Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - If anyone following the 2009 edition of the Chicago Bears had held off in writing those postmortems, Sunday's 36-10 loss at the Minnesota Vikings likely cured them of that reticence.

Now 4-7, it is pretty clear what these Bears are.

A team that lost its soul when defensive leader Brian Urlacher was lost for the season with a Week 1 wrist injury, and has not displayed nearly the playmaking acumen that was formally the franchise's defensive hallmark.

A team that counted way too much on a mistake-prone, still-developing quarterback, Jay Cutler, who has wilted in the spotlight during his first season in the Windy City. Depending on who you ask, Cutler is a) the victim of a weak supporting cast, including an offensive line that has played poorly, a running game that has been generally non-existent, and a group of targets that has been wildly inconsistent, b) the victim of a flawed offensive design and suspect playcalling by coordinator Ron Turner, who is not playing to his quarterback's strengths, c) simply not good enough to lead this organization to any great heights, d) all of the above, or choice "e," which probably strikes closest to the heart of the matter - some of all of the above.

Whatever the ultimate diagnosis, what has become clear with five games remaining in one of the most disappointing seasons in recent franchise annals is that something has to give.

The Bears' loyal, passionate, and expansive fan base wants its pound of flesh, and moreover, wants whatever alterations are made to have a lasting, winning effect.

Cutler, the central figure in much of the discussion, is essentially off- limits. The 26-year-old former Pro Bowler just signed a $30 million contract extension that runs through 2013, and despite his struggles, has a longer leash than anyone at Halas Hall who doesn't have the name "McCaskey" stamped on their driver's license.

Everyone else, it seems, is expendable.

Turner, the offensive coordinator, is as good as gone. There is nothing that this offense has done well in 2009, and the play-calling has been lamentable at best. The sketchy wide receiver and offensive line personnel is not Turner's fault, but when Cutler follows up a Pro Bowl season with the Broncos by throwing a league-high 20 interceptions in his first 11 games as a Bear, and when running back Matt Forte' posts an invisible sophomore season after looking great as a rookie, someone has to be made a symbol of that failure. Guess what? It ain't going to be Cutler or Forte'.

But much of the local speculation around the Bears centers not around Turner but his superiors - general manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith.

With folks in Chicago perhaps not wanting to believe that Cutler - who hasn't led a team to a postseason berth since he was an Indiana high-schooler - is massively overrated, Angelo's inability to surround the quarterback with offensive players who can help him succeed has made him a culprit. If Angelo couldn't see that there were not two starting-quality NFL receivers on this team, and if he couldn't see that this offensive line wasn't particularly proficient in either pass- or run-blocking, how can he be trusted to assess and assemble talent going forward?

And what about Smith, who in addition to being the head coach has presided over a generally lousy defense since demoting coordinator Bob Babich in the offseason? Smith can't put it all on the Urlacher injury, since a linebacking corps led by Hunter Hillenmeyer and Lance Briggs has been arguably the most capable part of the team. The once-solid secondary and front-four have been awful at times, and you can't help but wonder why Smith hasn't been able to push any of the right buttons there.

If Bears fans had their way (and it's probably a good thing fans don't run teams, or there would have been 20-plus coaching changes in the NFL already this year), the team would clean house, ridding itself of Angelo, Smith, and a healthy portion of the personnel at the heart of this mess.

But the McCaskey Family won't make such decisions so abruptly or easily. A big reason is that Angelo's contract runs through 2013, Smith's through 2011. The organization wasn't overly enthusiastic about spending money when the economy was good and the NFL collective bargaining agreement was stable, so the notion of paying two people millions of dollars not to work would be a tough pill for the McCaskeys to swallow.

Perhaps more importantly concerning the McCaskeys' assessment, the current regime has experienced success. Smith is 51-44 since taking over in 2004, joining Mike Ditka as one of two Bears coaches with a winning record since George Halas hung up the whistle in 1967. Chicago is just three years removed from going to the Super Bowl with a team led by Angelo and Smith, and firing either or both after a year that included such a severe degree of transition could be deemed both unfair and counterproductive.

There are attractive names out there - Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan chief among them - who could set forth a new vision for this organization and galvanize a fan base that has grown sullen as it approaches, a long, cold, playoff-less winter. Whether the Bears could win a bidding war for their services, or would be willing to hand over the keys to the entire operation to such a figure, are matters for serious debate.

As Cutler has shown, purported saviors rarely live up to their advance billing.

