Tuesday, December 2, 2003
It's crunch time in the NFL
The Associated Press
The Bengals-Ravens showdown is only one of several games with major playoff ramifications this week. Here's a look at some others.
Indy at Tennessee. The matchup could decide the AFC South regardless of how the Titans, who were 9-2, fared Monday night against the Jets.
The Colts' loss to New England dropped them a half-game behind Tennessee, but the Colts (9-3) won the first meeting, so a win Sunday would give them control of the division, with the loser almost surely a wild-card playoff team.
Dallas at Philadelphia. With their victory over Carolina, the Eagles have won seven straight and nine of 10. The Cowboys (8-4) were awful in a 40-21 loss to Miami on Thanksgiving. But coach Bill Parcells has a way of motivating his teams after demoralizing losses and a victory would give Dallas the tiebreaker since it won the first meeting against Philadelphia (9-3).
Miami at New England. This one is probably more important for the Dolphins (8-4), seeking a wild-card berth. A win by Miami, though, would also put pressure on the Patriots (10-2), who want to remain in the race for home-field advantage in the playoffs with Kansas City.
Kansas City at Denver. Not the game it appeared to be after the Chiefs' 24-23 win at home Oct. 5 - the injury-riddled Broncos have lost four more since. But Denver (7-5) is chasing a wild card and the Chiefs (11-1) want home-field advantage in the AFC.
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