Line of Scrimmage: Week 16 - NFL All-Rookie Team

Football Betting Lines

12/19/2006 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In a year during which rookies have generated a major impact for several contending teams, let's take a look at the best of the best:

OFFENSE

QB Vince Young, Titans - Might still be the least polished of the "Big 3" quarterbacks selected in the '06 Draft, but his 7-4 record speaks for itself.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars - Reggie Bush has been good, too, but Jones- Drew has more offensive yards (1143 to 1125) and is way ahead in touchdowns (13 to 7).

FB Oliver Hoyte, Cowboys - Undrafted rookie from N.C. State has made four starts at fullback for America's Team.

WR Marques Colston, Saints - Fourth-to-last pick in the draft just went over the 1,000-yard mark.

WR Santonio Holmes, Steelers - Hasn't made up for the absence of Antwaan Randle El, but has generated an impact with 40 catches and some big moments in the return game.

TE Owen Daniels, Texans - Fourth-round pick never had more than 25 catches or four touchdowns in a season in four years at Wisconsin. In '06: 34 receptions, 5 TD.

C Nick Mangold, Jets - Looks like multiple Pro Bowls could be in his future.

G Jahri Evans, Saints - Fourth-round pick out of Division II Bloomsburg looked like a project, but has developed quickly in starting 14 games.

G Jason Spitz, Packers - Third-rounder has been the most consistent of Packers' three o-line rookies.

T Marcus McNeill, Chargers - Has been dominant at times in 14 starts at left tackle, despite breaking both hands along the way.

T Andrew Whitworth, Bengals - Took over at left tackle when Levi Jones got hurt, and (despite struggles against Dwight Freeney on Monday night) has done a credible job at a notoriously difficult spot.

DEFENSE

DE Tamba Hali, Chiefs - First-round pick out of Penn State has started every game, and has six sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception to show for it.

DE Mark Anderson, Bears - Fifth-round selection ranks among league leaders with 10 sacks in a situational role.

DT Barry Cofield, Giants - One of the most consistent (and consistently healthy) members of the Giants defense has 40 tackles to his credit on the season.

DT Haloti Ngata, Ravens - Ray Lewis' hand-picked space-eater has stabilized the league's No. 1 defense.

LB Ernie Sims, Lions - Detroit has been awful, but Sims' 116 tackles have been a bright spot.

LB DeMeco Ryans, Texans - 137 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and should be at the heart of the Texans' defense for years to come.

LB A.J. Hawk, Packers - Leads Packers with 109 stops, and has played particularly well during team's recent 5-4 run.

CB Tye Hill, Rams - Most productive of first-round corners has three interceptions and a fumble recovery to his credit.

CB Richard Marshall, Panthers - Has been more consistent than both Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, and his three picks lead the team.

S Donte Whitner, Bills - Hasn't made enough big plays (especially for the No. 8 overall pick), but his future looks bright.

S Dawan Landry, Ravens - Fifth-round pick won the strong safety job out of training camp, and has 62 tackles, four interceptions, and a pair of sacks since earning it.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots - He's only made two kicks of 40 yards or longer, but his 10 kickoffs for touchbacks are a plus.

P Jon Ryan, Packers - Former CFL star is averaging 44.8 yards per punt.

RS Devin Hester, Bears - Has six returns for touchdowns in one of the finest seasons for a special-teamer in league history.

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

WEEKLY SEED REPORT

An up-to-date ranking of where teams lie in the playoff race:

AFC 1. San Diego (12-2) 2. Indianapolis (11-3) 3. Baltimore (11-3) 4. New England (10-4) 5. Denver (8-6) 6. Cincinnati (8-6)

NFC 1. Chicago (12-2) 2. New Orleans (9-5) 3. Dallas (9-5) 4. Seattle (8-6) 5. Philadelphia (8-6) 6. N.Y. Giants (7-7)

NFL POWER POLL

The Sportsbook Betting Lines's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm

FANTASY - FIVE TO START

Jay Cutler, QB, Denver (vs. Cincinnati) - Rookie will make some plays against the Bengals' league-worst passing defense.

Ron Dayne, RB, Houston (vs. Indianapolis) - First 100-yard game since 2001 could be forthcoming against soft Colts "D".

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay (vs. Minnesota) - Vikings allowed Green Bay passing game to go wild back in Week 11.

Ben Utecht, TE, Indianapolis (vs. Houston) - Young Texans secondary won't pay enough attention to blossoming Utecht over the middle.