The gray areas in this saga are many, and the conclusions have yet to be reached, except for one. No matter what the schedule says or the calendar reads, the Chicago Bears' 2009 season has for all practical purposes ended, never to return.

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

NFL POWER POLL

The Sports Network's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= nfl/misc/nfl-poll.htm

FANTASY FOCUS

Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. San Diego (at Cleveland) - Still hard to trust a Norv Turner-coached team, but Bolts have been dominant and Browns might be the worst NFL team this decade.

2. Pittsburgh (vs. Oakland) - Looks like Roethlisberger is going to play, and even if he doesn't, the Raiders rarely show up on the road.

3. Cincinnati (vs. Detroit) - Bengals have hardly looked all-powerful the last couple of weeks, but their defense is good enough to keep the Lions at arm's length.

THE GAMES

In a Week 12 that included very few upsets, I went 13-3 in my picks, 9-7 against the spread. I started the week off with a strong 3-0 showing on Thanksgiving Day, but was burned by the Dolphins, Texans and Patriots, among others, the rest of the way. The record for the year is now 118-58 (.670), and 97-78-1 (.554) with Vegas in the picture.

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N.Y. Jets (5-6) at Buffalo (4-7), Toronto, Thursday, 8:20 (N.Y. Jets -3)

Storylines: Bills play their second regular season game in Canada in as many years, after losing to the Dolphins (16-3) at the Rogers Centre last Dec. 14th...Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (knee) expected to play despite suffering a minor knee injury in last week's 17-6 win over the Panthers...Buffalo is 1-1 under interim head coach Perry Fewell, including a 31-14 upset of the Dolphins last week...Sanchez threw four interceptions in a 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills in Week 6...Jets running back Thomas Jones, who rushed for 210 yards in his last outing against Buffalo, needs 41 yards to go over 1,000 for a fifth consecutive season, and third straight as a Jet...Bills are last in the league in rushing defense (165.1 yards per game) and yards allowed per carry (4.8)... Bills free safety Jairus Byrd, who is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (8), considered questionable with a groin problem....Jets have allowed an NFL- low seven touchdown passes...Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after tallying two interceptions, including a 67- yard touchdown return, against the Panthers.

Fast Fact: Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens (659 receiving yards) needs to average 68.2 yards over his final five games to go over 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th time in his 14-year NFL career.

Prediction: Bills are playing backups in a number of positions, and Jets look like they have their defensive swagger back. Jets 23, Bills 16.

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Philadelphia (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -6)

Storylines: Quarterback Michael Vick, the No. 1 overall pick of the Falcons in 2001 and the team's starting quarterback for six seasons (2001-06), returns to Atlanta in a Philadelphia uniform...Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (toe) will be out after exiting last week's 20-17 win over the Buccaneers, and Chris Redman expected to make his first start since 2007 in Ryan's place...Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) also a question mark...Atlanta is 12-1 at home under head coach Mike Smith, including 5-0 this season...Philadelphia wide receiver/return specialist DeSean Jackson, who leads the NFL in punt return average (15.5), is not expected to play due to a concussion, and running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) will also be sidelined...Eagles tight end Brent Celek (sprained thumb) expected to play...Falcons have recovered an NFL-best 12 lost fumbles...Eagles kicker David Akers leads the NFL in made field goals (24) and scoring (101 points)...Falcons lead the league in fourth-down efficiency (83.3 percent)...Eagles released cornerback Ramzee Robinson and signed wide receiver Jordan Norwood earlier this week...Falcons released kicker Jason Elam on Tuesday and signed-ex Buccaneer Matt Bryant to take his place.

Fast Fact: Eagles head coach Andy Reid is 6-1 against Atlanta, including playoff wins in 2002 and 2004.

Prediction: Falcons will not go quietly at home, but are just too banged up to beat a good team at this point. Eagles 20, Falcons 19.

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Tampa Bay (1-10) at Carolina (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -6)

Storylines: Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme (broken finger) expected to miss his first start of the season, with backup Matt Moore likely to open under center for the first time since going 2-1 as a starter in 2007...Buccaneers have lost seven straight road games since a win at Detroit last Nov. 23rd, and head coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Josh Freeman are both seeking their initial road victories...Carolina defeated Tampa Bay, 28-21, in Week 6... Panthers have committed the most turnovers in the league (29)...Panthers signed linebacker Quinton Culberson earlier this week, and released LB Kelvin Smith... Tampa Bay placed punter Dirk Johnson (hamstring) and cornerback Torrie Cox (hip) on season-ending injured reserve and signed ex-Cowboys punter Sam Paulescu earlier this week...Panthers linebacker Jon Beason expected to play despite being arrested for aggravated assault earlier this week stemming from an incident in a Charlotte-area strip club in mid-November...Wideouts Michael Clayton (knee) of the Bucs and Muhsin Muhammad (knee) of Carolina both regarded as questionable.

