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NFL game day

By ERNEST HOOPER

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 23, 2000

Jaguars at Giants

12:30 p.m. today

TV: Ch. 10

Line: Giants by 3 1/2

OF NOTE: The Jaguars have won seven of their past nine in December, but one of the losses occurred last week in the frigid air of Cincinnati. With the weather likely to be as cold in the Meadowlands today, Jacksonville will have to overcome the elements and the Giants defense if it's to spoil New York's bid of getting the top seed in the playoffs. The Jags' goal should be at least three touchdowns. Why? The G-Men are 11-1 this season when holding opponents to 20 points or less. The Giants were unimpressive and uninspired against Dallas last week, but at home we should see a greater effort.

KEY INJURIES: Jaguars -- WR Keenan McCardell (knee) is questionable. Giants -- WR Joe Jurevicius (knee) is out. G Glenn Parker (knee) is questionable.

ERNEST HOOPER'S PREDICTION: Giants 24, Jaguars 20

49ers at Broncos

4:15 p.m. today

TV: Ch. 13

Line: Broncos by 7

OF NOTE: Last week, it was Pittsburgh closing out Three Rivers Stadium with a resounding win over Washington. Today, it'll be Denver dumping San Francisco to mark the final contest in Mile High Stadium. The Niners have been a scoring machine and Terrell Owens pushed Jerry Rice out of the spotlight last week with his record-breaking 20 receptions. Both teams allow 356 yards a game and each offense is capable of points. Look for Brian Griese to come up with a late game-winning play in a high-scoring game.

KEY INJURIES: 49ers -- S Lance Schulters (knee), WR Tai Streets (leg) are out. S Pierson Prioleau (hamstring) is doubtful. T Derreick Deese (knee), RB Charlie Garner (knee) are questionable. Broncos -- RB Terrell Davis (lower leg) is out. Griese (shoulder) is questionable.

HOOPER'S PREDICTION: Broncos 38, 49ers 35

Bills at Seahawks

8:20 p.m. today

TV: ESPN

Line: Seahawks by 3

OF NOTE: The Bills are in disarray. Longtime general manager John Butler was fired this week, and Wade Phillips recently told reporters he thought his offense had improved from last season. That couldn't be further from the truth. Buffalo has regressed and its offensive line has failed to show any improvement. The Seahawks, who saw their season go awry early, continue to play hard for Coach Mike Holmgren, probably because they know Holmgren is going to sweep out the losers in an off-season house cleaning. The Seattle players won't blow this last chance to impress the GM/coach.

KEY INJURIES: Bills -- S Keion Carpernter (ankle), LB Sam Cowart (ankle), LB Sam Rogers (groin), DE Phil Hansen (knee) are out. QB Rob Johnson (head), RB Sammy Morris (ankle) are questionable. Seahawks -- DE Lamar King (shoulder) is out.

HOOPER'S PREDICTION: Seahawks 28, Bills 17

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