Cleveland Defense (vs. Tampa Bay) - Should play well against Tim Rattay and a Buccaneers team that is playing out the string.

FANTASY - FIVE TO BENCH

Chad Pennington, QB, N.Y. Jets (at Miami) - Jason Taylor will throw inconsistent Pennington off his game.

Ahman Green, RB, Green Bay (vs. Minnesota) - No running back has hit even the 80-yard mark against the Vikings this season.

Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle, (vs. San Diego) - Seahawks line has done a poor job blocking for its backs.

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh (vs. Baltimore) - Won't have a huge game against the hard-hitting Ravens secondary.

Robbie Gould, K, Chicago (at Detroit) - Went 0-for-2 on field goals in St. Louis' Edward Jones Dome two weeks ago.

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. Dallas (vs. Philadelphia) - Three straight road wins for Eagles? Not happening.

2. Chicago (at Detroit) - Bears have nothing to play for, but they're still the better team.

3. Kansas City (at Oakland) - Chiefs are probably done, but that doesn't mean the Raiders will show up to play them tough.

THE GAMES

I was 9-7 in my picks last week, but that record fell to a weak 5-11 against the spread. The Ravens and Bears didn't win as big as I thought they would, and the Panthers and Cardinals didn't keep things close enough. The record is now 127-97 (.567) on the year, and 100-117-7 (.462) with the line.

Minnesota (6-8) at Green Bay (6-8), Thursday, 8:00 (Green Bay -3)

Storylines: Winner of longtime rivalry advances its position in the NFC Wild Card race, while loser is effectively eliminated from contention...Rookie Tarvaris Jackson, a second-round pick out of Alabama State, expected to make his first career start at quarterback for Minnesota...Green Bay is 5-4 since starting the year 1-4, while Minnesota is 2-6 since opening at 4-2...Packers are trying to become just the second team in NFL history ('90 Saints) to reach the playoffs despite never being above .500 at any point in the season...Green Bay will play its first game since offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski was named head coach at Boston College...Jagodzinski will continue to call the Packers' plays...Vikings are No. 1 in the league in rushing defense (55.1 yards per game) and yards allowed per carry (2.7), and are on pace to break the NFL record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a 16-game season (970), owned by the 2000 Baltimore Ravens...Packers won this season's first meeting with the Vikings, 23-17, in Week 10.

Fast Fact: The Vikings are 0-4 in December games played at Lambeau Field since their last such win (32-6) on Dec. 7, 1986.

Prediction: With a rookie taking the snaps for Minnesota, count on Favre to prevail. Packers 21, Vikings 17.

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Kansas City (7-7) at Oakland (2-12), Saturday, 8:00 (Kansas City -6)

Storylines: Kansas City, which has lost three in a row, is a game back of the AFC Wild Card leaders as Week 16 begins...Raiders are 2-21 in the AFC West since 2003, have lost 13 straight in division play, and are 0-7 against the Chiefs since last beating them in 2002...Quarterback Aaron Brooks expected to start for the Raiders after being benched late in last week's 20-0 loss to the Rams...Wide receiver Randy Moss (ankle) is listed as questionable...Oakland is last in the league in total offense (244.5 yards per game), scoring offense (11.1 points per game), touchdowns (16), passing touchdowns (7), sacks allowed (66), turnover margin (-16), fumbles lost (17), and is tied for last in rushing touchdowns (5) and interceptions thrown (21)...Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen leads the league with four defensive fumble recoveries...Raiders lead the NFL in passing defense (151.6 yards per game), but are also tied for the fewest passing attempts faced (356) in the league...Kansas City won this year's first meeting, 17-13, in Week 11.

Fast Fact: Raiders head coach Art Shell is 2-11 against the Chiefs all-time.

Prediction: Any reason to believe the Raiders' offense will emerge? Not really. Chiefs 27, Raiders 10.

