WEEK 6

By Terry Bannon /

Chicago Tribune

Bears (1-3) vs. Vikings (1-3)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Bears by 3.

Last meeting: Bears won 24-14 at Soldier Field on Dec. 5, 2004.

Key stat: Bears have won last 4 meetings in Chicago.

Fantasy factor: Paul Edinger has made 7 of 8 FGs for Vikings. Rookie Cedric Benson gets 1st chance to play like 1st-round draft pick.

The buzz: Bears have troubles, like playing without heart of their offense – injured RB Thomas Jones. But Vikings haven’t adjusted since trading Randy Moss.

Browns (2-2) at Ravens (1-3)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Ravens by 6.

Last meeting: Ravens won 27-13 at Baltimore on Nov. 7, 2004.

Key stat: It’s Ravens’ No. 9 rushing defense vs. Browns’ No. 29 rushing offense.

Fantasy factor: Browns’ Trent Dilfer has thrown 6 TD passes vs. 4 interceptions. Ravens’ Jamal Lewis has averaged 147.6 rushing yards in 8 games vs. Browns.

The buzz: Ravens one of NFL’s disappointments, but they can still play defense. Browns still long way away.

Giants (3-1) at Cowboys (3-2)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Cowboys by 3.

Last meeting: Giants won 28-24 at New York on Jan. 2, 2005.

Key stat: Giants are 2nd in NFL with plus-10 turnover differential.

Fantasy factor: The quarterbacks are hot: Giants’ Eli Manning has thrown 9 TD passes vs. 2 interceptions, Cowboys’ Drew Bledsoe has thrown 10 vs. 3.

The buzz: When two good offenses meet, it’s often defense that makes difference. Giants give up too many points.

Panthers (3-2) at Lions (2-2)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Lions by 1.

Last meeting: Panthers won 20-14 at Carolina on Dec. 21, 2003.

Key stat: Panthers have won 9 of last 13 games.

Fantasy factor: Panthers’ Stephen Davis has rushed for 7 TDs, though he’s getting only 3.2 per carry. Lions’ Kevin Jones has averaged 107 yards in last 6 home games.

The buzz: After missing playoffs last season because of slow start, Panthers climbing NFL ladder. Jake Delhomme can outduel Joey Harrington.

Redskins (3-1) at Chiefs (2-2)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Chiefs by 6.

Last meeting: Chiefs won 45-13 at Washington on Sept. 30, 2001.

Key stat: It’s Redskins’ No. 8 offense vs. Chiefs’ No. 27 defense.

Fantasy factor: Redskins’ Clinton Portis, an ex-Denver Bronco, has averaged 139.8 yards in 4 games vs. Chiefs. Eddie Kennison leads Chiefs with 23 catches for 15.2-yard average.

The buzz: Rested after week off, Chiefs’ defense can contain QB Mark Brunell.

Falcons (3-2) vs. Saints (2-3)

At San Antonio

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Atlanta by 5½.

Last meeting: Saints won 26-13 at New Orleans on Dec. 26, 2005.

Key stat: Saints have won 3 of last 4 meetings.

Fantasy factor: Falcons’ Warrick Dunn has rushed for 355 yards in last 4 games vs. Saints. Ex-Patriot Antowain Smith gets chance to carry running load for Saints.

The buzz: Michael Vick due back after missing game with knee injury. That’s bad news for Saints, who have lost Deuce McAllister.

Jaguars (3-2) at Steelers (3-1)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Steelers by 3.

Last meeting: Steelers won 17-16 at Jacksonville on Dec. 5, 2004.

Key stat: It’s Steelers’ No. 7 rushing offense vs. Jaguars’ No. 29 rushing defense.

Fantasy factor: Jaguars’ Jimmy Smith has 75 catches (6 TDs) in 16 games vs. Pittsburgh. Steelers’ Hines Ward is hot – 16 catches and 4 TDs in last 3 games.

The buzz: Ben Roethlisberger has sore knee, but Steelers can control game with running of Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis.

Dolphins (2-2) at Bucs (4-1)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Buccaneers by 4.

Last meeting: Bucs won 16-13 at Miami on Dec. 10, 2000.

Key stat: It’s Bucs’ No. 1 defense vs. Dolphins’ No. 17 offense.

Fantasy factor: Rookie running backs from Auburn are making their marks: Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown averages 4.3 yards per carry, Bucs’ Carnell Williams 4.5.

The buzz: Williams due back after missing last week’s loss to Jets, and Bucs haven’t lost with him. Ricky Williams back with Dolphins, but Brown may keep him on bench.

Bengals (4-1) at Titans (2-3)

Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Bengals by 3.

Last meeting: Titans won 27-20 at Nashville on Oct. 31, 2004.

Key stat: Bengals lead NFL with turnover differential of plus-11.

Fantasy factor: Bengals’ Carson Palmer has had passer rating of 100 or better in 8 straight games. Titans’ Chris Brown rushed for 147 yards and TD in last game vs. Bengals.

The buzz: After loss at Jacksonville, Bengals’ offense has chance to get back on track.

Jets (2-3) at Bills (2-3)

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Line: Bills by 3.

Last meeting: Bills won 22-17 at Buffalo on Nov. 7, 2004.

Key stat: Bills have won last 2 meetings at home.

Fantasy factor: Laveranues Coles may be Vinny Testaverde’s favorite receiver – he had 6 catches last week. Bills’ Lee Evans had caught TD pass in last 2 games vs. Jets.

The buzz: Testaverde’s comeback is off to good start, but Bills will be tough at home.

Patriots (3-2) at Broncos (4-1)

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Line: Broncos by 3.

Last meeting: Patriots won 30-26 at Denver on Nov. 3, 2003.

Key stat: Pats have won 22 of last 23 vs. teams with winning records.

Fantasy factor: Corey Dillon getting modest 3.4 yards per carry for Pats. Tatum Bell, who had TD runs of 34 and 55 yards last week, getting more work for NFL’s No. 2-ranked rushing offense.

The buzz: Patriots have next week off to recover from brutal opening schedule. If they can control Broncos’ running, they’ll enjoy their break.

Chargers (2-3) at Raiders (1-3)

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Line: Chargers by 1 1/2 .

Last meeting: Chargers won 23-17 at Oakland on Nov. 21, 2004.

Key stat: Chargers have won last 3 meetings.

Fantasy factor: Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson leads NFL with 9 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. LaMont Jordan leads Raiders in rushing (274 yards) and receptions (20 catches).

The buzz: After tough home loss to Steelers, Chargers need to bounce back. Raiders won’t put up big fight.

Rams (2-3) at Colts (5-0)

Time: 6 p.m. Monday

Line: Colts by 13 1/2 .

Last meeting: Rams won 42-17 in St. Louis on Dec. 30, 2001.

Key stat: Colts allowing only 5.8 points per game.

Fantasy factor: Torry Holt is Rams’ best weapon, with league-leading 38 catches (4 TDs). Colts’ Marvin Harrison has 26 catches (3 TDs).

The buzz: Rams’ No. 2-ranked offense may challenge Colts and force Peyton Manning to throw TD passes.

Bye week: Arizona, Philadelphia, Green Bay, San Francisco