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Preview capsules for this weekend's NFL games.

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Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) at N.Y. Giants (9-6)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Eagles by 1 1/2.

Keys to the game: The Giants' late-season resurgence is due in part to rookie TE Jeremy Shockey's improvement. He will run deep over the middle, testing the Eagles' safeties. Do they double up on Shockey and leave WR Amani Toomer in single coverage or vice-versa? Philadelphia will also help its defense by controlling time of possession. The Eagles called 39 rushing plays in the first meeting and will likely approach that number with WR Todd Pinkston (turf toe) expected to miss the game.

Fast facts: Eagles: They have won 13 consecutive conference games. They are 10-3 when RB Duce Staley runs for at least 100 yards. Giants: They are 18-5 in December under coach Jim Fassel. Toomer has broken his own team record with 80 receptions this season. They have lost three consecutive games to the Eagles by a combined 18 points.

2002 rankings: Eagles: offense 6th (5th rush, 18th pass); defense 2nd (6th rush, 5th pass). Giants: offense 8th (17th rush, 5th pass); defense 12th (16th rush, 9th pass)

TV announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth.

Injury report: Eagles: Out: DE Derrick Burgess (foot); QB Donovan McNabb (ankle). Questionable: LB Keith Adams (quadricep); S Blaine Bishop (groin); WR Todd Pinkston (toe). Probable: LB Shawn Barber (neck); QB Koy Detmer (elbow); DT Jeremy Slechta (concussion); T Tra Thomas (quadricep). Giants: Questionable: WR Ron Dixon (knee); CB William Peterson (knee). Probable: CB Ralph Brown (concussion); LB Quincy Monk (ankle); TE Jeremy Shockey (illness); RB Charles Stackhouse (shoulder); G Jason Whittle (hand/knee); S Shaun Williams (back).

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Kansas City Chiefs (8-7) at Oakland Raiders (10-5)

Saturday, 5 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Raiders by 7 1/2.

Keys to the game: With RB Priest Holmes (hip) out, the Chiefs must get a big game from backup Mike Cloud. How important is the running game? The Raiders are 9-0 when allowing less than 200 yards on the ground. More important, a solid running game keeps the Chiefs last-ranked pass defense off the field as long as possible. The Raiders should have no problems completing short slants, but Kansas City must tackle well to keep those from turning into big plays.

Fast facts: Chiefs: LB Mike Maslowski needs six tackles to break the single-season team record of 157 set by LB Gary Spani in 1979. They need seven points in the final period Saturday to break the NFL record for fourth-quarter points (174, San Francisco, 1989). Raiders: A win would give the team home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They have won three consecutive AFC West titles.

2002 rankings: Chiefs: offense 2nd (2nd rush, 9th pass); defense 32nd (17th rush, 32nd pass). Raiders: offense 1st (24th rush, 1st pass); defense 13th (4th rush, 24th pass)

TV announcers: Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf, Bonnie Bernstein.

Injury report: Chiefs: Doubtful: RB Priest Holmes (hip); S Greg Wesley (hamstring). Questionable: DE Duane Clemons (knee); CB Ray Crockett (shoulder); WR Johnnie Morton (back); C Casey Wiegmann (knee). Probable: WR Marc Boerigter (shoulder/foot); TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder); WR Dante' Hall (ankle); G Donald Willis (quadricep). Raiders: Out: CB Charles Woodson (leg). Questionable: DE Trace Armstrong (groin); S Derrick Gibson (ankle); CB Tory James (leg); TE Roland Williams (toe). Probable: T Lincoln Kennedy (groin).

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Cincinnati Bengals (2-13) at Buffalo Bills (7-8)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: AstroTurf. Sheridan's line: Bills by 7 1/2.

Keys to the game: It's all about the running backs. While QB Drew Bledsoe is the prominent figure in the Bills offense, their attack suffers when RB Travis Henry isn't effective, allowing the safeties to cheat against the pass. And the Bills would much rather take their chances against Bengals QB Jon Kitna than have RB Corey Dillon pound away at their 31st-ranked run defense. That makes getting an early lead, enabling the running game to remain the focus of the game plan, a huge advantage.