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Carolina (6-8) at Atlanta (7-7), Sunday, 1:00 (NL)

Storylines: Atlanta is tied with the similarly 7-7 Giants for the second of two NFC Wild Card slots as Week 16 begins, but is listed behind New York in various tie-breaking scenarios...Panthers, who are 2-6 in their last eight games, have not been officially eliminated from postseason contention... Falcons have lost three straight at home since beating the Steelers in Week 7...Atlanta, which defeated Carolina (20-6) in Week 1, trying to complete its sixth home-and-home sweep of the Panthers in the past nine seasons...Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (groin) and defensive end John Abraham (thumb) both expected to play...Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme (thumb) unlikely to return this week, meaning Chris Weinke would get his third straight start... Panthers are last in the league in third-down percentage (29.3)...Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker (torn ACL) was lost for the season in last week's loss to the Steelers...Falcons lead the NFL in rushing offense (192.6 yards per game), yards per carry (5.6), and rushes of 20 yards or more (23), but are last in the league in passing offense (147 yards per game)...Atlanta has lost just five fumbles on the year, tied with Dallas and Washington for fewest in the NFL.

Fast Fact: The Falcons' 44-11 loss to the Panthers in Week 17 of last season was the franchise's most lopsided home defeat since the 1994 campaign.

Prediction: In a battle of desperate teams, take the one playing within friendly confines. Falcons 23, Panthers 17.

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Tennessee (7-7) at Buffalo (7-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Buffalo -4)

Storylines: Titans and Bills are a game out of the AFC's two Wild Card slots...Tennessee is 7-2 since an 0-5 start, and its current five-game winning streak is the franchise's longest since 2003...Buffalo is 5-2 over its last seven contests...Titans running back Travis Henry will be facing a Buffalo team for which he played from 2001 through 2004 for the first time...Buffalo running back Willis McGahee needs 128 rushing yards to surpass 1,000 for the third straight season... Bills quarterback J.P. Losman has 11 touchdown passes versus four interceptions during his team's 5-2 stretch...Tennessee is last in the league in completion percentage (50.6)...Titans had three defensive touchdowns in last week's 24-17 win over the Jaguars...Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel leads the NFL in sacks (13.5) as Week 16 begins...Titans are last in the league in total defense (366.6 yards per game)...Tennessee linebacker Peter Sirmon (knee) could miss Sunday's game, but tight end Bo Scaife (ankle) is set to return after a one-game absence.

Fast Fact: Eight of Tennessee running back Travis Henry's 17 career 100-yard games have been recorded at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Prediction: Christmas Eve in Buffalo would be a perfect occasion for Vince Young to hit the rookie wall. Bills 19, Titans 16.

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Tampa Bay (3-11) at Cleveland (4-10), Sunday, 1:00 (Cleveland -3)

Storylines: Tim Rattay will make his first start as a member of the Buccaneers...Cleveland's Derek Anderson expected to make his third straight start in place of injured quarterback Charlie Frye (wrist)...Rattay completed 20-of-35 passes for 268 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in last week's 34-31 overtime loss to the Bears...Bucs are trying to avoid their first five-game losing streak in a single season since the 1996 team started 0-5, and are seeking to avoid their first 0-8 road finish since 1991...Tampa Bay is tied for last in the league in rushing touchdowns (5) along with the Raiders and Seahawks... Buccaneers are tied with the Redskins for the most passing touchdowns allowed (25) in the league...Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and linebacker Andra Davis both suffered concussions in last week's 27-17 loss to the Ravens, and the status of both players is undetermined for Sunday...Buccaneers wideout Joey Galloway needs 95 receiving yards to post his first back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since 1997-98.

Fast Fact: Buccaneers quarterback Tim Rattay is 0-6 on the road in his career as a starter.

Prediction: Browns offense has played well since Anderson cracked the lineup, and Bucs' feeble attack won't be able to keep pace. Browns 33, Buccaneers 13.

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Chicago (12-2) at Detroit (2-12), Sunday, 1:00 (Chicago -4)

Storylines: NFC North Champion Bears have already clinched homefield advantage throughout the conference portion of the playoffs...Lions have a slight edge over the similarly 2-12 Raiders for the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft... Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman comes off his first career 300-yard game...Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson expected to be suspended for a second straight game following an arrest on a weapons charge last week... Lions' 21 interceptions thrown are tied for the league-high along with the Raiders...Lions quarterback Jon Kitna will start despite throwing two touchdown passes versus eight interceptions in his last three games...Detroit is last in the league in rushing offense (69.8 yards per game)...Bears lead the NFL with 42 takeaways and 19 forced fumbles recovered...Chicago leads the league in opponents' third-down percentage (29.1)...Lions are allowing opponents to complete a league-high 66.8 percent of their passes...The Bears' Devin Hester leads the NFL in returns for touchdowns (3 punt, 2 kickoff, 1 missed field goal), and paces the league in punt return average (13.8).

