Green Bay Packers (5-2) vs. Chicago Bears (6-1), Sunday @ 1 p.m.
Neither of these teams care that the Tampa Bay Bucaneers were supposed to run away with the NFC Central. This is a game with serious divisional consequences, as the Bears could build a cozy, two-game cushion with a win. Both teams are a surprise, but on opposite sides of the ball. The Packers have always had a good offense, but their defense is fourth best in the NFL. The Bears were supposed to have a good defense, and they do, having allowed the second fewest points in the league, but their offense has been surprisingly efficient as well. This rivalry is as old as football, and now that both teams are talented, it will get heated like it did in the old days of Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke.Miami Dolphins (5-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-3), Sunday @ 1 p.m.
The Dolphins have a great defense and the division lead, but it seems that they always have a great defense and the division lead around this time of year. It might be time for the Dolphins to start their annual fold, but a good way to stave that off would be to knock off the Colts. Indianapolis had looked anemic for a few weeks, but two strong offensive showings in the team's past two victories have renewed playoff talk. Running back Edgerrin James may not be healthy for this game - he sprained his knee two weeks ago against the Kansas City Chiefs - but backup Dedrick Dodge has proved adequate enough to keep the offense rolling. Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler will need to have a big game against a suspect Colts defense if the 'phins can win.
New Orleans Saints (4-3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (5-2), Sunday @ 4:15 p.m.
The Niners are coming off a bye week. Oh, wait, they played the Detroit Lions last week. Either way, they should be rested and ready for the Saints. San Francisco developed one of the most prolific offenses in the game, and it's based around three players, but their names aren't Montana, Rice, and Craig. Quarterback Jeff Garcia, running back Garrison Hearst, and receiver Terrell Owens are the new kids in town, and they're doing a pretty good job of mimicking the old Niners. Teams know that Garcia is going to throw the ball to Owens, but they just can't stop it.The Saints are the only team to beat the St. Louis Rams this year, but they are still a young, inconsistent team. Quarterback Aaron Brooks has a good arsenal of weapons around him - Ricky Williams, Joe Horn, Willie Jackson, Cam Cleeland - but he still needs a few more games under his belt before becoming a top-flight quarterback.
Assuming the Rams continue to play well and win the NFC West, these two teams will be fighting for wild card spots at the end of the season, making this game that much more important.
- Jon Japha