Fast facts: Bengals: If Kitna is able to take 61 snaps, he will trigger a $1.65 million bonus for being in on 80 percent of the plays this season. The offense has scored at least 20 points in eight of the past nine games. Bills: WR Eric Moulds needs four receptions to break his own single-season team record (94 in 2000). Their 16 takeaways are the fewest in the NFL. RB Travis Henry has led the team in rushing in 25 of 28 career games.

2002 rankings: Bengals: offense 19th (18th rush, 18th pass); defense 17th (24th rush, 11th pass). Bills: offense 11th (22nd rush, 4th pass); defense 14th (31st rush, 4th pass)

TV announcers: Don Criqui, Steve Tasker.

Injury report: Bengals: Out: S Mark Roman (knee). Questionable: RB Brandon Bennett (ribs); DE Vaughn Booker (ribs); CB Lavar Glover (hamstring). Probable: LB Canute Curtis (ankle); RB Corey Dillon (thigh); WR Ron Dugans (Achilles); CB Artrell Hawkins (ankle); DT-DE Bernard Whittington (groin). Bills: No injuries to report.

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Atlanta Falcons (9-5-1) at Cleveland Browns (8-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Falcons by 2 1/2.

Keys to the game: Browns QB Tim Couch hasn't played well at home all season, so it will be essential for him to get off to a good start. Cleveland will likely rely on rookie RB William Green early. If he gets stopped, Couch could begin pressing. It's not a good matchup for the Browns defense, which can't stop the run. RB Warrick Dunn leads the Falcons attack, but QB Michael Vick can turn in the big play and bruising rookie RB T.J. Duckett is expected to return from knee injury.

Fast facts: Falcons: Vick needs 304 passing yards for his first 3,000-yard season. Of WR Brian Finneran's 43 receptions, 38 have resulted in first downs. K Jay Feeley leads the NFC with 16 touchbacks. Browns: They are 2-5 at home. They average 106.3 yards rushing when they win, compared to 81.0 when they lose. WR Quincy Morgan is 68 receiving yards from reaching 1,000 in his second season.

2002 rankings: Falcons: offense 14th (3rd rush, 22nd pass); defense 20th (21st rush, 18th pass). Browns: offense 23rd (26th rush, 16th pass); defense 22nd (30th rush, 12th pass)

TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Tim Green.

Injury report: Falcons: Out: RB Bob Christian (concussion); C Roberto Garza (knee). Doubtful: CB Juran Bolden (calf). Questionable: LB Chris Draft (back); RB T.J. Duckett (knee); WR Shawn Jefferson (hamstring); S Gerald McBurrows (neck); LB Sam Rogers (groin/wrist); T Bob Whitfield (illness). Probable: CB Ray Buchanan (abdomen); K Jay Feely (thigh); G Kynan Forney (back); LB Mark Simoneau (neck). Browns: Questionable: WR Dennis Northcutt (knee). Probable: S Devin Bush (hamstring).

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Minnesota Vikings (5-10) at Detroit Lions (3-12)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: FieldTurf. Sheridan's line: Vikings by 3.

Keys to the game: The Vikings have the league's top-rated rushing offense, but Detroit is much more vulnerable in the secondary. The Lions will focus on WR Randy Moss, but must find a way to cover TE Byron Chamberlain, who is finally healthy, and emerging No. 2 WR D'Wayne Bates. The best solution is RB James Stewart. If he can get going on the ground, the Lions have won the only two games in which they have held the ball longer than their opponent.

Fast facts: Vikings: Of Bates' 45 receptions, 33 have resulted in first downs. Owner Red McCombs said coach Mike Tice will return next season. RB Michael Bennett is one shy of Robert Smith's team-record eight 100-yard rushing games in a single season. Lions: Their 25:45 average time of possession is nearly two minutes fewer than any other team in the NFL. Stewart needs four rushing yards for his second 1,000-yard season.