Fast Fact: Two of Carolina quarterback Matt Moore's three career touchdown passes came in a 31-23 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 30, 2007.

Prediction: Panthers will come to play in what could very well be the final win of the John Fox era. Panthers 16, Buccaneers 9.

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St. Louis (1-10) at Chicago (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Chicago -9.5)

Storylines: Rams quarterback Kyle Boller, subbing for the injured Marc Bulger (leg) seeking his first win in four starts with St. Louis...Bears have lost six of seven since a 3-1 start...Bears are last in NFL rushing offense (85.1)... Chicago left tackle and former Rams star Orlando Pace (groin) considered questionable for Sunday, and former first-rounder Chris Williams could shift from the right side to take his place...Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (sprained knee) and cornerback Charles Tillman (concussion) both considered questionable...Rams are last in the league in opponents' third-down efficiency (49.3 percent)...Bears placed linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) on season- ending injured reserve earlier this week, and signed ex-Colts and Buccaneers free agent LB Cato June...Rams expected to be without first-round rookie tackle Jason Smith (concussion), and center Jason Brown (knee) and guard Richie Incognito (foot) are both questionable...Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is 319 yards shy of becoming just the fifth 3,000-yard single-season passer in team history, but has thrown an NFL-high 20 interceptions on the year.

Fast Fact: Rams quarterback Kyle Boller has lost the last 14 road games in which he has thrown a pass, with the last win coming in a 20-17 overtime affair at the New York Jets on Nov. 14, 2004.

Prediction: Bears can't beat good teams, but have shown the ability to pound bad ones. Bears 35, Rams 16.

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Detroit (2-9) at Cincinnati (8-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Cincinnati -12.5)

Storylines: Bengals own a two-game lead over Ravens and Steelers in the AFC North...Lions are 0-17 on the road since winning at Chicago on Oct. 28, 2007...Bengals running back Cedric Benson (hip), who is 141 yards shy of his first career 1,000-yard season, expected to return after missing the last two games...Cincinnati has been held under 20 points in six of its last seven games, but is 5-2 over that span...Detroit has thrown an NFL-high 22 interceptions on the season...Bengals lead the league in scoring defense (15.8 points per game), and Lions are last in the same category (30.5 points per game)...Lions are last in NFL total defense (394.3 yards per game), passing defense (281.4 yards per game), opponents' completion percentage (70.4), touchdowns allowed (39), touchdown passes allowed (27), and are tied for last in interceptions recorded (6) and turnover margin (-11) along with the Browns...Lions placed tight end Brandon Pettigrew (knee) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and signed TE Dan Gronkowski from the practice squad.

Fast Fact: The road team has won five of the last six installments of the Lions/Bengals series.

Prediction: Bengals haven't been winning big or scoring a ton of points, ailments that the Lions will help cure. Bengals 34, Lions 10.

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Tennessee (5-6) at Indianapolis (11-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Indianapolis -6.5)

Storylines: Titans are 5-0 since quarterback Vince Young entered the starting lineup, and are the first team in NFL history to follow up an 0-6 start with five consecutive victories...Colts have clinched the AFC South title... Indianapolis defeated Tennessee, 31-9, in Week 5...Colts quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL in passing yards (3415), and Indianapolis is No. 1 in league passing offense (305.7 yards per game), completion percentage (70.4), and sacks allowed (10)...Titans are No. 1 in the league in rushing offense (167.9 yards per game), yards per carry (5.4), and rushes of 20 yards or longer (20)...Indianapolis wide receiver Reggie Wayne is tied for the league lead in touchdown catches (9)...Titans running back Chris Johnson leads the NFL in rushing yards (1396), and can this week become the first player in league history with seven straight 125-plus yard outings...Colts have surrendered a league-low 17 touchdowns on the season, and are No. 1 in NFL third-down efficiency (49.6 percent)...Indianapolis has lost a league-low three fumbles on the season.

Fast Fact: The Titans are 3-10 against the Colts since 2003, and are 1-5 in Indianapolis during that span, with the only win coming in 2007.

