NFL

Today's games

By JOANNE KORTH
Published January 15, 2006

STEELERS (12-5) AT COLTS (14-2), 1, CH. 10

THE SCOOP: In Week 12, Indianapolis beat Pittsburgh 26-7. The Steelers are on a five-game winning streak. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and the running game has returned. But today's outcome will hinge mostly on how the Colts perform. Indianapolis has not played a meaningful game in a month and was rocked emotionally by the death of coach Tony Dungy's 18-year-old son, James. If the Colts have rust to shake off, the Steelers will keep it close. But if Indy opens the game as the machine that won 13 straight to start the season, Pittsburgh's defense will have a hard time with the balanced attack.

JOANNE KORTH'S PICK: Colts 24, Steelers 21 PANTHERS (12-5) AT BEARS (11-5), 4:30, CH. 13

THE SCOOP: In Week 11, Chicago gained national respect with its 13-3 victory against Carolina in which the Bears defense sacked quarterback Jake Delhomme eight times. Carolina is eager to avenge that loss in what promises to be the nastiest of the weekend's four playoff rematches. The Panthers defense will use the same strategy that led to a 23-0 wild-card victory against the Giants: Stop running back Thomas Jones and pressure inexperienced quarterback Rex Grossman. The Bears defense again will show why it was the league's best this season. The wild card is Grossman.

KORTH'S PICK: Bears 13, Panthers 9

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:48:18]