2002 rankings: Vikings: offense 3rd (1st rush, 11th pass); defense 26th (9th rush, 29th pass). Lions: offense 30th (29th rush, 26th pass); defense 31st (18th rush, 30th pass)

TV announcers: Drew Goodman, Sean Jones.

Injury report: Vikings: Out: K Hayden Epstein (knee). Questionable: WR Kelly Campbell (toe); TE Byron Chamberlain (ankle); CB Carey Scott (quadricep). Probable: CB Tyrone Carter (ankle); WR Randy Moss (knee); WR Chris Walsh (back); CB Brian Williams (ankle). Lions: Out: QB Joey Harrington (heart); TE Mikhael Ricks (knee). Doubtful: T Stockar McDougle (toe). Questionable: S LaMar Campbell (knee); CB Chris Cash (shoulder).

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Tennessee Titans (10-5) at Houston Texans (4-11)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Titans by 8 1/2.

Keys to the game: The emotion of having the Titans back in Houston for the first time since moving six years ago aside, the Texans have tangible tasks in order to stay close. The defense allowed 247 rushing yards in the previous game, and a repeat performance will take a charged-up crowd out of the game. Of bigger concern is pass protection. Rookie David Carr has already been sacked more than any quarterback in one season in league history, and with DE Jevon Kearse back, the Titans have one of the best pass rushes around.

Fast facts: Titans: They have a 1,000-yard rusher (Eddie George, 1,063), 1,000-yard receiver (Derrick Mason, 1,012) and 3,000-yard passer (Steve McNair 3,239) in the same season for the first time in team history. Texans: With a victory, they would post the second-most victories (five) by an expansion team. They have been outscored 182-93 in the first half this season. RB Jonathan Wells (528) is one of only three rookies leading his team in rushing.

2002 rankings: Titans: offense 16th (12th rush, 20th pass); defense 11th (2nd rush, 23rd pass). Texans: offense 32nd (31st rush, 32nd pass); defense 18th (29th rush, 10th pass)

TV announcers: Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots.

Injury report: Titans: Questionable: T Brad Hopkins (knee); T Jason Mathews (back); QB Steve McNair (ribs/back); G Zach Piller (calf); DT John Thornton (ankle). Texans: Out: S Ramon Walker (knee-injured reserve). Questionable: WR Jermaine Lewis (ankle). Probable: CB Jason Bell (shoulder); DE Gary Walker (thumb/elbow); G Fred Weary (knee); T Ryan Young (knee).

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Miami Dolphins (9-6) at New England Patriots (8-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Even.

Keys to the game: The Dolphins certainly aren't a cold-weather team, but they have the much stronger running game. RB Ricky Williams had 36 carries and Miami held the ball nearly 40 minutes in the first meeting. However, Miami has already lost in poor weather at Buffalo this season when the pass defense fell apart. The Patriots can only hope for a similar result. Their running game has been inconsistent, and they rely on short crossing routes. If the cold slows the Miami pass rush, New England can keep it close.

Fast facts: The teams are 4-4 in regular-season finales against each other since 1966. Dolphins: They clinch the AFC East with a win. Williams will become the first running back to start all 16 games in a season for the team since Sammy Smith in 1990. Patriots: They will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. They are 13-4 in their past 17 games when the temperature at kickoff is 37 degrees or colder.

2002 rankings: Dolphins: offense 15th (4th rush, 25th pass); defense 3rd (5th rush, 8th pass). Patriots: offense 21st (28th rush, 12th pass); defense 21st (27th rush, 14th pass)

TV announcers: Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian.

Injury report: Dolphins: Questionable: DE Rob Burnett (quadricep); DT Larry Chester (ankle). Probable: T Mark Dixon (ankle); RB Rob Konrad (knee); CB Sam Madison (hip); CB Patrick Surtain (heel); DE Jason Taylor (groin). Patriots: Out: TE Daniel Graham (ribs-injured reserve). Questionable: G Joe Andruzzi (knee); WR Deion Branch (leg); LB Tedy Bruschi (knee); TE Cam Cleeland.