Prediction: In addition to having little to play for, the Colts' smallish d- line will have some trouble with Tennessee's terrific running game. Titans 18, Colts 17.

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Houston (5-6) at Jacksonville (6-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Pick)

Storylines: Jaguars, who defeated Houston 31-24 in Week 3, are going for their first home-and-home sweep of the Texans since 2005...Texans have lost three straight since finishing the first-half 5-3, and are trying to avoid their first four-game skid since opening last season at 0-4...Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (13) and total touchdowns (13), and went over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in last Sunday's 20-3 loss at San Francisco...Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (3,242 passing yards) needs 290 yards to break David Carr's 2004 single- season franchise passing record...Jaguars are one of three NFL teams without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Redskins, Raiders)... Jacksonville has recorded an NFL-low 10 sacks...Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is 55 yards shy of the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career, and second consecutive... Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis (groin) expected to miss Sunday's contest.

Fast Fact: In his last two starts against the Jaguars, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is a combined 55-of-75 passing for 607 yards, six touchdowns and an interception.

Prediction: Once-promising season beginning to fall apart for the Texans, who will work like crazy to resuscitate their chances. Texans 24, Jaguars 13.

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Denver (7-4) at Kansas City (3-8), Sunday, 1:00 (Denver -4.5)

Storylines: Denver is one game behind San Diego in the AFC West, and is the top AFC Wild Card contender entering Week 13...Chiefs return home for the first time since thrilling 27-24 overtime win over Pittsburgh in Week 11, the team's first victory at Arrowhead Stadium during the Todd Haley era...Chiefs have lost nine straight games in December since last winning during the month in 2006, including 0-4 at Arrowhead...Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe will serve the third contest of a four-game suspension for violating the NFL steroid policy... Denver cornerback Ty Law played for the Chiefs in 2006-07, but might not be able to face his former team due to a hamstring problem...Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL in sacks (14)...Chiefs are last in the NFL in rushing touchdowns scored (2) and third-down efficiency (22.7 percent)...Denver right tackle Ryan Harris (toe) could return to the lineup Sunday after missing more than a month...Broncos kicker Matt Prater is reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking four field goals in the team's 26-6 win over the Giants last Thursday.

Fast Fact: Denver's 24-17 victory over the Chiefs in Week 14 of last season ranked as the 146th and (presumably) final win in Broncos career of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Prediction: Broncos defense got well against the Giants last week, and that side of the ball will carry the day again. Broncos 21, Chiefs 12.

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Oakland (3-8) at Pittsburgh (6-5), Sunday, 1:00 (NL)

Storylines: Status of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (concussion) unknown after he missed last Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to Baltimore, and Dennis Dixon will start his second straight game if Roethlisberger is unavailable...Pittsburgh trying to avoid its first four-game losing streak since dropping five in a row in 2003...Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski expected to make his third consecutive start at quarterback for the Raiders, after previously losing at Heinz Field as a member of the Buccaneers (20-3 in 2006) and Browns (31-0 in 2008)...Safety Troy Polamalu (knee) expected to remain out for Steelers.. Oakland is last in NFL scoring offense (10.5 points per game), passing offense (130.1 yards per game), touchdowns scored (10), touchdown passes (5), completion percentage (48.7), and lost fumbles (13)... Steelers are No. 1 in NFL rushing defense (74.9 yards per game)...Raiders are last in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed (17) and rushes allowed of 20 yards or longer (15)...Raiders are one of three NFL teams without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Jaguars, Redskins)...Steelers have allowed a league-worst four kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Fast Fact: In his most recent start against the Raiders (Oct. 29, 2006), Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 25-of-37 passes for 301 yards, one touchdown, and a career-high-tying four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) in a 20-13 Pittsburgh loss.

Prediction: Steelers don't really need Roethlisberger to beat the Raiders, who are unlikely to get out of double-digits here. Steelers 31, Raiders 7.

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New Orleans (11-0) at Washington (3-8), Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -9.5)

Storylines: Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who held the same position with the Redskins from 2004-2007, faces his former team for the first time since being passed over for the head coaching job in 2007...New Orleans can clinch the NFC South with a win or a loss by the Falcons against Philadelphia...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in touchdown passes (27) and passer rating (112.6)...Redskins are No. 1 in the league in passing defense (170.4 yards per game)...Status of Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (neck) and Saints running back Reggie Bush (knee) unknown for Sunday... Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) slated to return after missing the least two weeks...Saints lead the league in takeaways (32), interceptions (22) and interception returns for touchdowns (5)...Redskins are tied for last in the league in takeaways (13)...Saints lead the NFL in total offense (425.9 yards per game), scoring offense (37 points per game), touchdowns scored (53), and rushing touchdowns (18)...Redskins are one of three NFL teams without a touchdown on defense or special teams (Jaguars, Raiders).

