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NFL notebook

Lions at Bucs.

By DARRELL FRY
© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 9, 2001

Lions at Bucs.

OF NOTE: The Bucs appear to be starting their usual late-season run. They've won two in a row, including that win at St. Louis, and can't afford to lose today if they plan to make the playoffs. The Lions are a lot better than their dismal record and usually play the Bucs close. If the return of starting running back James Stewart (116 yards and three scores in last game versus Bucs) can re-start the Lions' running game, they have a chance. Otherwise, they'll be just another notch in another Bucs' late-season rally.

FRY'S PROMISE: Bucs 27, Lions 17.

Jaguars at Bengals.

OF NOTE: Not much to get excited about with this game between two teams going nowhere fast. The Bengals will need to put up at least 24 points to have a shot at winning, a tall order considering the Bengals haven't mustered more than 13 in their past four games. The Jags offense seems to have regained its explosiveness and is coming off an impressive near-upset of Green Bay last week. Bengals running back Corey Dillon may get his yards, but it probably won't be enough to offset quarterback Mark Brunell & Co.

FRY'S PROMISE: Jaguars 24, Bengals 14.

Bears at Packers.

OF NOTE: This is one of three marquee games today. A Packers win vaults them into a first-place tie with the Bears, but the Bears are one of the few teams that have no fear of Lambeau, winning the past two games there. They'll have rookie running sensation Anthony "A-Train" Thomas back from the injury list. Mother Nature, though, may decide this one. Brett Favre is 27-0 at Lambeau when it's 34 degrees or colder at kickoff and it will be about that today. Also, the Bears have forced a turnover in 13 consecutivegames and one of those could decide this one.

FRY'S PROMISE: Packers 19, Bears 17.

49ers at Rams.

OF NOTE: This is the game of the week. Sole possession of first place in the NFC West goes to the victor. The Rams won the earlier meeting in September, but the Niners are vastly improved. Expect fireworks from the league's top two offenses (they've averaged nearly 60 combined points in their past three clashes). Thus, the team with the better defense will win, and that's the Rams. Still, the Rams easily could give this one away by turning the ball over, which they are prone to do (a league-high 32).

FRY'S PROMISE: Rams 31, 49ers 24.

Giants at Cowboys.

OF NOTE: The Giants have been a ... well, giant disappointment this season. They are clinging to an outside chance of making the playoffs, which virtually would evaporate with a loss today. The Cowboys, who are playing better lately and are coming off an impressive win against Washington, will ride Emmitt Smith. But the Giants are solid against the run. Basically, this game means far more to the Giants than the Cowboys, who have no playoff chance. That ought to be what lifts the Giants to victory. Their playoff life depends on it.

FRY'S PROMISE: Giants 26, Cowboys 13.

Saints at Falcons.

OF NOTE: This is one of several games between teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. The loser can just about kiss its chances good-bye. It all depends on the health of Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler, who is listed as probable with a bum ankle. He'll need mobility to avoid the Saints' fierce pass rush. On the flip side, Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks has been playing big lately, making no deficit insurmountable. The Falcons have won 11 of 13 against the Saints. After today, it'll be 11 of 14.

FRY'S PROMISE: Saints 30, Falcons 22.

Panthers at Bills.

OF NOTE: There are bad matchups and then there's this one. There should be a moment of silence for anyone who has to sit through this game. This, frankly, may be the Panthers' best chance to snap their 11-game skid. It is the Bills' best chance to snap their six-game slide. That the Bills are at home means nothing. Their sole victory this season came on the road. Bills are coming off that 35-0 wax job from the Niners, while the Panthers have been in just about every loss. Regardless of who wins, will anyone care?

FRY'S PROMISE: Bills 21, Panthers 16.

Browns at Patriots.

OF NOTE: The Browns are fading and seem to have lost their hunger for the postseason. That said, they'll probably blow out the Patriots, who might steal the AFC East crown. The Pats have been riding the arm of quarterback Tom Brady, but now encounter the league leader in interceptions (25). Still, the Browns need to score to win this one. The 18 and 15 points they've posted the past two weeks will not cut it. Somehow, though, look for them to pull it out just as they've done six of the last nine times they've faced the Pats.