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Baltimore Ravens (7-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Steelers by 7 1/2.

Keys to the game: The Ravens' defensive line must provide pressure with as little assistance as possible. Steelers QB Tommy Maddox led four TD drives to start off the first meeting, and will pick apart Baltimore if given time. However, with so much inexperience in the secondary, the Ravens can't afford to blitz often. In order to stay close, the Ravens must have success against the Steelers' top-rated defense and complete a high percentage of short passes to keep the clock moving.

Fast facts: Ravens: They are 7-1 when they force at least two turnovers. They have allowed an average of 28 points in the past three games against Pittsburgh. With 23 INTs, the defense is two shy of setting the franchise single-season record. Steelers: Bill Cowher is only the sixth coach in NFL history to win at least seven division titles. WR Hines Ward has broken his own team record with 107 receptions this season.

2002 rankings: Ravens: offense 27th (16th rush, 29th pass); defense 19th (11th rush, 25th pass). Steelers: offense 5th (9th rush, 6th pass); defense 5th (1st rush, 17th pass)

TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Randy Cross, Beasley Reece.

Injury report: Ravens: Questionable: RB Sam Gash (leg); CB Tommy Knight (thigh); QB Chris Redman (back). Probable: WR Randy Hymes (thigh); DE Adalius Thomas (thigh). Steelers: Out: CB Chad Scott (hand). Questionable: RB Jerome Bettis (knee); LB James Farrior (shoulder); S Mike Logan (back); QB Tommy Maddox (ankle). Probable: WR Lee Mays (shoulder).

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Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (9-6)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: AstroTurf. Sheridan's line: Saints by 7.

Keys to the game: The Saints must improve in the trenches after rushing for only 26 yards in the previous game while allowing 240. Carolina could help one part of the equation if RB Dee Brown (shoulder) is unable to go, moving Nick Goings into the starting assignment. On the other side of the ball, the Saints need to create more holes for RB Deuce McAllister. A continuing concern is the health of Saints QB Aaron Brooks, who has been playing with a sore shoulder.

Fast facts: Panthers: They have lost their past 13 division games, including all five in the new NFC South. QB Rodney Peete needs 73 passing yards for his first 2,500-yard season. Saints: KR Michael Lewis has set a new NFL record with 2,231 combined kick and punt return yards this season. Brooks has thrown 124 consecutive passes without an interception. Brooks throws a TD once every 5.4 pass attempts.

2002 rankings: Panthers: offense 31st (21st rush, 30th pass); defense 4th (8th rush, 6th pass). Saints: offense 17th (19th rush, 15th pass); defense 29th (25th rush, 7th pass)

TV announcers: Sam Rosen, Bill Maas.

Injury report: Panthers: Questionable: RB Dee Brown (shoulder); RB Joe Montgomery (ankle); TE Wesley Walls (foot). Probable: DT Kris Jenkins (leg); LB Kory Minor (leg). Saints: Doubtful: S Steve Gleason (knee). Questionable: WR Jerome Pathon (knee); LB Darrin Smith (neck); T Kyle Turley (back). Probable: G LeCharles Bentley (ankle); RB Deuce McAllister (ankle); CB Fred Thomas (shoulder).

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Dallas Cowboys (5-10) at Washington Redskins (7-9)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Redskins by 6 1/2.

Keys to the game: The onus falls on the lines on both sides of the ball for Dallas. In order to move the ball, the Cowboys need to protect rookie QB Chad Hutchinson better if he is going to find WR Joey Galloway, who is the only downfield threat. With the defense expected to start rookie CB Pete Hunter, the front four must get pressure on Redskins rookie QB Patrick Ramsey, who is beginning to gain rhythm with his receivers.