Fast Fact: The last Bears quarterback to post back-to-back 300-yard passing games was Jim Miller, who did so against the Vikings and Chargers in Weeks 10-11 of the 1999 season.

Prediction: Whatever 22 players Chicago puts on the field will be better than Detroit's best 22. Bears 24, Lions 7.

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Indianapolis (11-3) at Houston (4-10), Sunday, 1:00 (Indianapolis -9)

Storylines: AFC South champion Colts will try to maintain their slim lead over Baltimore in a quest for the No. 2 seed in the conference...Indianapolis would clinch a first-round bye with a win and a Baltimore loss at Pittsburgh...Colts are 9-0 against the Texans all-time...Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL in touchdown passes (26) and passer rating (99.0), and Colts have allowed a league-low 15 sacks on the year...Texans quarterback David Carr has just one touchdown pass in his past eight games, and threw a career-high four interceptions in last week's 40-7 loss to the Patriots...Colts lead the league in third-down percentage (55.2), but are last in fourth-downs converted (0-for-4)...Texans receiver Andre Johnson leads the league in receptions (97)...Houston is No. 1 in the NFL in completion percentage (68.6)...Colts are last in the league in rushing defense (173.4), yards allowed per carry (5.4), runs surrendered of 20 yards or more (17), and rushing touchdowns allowed (18).

Fast Fact: The Colts (two straight AFC South losses) have not lost three straight games to division opponents since 2001, when they were defeated by AFC East foes the Dolphins (twice) and Jets in consecutive contests.

Prediction: Houston might smell an opportunity for its first win over Indy, but it won't come against a Colts team that is still out of the Texans' league. Colts 28, Texans 20.

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New England (10-4) at Jacksonville (8-6), Sunday, 1:00 (Jacksonville -2)

Storylines: Patriots can win their fourth straight AFC East crown with a victory or a Jets loss to the Dolphins on Monday night...Jaguars are one of four 8-6 teams (Cincinnati, Denver, N.Y. Jets) vying for two AFC Wild Card slots...New England is a league-best 15-of-19 (78.9 percent) on fourth-down conversions, while Jacksonville leads the NFL with just 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) fourth-down conversions allowed...Jaguars quarterback David Garrard committed four turnovers (three INT, 1 fumble) in last week's 24-17 loss to the Titans, three of which were returned for touchdowns...Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor (hamstring) considered questionable for Sunday...Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (8) along with the Broncos' Champ Bailey...New England leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns allowed (9) and carries of 20 yards or more surrendered (2), and is tied with Baltimore for fewest touchdowns allowed (19) in the league...Jaguars are allowing opponents to complete a league-low 54.5 percent of their passes...Jacksonville is last in the NFL in forced fumbles recovered (3).

Fast Fact: The Jaguars are 1-5 all-time against the Patriots, with their only win over New England coming at Alltel Stadium in a 1998 AFC First-Round Playoff (25-10).

Prediction: Jacksonville has been dominant at home this season, and New England has been wildly inconsistent. Jaguars 27, Patriots 19.

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New Orleans (9-5) at N.Y. Giants (7-7), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Giants -3)

Storylines: NFC South Champion Saints are trying to maintain their edge in a quest for the No. 2 spot in the conference...Giants enter Week 16 with a slim advantage in the quest for the second of two NFC Wild Card berths...Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (foot) could return to the field following a six-game absence...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards (4240), and New Orleans is No. 1 in the league in total offense (400.6 yards per game) and passing offense (296 yards per game)...New York wide receiver Plaxico Burress needs 93 receiving yards to surpass 1,000 for the second straight season...New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister is 51 yards shy of the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career...Saints wideout Joe Horn (groin) considered questionable for Sunday after missing the team's last two games...Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) regarded as questionable... Giants are 3-0 against the NFC South this season.

Fast Fact: Of the 22 players that started for the Saints in their 27-10 loss at the Giants last Sept. 19th, a total of 10 remain on New Orleans' active roster.

Prediction: Saints' turbulent offseason could finally be catching up with them. Giants 23, Saints 16.