FRY'S PROMISE: Browns 24, Patriots 23.

Chargers at Eagles.

OF NOTE: The Chargers, who've lost five in a row, are struggling, particularly on offense. The last thing they need is to face a ferocious defense like the Eagles have. In the Eagles' past three games, the defense has allowed an average of 248 total yards, including 124.7 passing. That probably means another long day for quarterback Doug Flutie. The Chargers are 5-2 all-time against the Eagles and have won the past three, but that streak will end there. Let's just hope Flutie doesn't get hurt in this one.

FRY'S PROMISE: Eagles 23, Chargers 17.

Titans at Vikings.

OF NOTE: It's probably too late to do any good, but the Titans are on the move. They've won two of three, have played well in their past five and have won three in a row on the road. The offense is clicking again, averaging 25 points a game the past three weeks. They dismantled Cleveland last week 31-15. The Vikes continue to unravel. Plus, quarterback Daunte Culpepper is injured and may not play, which would make a bad situation worse. Listen early for the boos, especially toward Randy Moss.

FRY'S PROMISE: Titans 34, Vikings 10.

Redskins at Cardinals.

OF NOTE: Making the playoffs is probably just a pipe dream for these two teams, but they'll play like their lives are on the line, anyway. The Skins need this one to bounce back from last week's 20-14 home loss to Dallas. They'll need more than 14 points to beat the Cards, who are soaring for quarterback Jake Plummer. The Cards have won three in a row and are coming off an impressive upset of the Raiders. But Plummer traditionally has had trouble against the Skins, who haven't allowed a Plummer touchdown pass in the past four meetings.

FRY'S PROMISE: Cardinals 19, Redskins 16.

Jets at Steelers.

OF NOTE: The Steelers likely won't have injured Jerome Bettis, but the running game still should flourish. The Jets' run defense has improved greatly, allowing four touchdowns in the past 21 quarters, but still has soft spots. Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart might have to carry more of the load today and is playing arguably his best football. The Jets need to get league rushing leader Curtis Martin off to a fast start. After last week's 17-16 loss to New England, the Jets need this one in the worst way.

FRY'S PROMISE: Steelers 20, Jets 19.

Chiefs at Raiders.

OF NOTE: The Raiders probably are still snarling from that upset loss to Arizona last week. Jon Gruden won't let his team lose two in a row, will he? Probably not. Especially not to a floundering team like the Chiefs, who've lost six of eight. Still, this won't be a cakewalk for the Raiders, who have the AFC's second-best passing attack (they average 234.5 yards a game). The Chiefs are strong against the pass and will give quarterback Rich Gannon trouble. Well, at least for a couple of quarters, then look out.

FRY'S PROMISE: Raiders 28, Chiefs 14.

Seahawks at Broncos.

OF NOTE: The Seahawks have been getting their act together, winning three of four. The Broncos will see a heavy dose of running back Shaun Alexander, who trampled Denver for 142 yards earlier this season. The Broncos aren't any better prepared to stop him, and won't have much to counter with, unless receiver Rod Smith's injured ankles have improved. The Broncos traditionally have owned Seattle, winning nine of past 11 meetings, but the Seahawks should pull the season sweep today.

FRY'S PROMISE: Seahawks 21, Broncos 17.

Colts at Dolphins.

OF NOTE: This was supposed to be an AFC East showdown, but the Colts have slumped mysteriously this season. They've lost four in a row, but aren't as bad as you might think. Their offense is still lethal and will give the Fins all sorts of trouble. They nearly whipped the Fins earlier this season, falling 27-24. The Fins have gotten away with falling behind and then rallying lately, outscoring opponents 45-6 in the past two fourth quarters. But that might catch up to them. The Fins are 4-1 at home, but the visitor usually wins in this series.

FRY'S PROMISE: Colts 33, Dolphins 27.

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