Fast facts: Cowboys: RB Emmitt Smith needs 38 rushing yards for his record 12th consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He has 12 career 100-yard rushing games against Washington. They lead the series 50-33-2. Redskins: They are 0-5 against NFC East teams this season and have a 10-game losing streak against the Cowboys. QB Patrick Ramsey has 6 TD passes and no INTs in his past three games.

2002 rankings: Cowboys: offense 28th (15th rush, 31st pass); defense 16th (14th rush, 20th pass). Redskins: offense 20th (13th rush, 21st pass); defense 6th (15th rush, 7th pass)

TV announcers: Pat Summerall, Brian Baldinger.

Injury report: Cowboys: Doubtful: T Solomon Page (knee). Questionable: CB Derek Ross (hip). Probable: CB Mario Edwards (neck); TE James Whalen (rib). Redskins: Out: RB Stephen Davis (shoulder). Questionable: QB Danny Wuerffel (shoulder). Probable: DT Daryl Gardener (back); LB Lemar Marshall (ankle); DE Carl Powell (shoulder); DE Bruce Smith (foot).

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Jacksonville Jaguars (6-9) at Indianapolis Colts (9-6)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: AstroTurf. Sheridan's line: Colts by 7 1/2.

Keys to the game: The Jaguars need to overcome mental and physical issues. They are out of the playoff picture, put in a poor effort against Tennessee the last time out and QB Mark Brunell (hamstring) and RB Fred Taylor (ankle) are battling injuries. Meanwhile, the Colts need a victory to clinch a playoff spot, but know they won't get far without improving the struggling running game. RB Edgerrin James is coming off a career-low 13 yards on 10 carries, and must provide more to open the play-action attack.

Fast facts: Jaguars: The offense has failed to convert a first down on its last 14 third-down opportunities. Over the last four games, the Jaguars are 8-for-45 (17.8 percent). Colts: WR Marvin Harrison needs 155 yards to break Jerry Rice's 1995 record of 1,848 receiving yards in a season. QB Peyton Manning has completed 66.1 percent of his passes this season. The franchise record is 63.7 (Jim Harbaugh, 1995).

2002 rankings: Jaguars: offense 25th (10th rush, 27th pass); defense 23rd (28th rush, 16th pass). Colts: offense 9th (25th rush, 3rd pass); defense 8th (19th rush, 3rd pass)

TV announcers: Gus Johnson, Brent Jones.

Injury report: Jaguars: Questionable: QB Mark Brunell (hamstring). Probable: T Todd Fordham (ankle); DE Rob Meier (groin); WR Bobby Shaw (toe); WR Jimmy Smith (shoulder); RB Fred Taylor (ankle). Colts: Doubtful: RB Jim Finn (ankle); RB Ricky Williams (ankle). Questionable: DE Chad Bratzke (leg); S Jason Doering (neck); S David Gibson (knee); CB Nicholas Harper (back); WR Qadry Ismail (head); DE Brad Scioli (shoulder); RB Detron Smith (hamstring); LB Marcus Washington (knee). Probable: S Idrees Bashir (hip/hamstring); CB Cliff Crosby (thigh); T Waverly Jackson (knee); RB Edgerrin James (ankle); CB Joseph Jefferson (thigh/hand); RB James Mungro (thigh).

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Arizona Cardinals (5-10) at Denver Broncos (8-7)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Broncos by 11.

Keys to the game: In a game likely to be decided by the running backs, the Broncos have a big advantage as they come in with the No. 3 run defense in the league. If they can stop Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp and get an early lead, most of QB Jake Plummer's poor decisions come when he's forced to mount a comeback while throwing to an inexperienced receiving corps. If the Cardinals can somehow get a lead, they can be aggressive in coming after immobile QB Steve Beuerlein, starting in place of the benched Brian Griese (knee).

