NFL: Week Five Brings Key Games

It may only be Week Five, but there are already some key matchups that could shape the outcome of the playoff race. Baltimore, Minnesota and the Giants want to strengthen their holds on their respective division. Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Washington and Indianapolis don't want to fall further behind. Not to mention the dark horse teams like Detroit, Buffalo, Carolina, Philadelphia and Atlanta, all of whom want to stay within striking distance.

Dallas at Carolina

Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses. Carolina could not recover from a couple of key mistakes in a loss to Atlanta two weeks ago. The sting of that defeat has sat in the craw of the Panthers for two weeks. Dallas was humiliated by San Francisco on their home field.

The Dallas secondary was put to shame by the 49ers. While Jeff Garcia has been a very effective quarterback dating back to the end of last season, the San Francisco passing game still isn't on the same level as that of the Panthers.

George Seifert's squad has numerous outlets in Muhsin Muhammad, Donald Hayes and Wesley Walls.

Tshimanga Biakabutuka is a threat running the ball and as a receiver. The Cowboys had a lot of problems trying to contain a similar back earlier this year, Duce Staley. The result was another crushing defeat.

Expect the Panthers to attack through the air early and often. Biakabutuka will serve more as a change of pace between passing plays than a legitimate threat to run consistently.

With Troy Aikman still under center for Dallas, the Cowboys' offense is much less dangerous. Aikman can still get the ball where he wants it, but lacks the play-making ability of Randall Cunningham once the pocket breaks down, as it has done more and more often in recent years.

Emmitt Smith will be the key to the game for Dallas. Though the Panthers revamped their defense in the offseason, they still look vulnerable to the run. If Smith can help Dallas control the clock, the Cowboys may be able to stay in the game. Otherwise, without Cunningham, the Cowboys will be kitty litter for the Panthers.

San Diego at St. Louis

Well the Rams should actually get to test their high-flying attack against a respectable defense. But don't expect too much from the chargers. With a stagnant offense, the Rams scoring machine will likely spend a lot of time on the field. San Diego may slow them down a tad early, but expect the game to become a blowout by the fourth quarter.

Indianapolis at Buffalo

This is the biggest AFC game on the slate for Sunday. Neither team wants to fall two games behind the Jets this early in the season. The Colts are coming off a pounding of Jacksonville. The Bills had a bye week. That could make all the difference.

With two weeks to prepare, expect a stingy Buffalo defense to keep the Bills in the game. Meanwhile Indy is working on six days rest and also has to travel to Rich Stadium.

Edgerrin James will find yards on the ground tough to come by. Peyton Manning will have to carrying the Colts through the air.

Rob Johnson is quietly having one of the best seasons of any quarterback. Ironic since Buffalo was the home to one of the league's most notable preseason quarterback controversies. When's the last time you heard any mention of Doug Flutie?

Preparation makes all the difference. The Bills have had time to prepare. The Colts have not.

Minnesota at Detroit

The Vikings, left for dead by many before the season began, are all alone atop the NFC Central. They travel to Detroit, where the Lions have owned the Vikes.

Charlie Batch is back for Detroit, which should help a struggling passing attack. The Lions still have talent at receiver with Germane Crowell, Johnnie Morton and Herman Moore. Sooner or later, they have to start producing. It could very well be this week against a loose Minnesota defense.

James Stewart may finally get to take advantage of the biggest offensive line in football. He will likely have a big day.

The Silverdome is always loud. It will be interesting to see how Daunte Culpepper reacts under the pressure. The Lions' secondary looked impressive in shutting down the Redskins attack a couple of weeks ago. Watching the Skins in the weeks since has taken some of the juice out of that performance. But the Lions should still be strong enough to hand the Vikings their first loss of the season.

Giants at Tennessee

The Giants are one of the surprise teams of the year. With two quality backs in Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne, New York can keep teams off balance. Kerry Collins has looked much improved thus far. But it is still Kerry Collins. Tiki Barber isn't as good as his numbers. And Ron Dayne is still a rookie. Don't get me wrong, these guys are legitimate playoff contenders. But don't expect big things from them this Sunday in Nashville against a good Titans defense.

Steve McNair is supposed to return for the Titans. He brings an extra dimension to the offense with his scrambling ability. Eddie George is waiting for a breakout game. While the tough N.Y. defense will likely keep him in check this week, Tennessee should still be able to drum up enough turnovers and produce just enough offense to get past the Giants.

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville

What has happened to the Steelers? Their demise seemed to have begun as soon as they signed Kordell Stewart to that huge contract a couple of years back. Now he is on the bench on favor of Kent Graham, who might not start for some college teams.

Even the mighty Pittsburgh defense cannot withstand the constant free agent losses. They are now vulnerable. The only offense Pittsburgh can produce is on the ground with Jerome Bettis. Other teams know that, and those with the personnel to stop them will.