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Baltimore (11-3) at Pittsburgh (7-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Pittsburgh -3)

Storylines: AFC North Champion Baltimore will try to remain in the mix for a top-two seed in the conference...Ravens would be out of the running for a top two spot with a loss and a Colts win over the 4-10 Texans...Pittsburgh, which has won five of its last six, is a game back of four 8-6 teams for the AFC's two Wild Card berths...Ravens, who drilled the Steelers by a 27-0 count in Week 12, are looking for their first home-and-home sweep of Pittsburgh since 2000...Baltimore quarterback Steve McNair expected to start after missing most of last week's win over the Browns with a hand injury...Ravens lead the league in total defense (265.8 yards per game), scoring defense (13.4 points per game), turnover margin (+15), interceptions (24), are tied with New England for fewest touchdowns allowed (19), and are tied with Washington for fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (5)...Steelers will be without starting right tackle Max Starks (knee)...Linebacker Bart Scott (9.5 sacks) and defensive end Terrell Suggs (8 sacks) looking to join Ravens end Trevor Pryce (12 sacks) and linebacker Adalius Thomas (10 sacks) in the double-digit sacks category, which would make Baltimore the first team in NFL history to have four players with 10 or more sacks.

Fast Fact: The home team has won the last eight installments of the Ravens/Steelers series, since Pittsburgh won in Baltimore during the 2002 campaign.

Prediction: Ravens will beat the Steelers now, so they don't have to beat them later. Ravens 20, Steelers 19.

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Washington (5-9) at St. Louis (6-8), Sunday, 1:00 (St. Louis -2)

Storylines: St. Louis is one game behind the 7-7 Giants and Falcons for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC...Rams defeated the Raiders (20-0) last week, their first shutout since 2003 and first road shutout since 2001...Redskins upset the NFC South Champion Saints, 16-10, last week...Washington running back Ladell Betts, who has rushed for 100 yards in four straight games, needs 67 yards for his first career 1,000-yard season...Rams are tied with the Eagles and Chargers for fewest interceptions thrown (8) in the NFL... Washington is tied with San Diego for the fewest turnovers (14) in the league, and is tied with Atlanta and Dallas for fewest fumbles lost (5)...St. Louis is last in the league in opponents' third-down percentage (46.4)...Redskins are tied with Ravens for fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (5) in the league, but are tied with Tampa Bay for most passing touchdowns allowed (25)...Washington is last in the NFL in interceptions (6), takeaways (11), and sacks (17).

Fast Fact: Washington has won seven straight in the city of St. Louis since last losing there, to the Cardinals, in 1984.

Prediction: Redskins defense can't be counted on to show up for a second straight week. Rams 26, Redskins 14.

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Arizona (4-10) at San Francisco (6-8), Sunday, 4:05 (San Francisco -4)

Storylines: 49ers need a win and a Seattle loss to San Diego to remain in the hunt for the NFC West title...Cardinals, who defeated the 49ers (34-27) in Week 1, trying to complete a home-and-home sweep of San Francisco for the second straight season...49ers running back Frank Gore needs 80 rushing yards to break the franchise single-season record (1570), set by Garrison Hearst in 1998...Arizona running back Edgerrin James needs 12 yards to become the franchise's first 1,000-yard rusher since Adrian Murrell in 1998...San Francisco starting right tackle Eric Heitmann (broken tibia) will miss the remainder of the season after being injured in last week's 24-14 win over the Seahawks...Cardinals are last in the league in yards per carry (3.1) and rushes of 20 yards or more (0)...49ers are last in the NFL in scoring defense (25.9 points per game) and touchdowns allowed (42)...San Francisco linebacker Derek Smith (hamstring) and tight end Eric Johnson (knee) could return to the lineup on Sunday after respective absences of two and three games.

Fast Fact: Three of Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's nine career 100-yard receiving games have come against the 49ers.

Prediction: With something to play for late in the season for a change, San Francisco will give its best effort. 49ers 20, Cardinals 15.

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Cincinnati (8-6) at Denver (8-6), Sunday, 4:15 (Denver -3)

Storylines: Bengals and Broncos are two of four 8-6 teams (Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets) competing for two AFC Wild Card spots...Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, who scored his first win as a starter in last Sunday's 37-20 win over the Cardinals, vying for his first home victory...Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson leads the NFL in receiving yards (1284)...Denver running back Tatum Bell is 73 yards shy of his first career 1,000-yard season...Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is tied for the league lead in interceptions (8) along with the Patriots' Asante Samuel...Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who played for the Broncos from 2000 through 2003, will head back to Denver for the first time...Cincinnati is last in NFL passing defense (241.6 yards per game)...Status of Bengals tackles Willie Anderson (foot) and Levi Jones (knee) both uncertain for Sunday's game...Broncos tight end Stephen Alexander (rib) and tackle Adam Meadows (hamstring) both expected to play on Sunday.