Fast facts: Cardinals: Injuries have left them with only one healthy lineman from their projected starting lineup. Plummer's 17 TD passes are two shy of a career high. Broncos: Griese is 27-24 since taking over for John Elway in 1999. They are 3-0 against the NFC West this season. RD Rod Smith needs 35 receiving yards for his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

2002 rankings: Cardinals: offense 26th (14th rush, 28th pass); defense 30th (23rd rush, 28th pass). Broncos: offense 4th (8th rush, 8th pass); defense 7th (3rd rush, 19th pass)

TV announcers: Curt Menefee, Tim Ryan.

Injury report: Cardinals: Out: WR Frank Sanders (foot). Doubtful: G Pete Kendall (ankle). Questionable: CB David Barrett (groin); CB Duane Starks (groin); S Adrian Wilson (hamstring). Probable: WR-KR Kevin Kasper (hip); S Justin Lucas (illness); RB Joel Makovicka (illness); LB LeVar Woods (ankle). Broncos: Questionable: QB Brian Griese (knee). Probable: S Sam Brandon (knee); LB Keith Burns (shoulder); CB Kelly Herndon (hamstring); WR Ed McCaffrey (chest); TE Shannon Sharpe (elbow).

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Green Bay Packers (12-3) at N.Y. Jets (8-7)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, Fox

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Jets by 1 1/2.

Keys to the game: With RB Ahman Green (knee) battling an injury, the Packers might be best served attacking the Jets defense over the middle. Their secondary is soft and the heavy linebackers can get lost against Green Bay's speedy receivers. The Packers are coming off a shutout, but still allow 4.9 yards per carry, so RB Curtis Martin needs to get off to a quick start to ensure the Jets stick with the run. That will also help keep Green Bay's strong pass rush away from QB Chad Pennington.

Fast facts: Packers: They are last in the NFL in punt-return average at 4.57 yards. They are 3-0 against AFC teams. They are 14-0 when Green rushes for at least 100 yards. Jets: Martin has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first eight seasons. The only player in NFL history to begin his career with a longer such streak was Detroit RB Barry Sanders (10). With a win and a Patriots victory against Miami, the Jets would win the AFC East.

2002 rankings: Packers: offense 12th (11th rush, 10th pass); defense 9th (22nd rush, 2nd pass). Jets: offense 24th (23rd rush, 19th pass); defense 24th (20th rush, 22nd pass)

TV announcers: Dick Stockton, Daryl Johnston.

Injury report: Packers: Questionable: T Earl Dotson (back); DE Keith McKenzie (hamstring); S Darren Sharper (knee). Probable: DT Gilbert Brown (foot); RB Antonio Carter (shoulder); QB Brett Favre (knee/ankle); CB Tod McBride (groin). Jets: Probable: CB Donnie Abraham (thigh).

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Seattle Seahawks (6-9)at San Diego Chargers (8-7)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, CBS

Surface: Grass. Sheridan's line: Chargers by 3.

Keys to the game: Which soft defense will bend the most without breaking? The Seahawks have by far the worst run defense in the league, and the Chargers will pound away with RB LaDainian Tomlinson. That will be especially true since WR Curtis Conway (shoulder) is still hurting and because they want to keep their porous pass defense off the field. Seattle will take shots deep to WRs Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson, who are benefiting from the emergence of rookie TE Jerramy Stevens over the middle.

Fast facts: Seahawks: They have used 41 different players in the starting lineup this season. RB Shaun Alexander has a team-record 17 TDs this season. QB Matt Hasselbeck is third in the NFC with a 63.1 completion percentage. Chargers: They are 1-12 in their past 13 December games. If they miss the playoffs, it will be for the seventh consecutive season, the second-longest drought in the NFL (Cincinnati, 12).

2002 rankings: Seahawks: offense 13th (20th rush, 7th pass); defense 27th (32nd rush, 15th pass). Chargers: offense 18th (8th rush, 24th pass); defense 28th (10th rush, 31st pass)

TV announcers: Ron Pitts, Marv Levy.

