3)1 p.m., Ch. 13
THE SCOOP: The Panthers can take a comfy two-game lead in the NFC South with a sixth straight win in this series, but the Bucs have some things in their favor. Running back Cadillac Williams is no longer gimpy and quarterback Chris Simms has matured since a 34-14 loss five week ago. Also, the Panthers are coming off a physical win against Atlanta that left them limping. Still, if the Bucs do not establish the running game, the Panthers' ferocious defensive line will have a feast.
KORTH'S PICK: Bucs 17, Panthers 10
OTHER MATCHUPS Patriots (7-5) at Bills (4-8)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Patriots are close to clinching the pitiful AFC East.
KORTH'S PICK: Patriots 17, Bills 14
Browns (4-8) at Bengals (9-3)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Chad Johnson runs out of celebrations in the first half.
KORTH'S PICK: Bengals 34, Browns 6
Giants (8-4) at Eagles (5-7)4 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Do the Eagles have any healthy players left?
KORTH'S PICK: Giants 27, Eagles 7
49ers (2-10) at Seahawks (10-2)4 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Seahawks could rest their starters and still win.
KORTH'S PICK: Seahawks 28, 49ers 10
Chiefs (8-4) at Cowboys (7-5)4:15 p.m., Ch. 10
THE SCOOP: The loser won't make the playoffs.
KORTH'S PICK: Cowboys 23, Chiefs 20
Rams (5-7) at Vikings (7-5)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Vikings continue to cruise.
KORTH'S PICK: Vikings 24, Rams 13
Raiders (4-8) at Jets (2-10)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Marques Tuiasosopo won't be the long-term answer.
KORTH'S PICK: Raiders 17, Jets 13
Bears (9-3) at Steelers (7-5)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Bears have a quarterback controversy brewing.
KORTH'S PICK: Steelers 17, Bears 7
Texans (1-11) at Titans (3-9)1 p.m.
THE SCOOP: Only Reggie Bush cares about this one.
KORTH'S PICK: Titans 21, Texans 20
Redskins (6-6) at Cardinals (4-8)4 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The 'Skins are still contenders.
KORTH'S PICK: Redskins 27, Cardinals 13
Ravens (4-8) at Broncos (9-3)4:15 p.m.
THE SCOOP: How sad the Ravens have become.
KORTH'S PICK: Broncos 27, Ravens 6
Dolphins (5-7) at Chargers (8-4)4:15 p.m.
THE SCOOP: The Fins' second West Coast game in three weeks.
KORTH'S PICK: Chargers 28, Dolphins 13
Lions (4-8) at Packers (2-10)8:30 p.m., ESPN
THE SCOOP: Aaron Rodgers can wait.
KORTH'S PICK: Packers 21, Lions 10
MNF: Saints at Falcons THE TALLYLAST WEEK: 10-6.
SEASON: 122-70.
Twenty-three teams remain in playoff contention with four games to play.