Fast Fact: Cincinnati is 0-7 in Denver since last winning there in 1975.

Prediction: Cutler will make some hay against the Bengals secondary, but won't be able to match Carson Palmer score-for-score. Bengals 24, Broncos 22.

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San Diego (12-2) at Seattle (8-6), Sunday, 4:15 (San Diego -4)

Storylines: AFC West Champion San Diego tries to score a team-record 13th victory and maintain control of the top spot in the AFC, while Seattle looks to wrap up its third consecutive NFC West title...Chargers have won eight in a row, while Seahawks have dropped two straight...Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who has already set the NFL record for single-season touchdowns (31), rushing touchdowns (28), and scoring (186 points), enters Week 16 as the NFL leader in rushing yards (1626)...San Diego leads the league in scoring offense (31.8 points per game), total touchdowns (54), rushing touchdowns (32), is tied with the Redskins for the fewest giveaways (14), and is tied with the Eagles and Rams for the fewest interceptions thrown (8)... Seahawks are tied for last in the NFL in rushing TDs (5) along with the Buccaneers and Raiders...Seattle wide receiver Darrell Jackson (hyperextended toe) expected to miss his second straight game...Chargers lead the league in sacks (54).

Fast Fact: The Seahawks are 5-0 against the Chargers since being swept in a home-and-home against their then-AFC West rival in 1999.

Prediction: San Diego can't afford to squander its high ground in the AFC race, and will keep on truckin' against the fading Seahawks. Chargers 34, Seahawks 10.

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Philadelphia (8-6) at Dallas (9-5), Monday, 5:00 (Dallas -7)

Storylines: Dallas will clinch its first NFC East title since 1998 with a win, and will hand over control of the division to Philadelphia with a loss... Eagles will clinch at least a Wild Card berth with a victory...Cowboys are trying to avenge a 38-24 loss to the Eagles in Week 5...Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia has thrown nine touchdown passes with one interception since taking over for the injured Donovan McNabb (knee) in Week 11...Dallas quarterback Tony Romo is 6-2 since taking over as a starter, including last week's 38-28 victory in Atlanta...Cowboys wideout Terrell Owens leads the NFL in touchdown catches (11)...Eagles are tops in the NFL in touchdown passes (27), and are tied with the Chargers and Rams for the fewest interceptions thrown (8)...Dallas has lost just five fumbles on the year, tied with Atlanta and Washington for fewest in the league...Cowboys running back Marion Barber III's 15 touchdowns trail only LaDainian Tomlinson's 31 in the league...Eagles strong safety Michael Lewis (calf) considered questionable for Monday.

Fast Fact: The Eagles are 1-3 against starting quarterbacks who made their first start with their current team during the 2006 season, beating Jason Campbell (Washington) and losing to Drew Brees (New Orleans), Bruce Gradkowski (Tampa Bay), and Vince Young (Tennessee).

Prediction: Philly will show up, but won't be able to hold down Dallas' multi- pronged attack for four quarters. Cowboys 26, Eagles 17.

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N.Y. Jets (8-6) at Miami (6-8), Monday, 8:30 (Miami -2)

Storylines: Jets are one of four 8-6 teams (Cincinnati, Denver, Jacksonville) vying for two AFC Wild Card spots as Week 16 begins...Dolphins trying to avoid a sweep against New York, after dropping a Week 6 matchup, 20-17...Jets quarterback Chad Pennington completed 29-of-39 passes for a career-high 339 yards with a touchdown and an interception in last week's 26-13 win at Minnesota...Miami signal-caller Joey Harrington expected to start despite posting a 0.0 passer rating in last Sunday's 21-0 loss at the Bills...New York receiver Laveranues Coles needs four receptions, 200 receiving yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games to set single-season bests in all three major receiving categories...Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (broken hand) could return following a three-game absence, but wide receiver Marty Booker (ankle) is not expected to be in uniform...Miami defensive end Jason Taylor has at least a sack in nine of his last 11 games, and has also forced nine fumbles over that stretch...The Jets' Justin Miller leads the NFL in kickoff return average (28.674).

Fast Fact: The Jets have completed a home-and-home sweep over the Dolphins 15 times in team history, and have missed the playoffs in nine of those seasons.

Prediction: In a matchup of two confounding teams, look for the Jets to wilt in the Florida heat. Dolphins 17, Jets 14.