Injury report: Seahawks: Out: DE Anton Palepoi (ankle). Questionable: S Terreal Bierria (knee); WR Bobby Engram (toe); RB Maurice Morris (hamstring); G Floyd Wedderburn (foot); T Floyd Womack (ankle). Probable: RB Shaun Alexander (foot); LB Anthony Simmons (ankle); CB Shawn Springs (foot); TE Jerramy Stevens (groin). Chargers: Doubtful: WR Curtis Conway (shoulder). Questionable: LB Junior Seau (ankle). Probable: T Damion McIntosh (ankle); T Vaughn Parker (elbow).

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4) at Chicago Bears (4-11)

Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Surface: AstroTurf. Sheridan's line: Bucs by 7.

Keys to the game: Which former third-string QB will perform better? Chicago's Henry Burris is expected to start because Chris Chandler, filling in for Jim Miller, is recovering from a concussion, and Burris must get better protection than he did in the previous game. Rob Johnson gets the start for the Bucs because Shaun King was awful in place of Brad Johnson (back) last weekend. That places the burden on a pair of sub-par running games to produce, and on Burris and Rob Johnson to limit turnovers.

Fast facts: Buccaneers: They are 0-21 in games played in under 40 degrees. A win would set a franchise record for regular-season victories. WR Keyshawn Johnson is averaging a career-best 14.7 yards per catch. Bears: Burris hasn't started a game since 2000, with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. They are 8-2 in their last 10 home games against the Bucs.

2002 rankings: Buccaneers: offense 22nd (27th rush, 13th pass); defense 1st (7th rush, 26th pass). Bears: offense 29th (32nd rush, 23rd pass); defense 25th (26th rush, 1st pass)

TV announcers: Mike Patrick, Paul Maguire, Joe Theismann, Suzy Kolber.

Injury report: Buccaneers: Questionable: QB Brad Johnson (back); DT Warren Sapp (knee). probable: lb Shelton Quarles (ankle). Bears: out: TE John Davis (back); LB Bryan Knight (knee); DT Christian Peter (calf). Questionable: CB R.W. McQuarters (hip); S Damon Moore (leg); DE John Stamper (shoulder); DT Keith Traylor (leg). Probable: QB Chris Chandler (head).

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San Francisco 49ers (10-5) at St. Louis Rams (6-9)

Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ABC

Surface: AstroTurf. Sheridan's line: Rams by 2.

Keys to the game: With a short week heading into their first playoff game, the 49ers aren't expected to play WR Terrell Owens at all, and QB Jeff Garcia and RBs Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow will see limited action at best. For the Rams, QB Scott Covington could get the start if Jamie Martin's latest knee injury keeps him out, and RB Lamar Gordon is expected to start with Marshall Faulk (ankle) still hurting and Trung Canidate battling fumbling problems. It's simply a matter of which backup squad makes the fewest mistakes.

Fast facts: 49ers: Garcia has a 101.7 passer rating in his past six games against NFC West teams. They are 30-17 in December over the past 10 seasons. Rams: QB Marc Bulger leads the league with a 101.4 passer rating, but won't finish with enough pass attempts to qualify for the title. They are 24-6 (.800) against the NFC West since 1999.

2002 rankings: 49ers: offense 7th (6th rush, 14th pass); defense 15th (12th rush, 21st pass). Rams: offense 10th (30th rush, 2nd pass); defense 10th (13th rush, 13th pass)

TV announcers: Al Michaels, John Madden, Melissa Stark.

Injury report: 49ers: Out: RB Jamal Robertson (hamstring). Doubtful: S Zack Bronson (foot); LB Saleem Rasheed (thigh); LB Jamie Winborn (knee) Questionable: WR Terrell Owens (groin); G Ron Stone (ankle). Probable: T Derrick Deese (ankle); DE Sean Moran (Achilles); DT Josh Shaw (knee). Rams: Out: QB Marc Bulger (back); DE Grant Wistrom (knee). Doubtful: LB Tommy Polley (ankle). Questionable: T Orlando Pace (hamstring). Probable: RB Marshall Faulk (ankle); CB Travis Fisher (knee); QB Jamie Martin (knee).

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