Jacksonville is one of those teams. The Jaguars defense will stack the line and make Graham beat them through the air. That's no going to happen. This one could get ugly. Especially since Jacksonville will be seething after Monday night's embarrassing loss to the Colts. No one has found an answer for Jimmy Smith. Now with Fred Taylor back, the Jags offense is just getting more dangerous.

Miami at Cincinnati

Let's look at the numbers. Cincinnati has been shut out twice. They just got a new coach. This week they take on the No. 1 defense in the league. I do not like the Bengals' odds.

Too much turmoil. Too little talent. Too stong an opponent. Olindo Mare could win this game for Miami by himself. Lamar Smith will have a big day. Corey Dillon will not. Akili Smith is still hurting. He won't likely be feeling any better Monday morning.

New England at Denver

Gus Frerotte or Brian Greise? Mike Anderson or Terrell Davis? Does it really matter?

The Patriots have yet to find a running game to take pressure off Drew Bledsoe. Until they do, defense will be locked on him. Bledsoe doesn't have the necessary weapons to throw to either. Terry Glenn is his best option. The Patriots defense has not shown the fire coach Bill Bilichick instilled in his Jets' unit last year.

The Broncos never seem to run out of good running backs. Or look at it this way. They have one of the best, if not THE best, run-blocking offensive line in football. The Broncos special teams are still among the best in the land, even without Jason Elam. Frerotte is not bad enough to throw the game for Denver. Broncos in a walk.

Arizona at San Francisco

The 49ers looked impressive last week against a bad Dallas team. This week, they try to show that wasn't a fluke against a bad Arizona team. Jake Plummer threw five interceptions last week. He shouldn't have that problem against the San Fran secondary. David Boston should have a good day.

Jeff Garcia will be without primary target Terrell Owens, suspended by the team following his ridiculous behavior last week. Without him, Jerry Rice is their best weapon. Maybe in his youth, but now he will not be able to shake Aneias Williams. Charlie Garner will be the key for the Niners. They will likely have to rely more on their ground game.

Arizona rookie Thomas Jones may find his first 100-yard game against the weak Niners' defense. If not, Plummer should still be able to unclog the Cardinals offense.

Chicago at Green Bay

Cade McNown seems to be maturing into an every-other-week quarterback. Well, maybe closer to an every-other every-other-week quarterback. He had his first good game since Week 1 last week. This week he is due a decline, especially against a Packers team that has been strong against the pass. The Bears have to significant running game. James Allen is not the starting tailback, with Curtis Enis relegated to fullback. Doesn't matter, they still can't run the ball. That will make McNown's day long as the Pack put pressure on him all afternoon.

Brett Favre had a pretty good day last week and seems to be coming around after some early-season dings. Picking apart the Chicago secondary should be no problem. Ahman Green's nice game last week could also bite the Bears. If Dorsey Levens sees the playing time he is expected to, he will be keen on showing the coaches he is still their go-to man in the backfield.

Tampa Bay at Washington

THE game of the week. The Redskins bounced back after looking rough in the first three weeks with a win over the Giants. The Buccs gave away an emotionally charged game against the Jets. Tampa will be hungry and eager to make a statement. N the preseason, everyone talked Washington and St. Louis and many forgot the Bucs. Tony Dungy will be sure to remind his team of such before game time.

After all the work Washington did in the offseason, their defense is still weak up the middle. Watch Tampa run straight at the interior of the Redskins defense. Don't expect Shaun King to put the ball in the air deep. Though the Tampa receivers are fast, the Skins may have to fastest secondary in the league. Tampa will confine themselves to short, safe passes and use a ball-control attack to win a close game.

Atlanta at Philadelphia

Are the Falcons back? It didn't look like it last week. Can the Eagles contend? They haven't beaten anybody significant yet.

In the past two weeks, the Falcons have done a good job at containing the Panthers' Tshimanga Biakabutuka and the Rams Marshall Faulk (though every other Ram had a big day). This week they have to contend with Duce Staley.

Staley has been held in check since his career-day in the opening week against Dallas. He may find things tough this week against Atlanta. But the Philadelphia defense is nothing to scoff at. They can still get at a quarterback with the best of them. Chris Chandler can be rattled.

Jamal Anderson must be self-conscious over his fumble problem the past couple of weeks. It is hard to concentrate on running the ball if you keep checking to make sure you have it.

Donovan McNabb provides a type of QB the Falcons haven't really dealt with yet this season. He may not throw for a lot of yards this week, but his presence and maneuverability will carry the Eagles to a win.

Seattle at Kansas City

Elvis Grbac has come out of his shell this season. Seattle seems to have taken a step back. Though both teams are in the thick of the AFC West race, K.C. has looked strong at times. The Hawks have simply gotten the job done.

Ricky Watters provides a duel threat out of the backfield, but is not a game-breaker himself. Seattle's defense is solid, but not dominating.

Grbac should be able to have a decent night. Tony Richardson has been reliable near the goal line. What will make the difference Monday, are the quarterbacks. Jon Kitna crumbles when faced with a good defense. A three or four interception night will make this game a runaway.