Fast Fact: The Saints are 3-1 in their last four road games against NFC East teams, with all three wins coming by 20-plus-points, and the lone loss coming at Washington last season.

Prediction: Saints have sometimes played down to the level of their opponent, but Redskins don't have the offense to match Drew Brees. Saints 27, Redskins 17.

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New England (7-4) at Miami (5-6), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -5)

Storylines: Patriots, who have a two-game lead in the AFC East over the Dolphins and Jets as Week 13 begins, look to complete a home-and-home sweep of Miami after defeating the Dolphins, 27-17, in Week 9...Miami returns home after playing four of its last five games on the road...Patriots are 12-0 in December since losing at Miami on Dec. 10, 2006...New England has lost two of its last three, including a 38-17 blowout loss at New Orleans on Monday night...Miami is 4-0 in December under head coach Tony Sparano...Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss leads the NFL in receiving yards (992), and New England wideout Wes Welker leads the league in receptions (85)...Moss is eight yards shy of becoming just the second player in NFL history to post ten 1,000-yard seasons (Jerry Rice), while Welker needs 114 yards to go over 1,000 for the third straight campaign...Miami's Ted Ginn, Jr. is tied for the NFL lead in kickoff returns for touchdowns (2)...Patriots running back Laurence Maroney has scored a touchdown in six consecutive games.

Fast Fact: The Patriots (27-17 home winners over Miami in Week 9) have not completed a home-and-home sweep of the Dolphins by winning the second leg in Miami since 1997.

Prediction: Just as they punished the Jets for what happened in Indy, New England will take their Saints-caused frustrations out on the Dolphins. Patriots 26, Dolphins 17.

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San Diego (8-3) at Cleveland (1-10), Sunday, 4:05 (San Diego -13)

Storylines: Browns, who are 0-4 at home this season and have lost nine straight within friendly confines, seeking their first home victory of the Eric Mangini era...San Diego owns a one-game lead over Denver in the AFC West, and has won six in a row since a 2-3 start...Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot) and safety Eric Weddle (knee) both expected to be out...Cleveland lost Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers (ankle) for the season in last week's 16-7 loss to the Bengals, and Ahtyba Rubin is expected to start in his place...Browns are last in NFL total offense (230.6 yards per game)...Chargers are last in the league in yards per rush attempt (3.39), while Browns have an NFL-low two rushes of 20 yards or longer...Cleveland is tied for last in the league in turnover margin (-11) and interceptions recorded (6), knotted with the Lions in both categories...Browns lost safety Brodney Pool (concussion) indefinitely in last week's 16-7 loss at Cincinnati...Chargers signed linebacker Marques Harris to the active roster earlier this week, and released offensive lineman Corey Clark...Veteran tackle Jon Runyan could make his debut in a Charger uniform.

Fast Fact: The Chargers are 7-3-1 in Cleveland all-time, including 4-1 in the months of November and December.

Prediction: This could have been a trap game for the Chargers, if the Browns had anyone capable of trapping San Diego. Chargers 28, Browns 12.

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Dallas (8-3) at N.Y. Giants (6-5), Sunday, 4:15 (Dallas -3)

Storylines: Dallas leads NFC East by one game over the Eagles (7-4) and two over the Giants as Week 13 begins...Eli Manning (foot) expected to remain in the lineup for New York...Giants, who were 33-31 winners over the Cowboys in Week 2, vying for their first home-and-home sweep of Dallas since 2004...New York is 1-5 since a 5-0 start, including a 26-6 rout at Denver last Thursday... Giants running backs Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) and D.J. Ware (concussion) both unlikely to play, and rookie Gartrell Johnson expected to serve as No. 2 running back...Giants receiver Steve Smith is 131 yards shy of his first 1,000- yard season...Cowboys' Patrick Crayton leads the NFL in punt return touchdowns (2)...Giants are last in the league in opponents' fourth-down efficiency (76.9 percent)...Cowboys are tied for last in the league in takeaways (13), along with the Redskins...Giants placed linebacker Antonio Pierce (back) on season- ending injured reserve Monday, and 2008 fifth-round draft pick Jonathan Goff could start in his place Sunday.

Fast Fact: The last Cowboys quarterback to preside over two losses to the Giants in the same season is Vinny Testaverde, who dropped 26-10 and 28-24 decisions to New York during the 2004 campaign.

Prediction: Something's been missing with the Cowboys, and Giants will be focused in an effort to save their season. Giants 23, Cowboys 19.

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San Francisco (5-6) at Seattle (4-7), Sunday, 4:15 (Pick)

Storylines: Seattle returns home after a three-game roadswing, in which it went 1-2...San Francisco can play for NFC West lead next week with a win over Seahawks coupled with an Arizona loss to the Vikings on Sunday...49ers trying to complete a home-and-home sweep of the Seahawks after defeating them, 23-10, in Week 2...San Francisco running back Frank Gore rushed for 207 yards in his last meeting against the Seahawks, including touchdown runs of 79 and 80 yards, and has gone over 200 on two career occasions versus Seattle...Seahawks running back Julius Jones (bruised lung) considered questionable after missing the last two games, and Justin Forsett could make his third straight start in Jones' place...Forsett rushed for a career-high 130 yards in last week's 27-17 win over the Rams...San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis is tied for the NFL in touchdown catches (9)...49ers tackle Joe Staley (knee) and cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) expected to remain out...Seahawks' defensive lineman Cory Redding (concussion) is doubtful, and fellow DL Red Bryant (knee) is questionable.

Fast Fact: In his most recent start at Seattle (Nov. 12, 2007), 49ers quarterback Alex Smith completed 12-of-28 passes for 114 yards without a touchdown or interception in a 24-0 San Francisco loss.

Prediction: Niners have it all laid out for them in their quest to get back into the NFC West title hunt, which is why they'll lose and squander it. Seahawks 22, 49ers 21.

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Minnesota (10-1) at Arizona (7-4), Sunday, 8:20 (Minnesota -3)

Storylines: Vikings can clinch their second straight NFC North title with a win and a Green Bay loss to Baltimore on Monday night...Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (concussion) considered questionable after missing last week's 20-17 loss at Tennessee, and Matt Leinart would make his second straight start if Warner is unavailable...Vikings trying to reach 11 wins for the first time since 2000...Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre threw a career-high six touchdown passes as a member of the Jets last Sept. 28...Cardinals wide receiver and Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown catches (9)...Minnesota has thrown a league-low three interceptions on the season...Vikings' Percy Harvin leads the league in kickoff return average (29.8) and is tied for the NFL lead in kickoff returns for touchdowns (2)...Vikings lead the league in sacks (40) and opponents' third-down percentage (32.8)...Cardinals' LaRod Stephens-Howling is reigning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after posting a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdowns and downing punts at the five-, two- and one-yard line in the Cardinals' loss at Tennessee.

Fast Fact: Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian scored touchdowns on a 41-yard reception and an 82-yard punt return (his only two touches of the game) in the team's 35-14 win at Arizona last Dec. 14, the lone multi-touchdown game of his six-year NFL career.

Prediction: Warner's injury a big problem for a team that hasn't played great at home to begin with. Vikings 38, Cardinals 20.

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Baltimore (6-5) at Green Bay (7-4), Monday, 8:30 (Green Bay -3)

Storylines: Packers have won three straight since upset loss at Tampa Bay in Week 9...Ravens, who come off a 20-17 overtime win over the Steelers last Sunday night, are two games back of Cincinnati in the AFC North...Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (knee) considered questionable after missing the team's last two contests, and rookie Paul Kruger, who notched a key interception in overtime against Pittsburgh, would start if Suggs is unavailable...Packers are No. 1 in NFL total defense (281.5 yards per game) and opponents' completion percentage (53.4)...Ravens lead the league in yards allowed per rush attempt (3.5)...Green Bay is No. 1 in NFL turnover margin (+17) and has committed the fewest turnovers in the league (10), but has surrendered the most sacks (44) and is last in NFL fourth-down efficiency (14.3 percent)...Packers cornerback Charles Woodson is reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after becoming the first player in NFL history with two interceptions, an interception-return touchdown, one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a game in last week's 34-12 win at the Lions.

Fast Fact: A Baltimore-based NFL team has not won in Green Bay since 1968, when the Colts achieved the feat.

Prediction: Ravens finally won a close game against a good team last Sunday, and will keep the good times rolling against a still-flawed group of Packers. Ravens 20, Packers 16.