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The Sunday Slate (Week Five): Separation Sunday

This week doesn't have the same drama as a Cowboys/Redskins weekend, but SPF teams pushing towards the playoffs, a solid 8 of 15, can further prove their mettle this week by taking care of business.

As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 4's T.I. Poll Ranking)

INDIANAPOLIS (6) @ HOUSTON (11) - Indy must win this game, and Houston must at least look competitive in a loss.  A Houston win means a little hope for the embattled Gary Kubiak.  An Indy loss means a possible lost season.

After a week off, SPF expects that Peyton Manning will have his offense looking better than it has so far in 2008.

CINCINNATI (12) @ DALLAS (3) - Old Chad Ocho Cinco is loving the idea of playing in Dallas.  He looks at it as his audition for Jerry Jones.  He has already promised to kiss the 50 yard line star after he scores as a sign of respect for the Cowboys.

Too bad that SPF doesn't believe Ocho Cinco will equal siete today.  No scores for him or the Bengals as the Cowboys likely bounce back from losing at home to Washington by thrashing the horrific Bengals.

TENNESSEE (2) @ Baltimore - The Titans get a chance to chase some old ghosts by going into Baltimore and beating the Ravens.  The Ravens effectively closed the door on the last Titans run.  Tennessee can return the favor by outhitting the Ravens and their declining leader, Ray Lewis.

Pittsburgh @ JACKSONVILLE (9) - Jacksonville talks a good game about being physical, but this year's defense has been pretty sad.  This is their time to man up and show the NFL that they are for real. 

The Jags remain on notice.  SPF expects them to be one of the AFC's best.  That means they have to beat the AFC's best.  Right now, their only losses are to two undefeated AFC teams (Tennessee and Buffalo).  A win here keeps them in the upper echelon.  A home loss to the Steelers means that the Jags are stuck in the middle of the pack.

WASHINGTON (1) @ Philadelphia - Nothing gets easier for the Redskins.  Their win in Dallas was beyond satisfying, but now they have to go to hostile Philly and play a wounded Eagles team fighting to stay in the playoff hunt.

SPF would not be surprised to see the Redskins lose a close one.  However, a win in Philly means that the Redskins might arguably be the league's best team right now.

TAMPA BAY (4) @ Denver - Tampa had another solid win in a season that SPF predicts could be SB-caliber.  Going to Denver and winning will take everything the Bucs have.  Denver's Mike Shanahan and Gruden are very similar.  Shanahan has better offensive pieces, but Gruden's defense, from personnel to staff, is superior to Denver's.

Each week is a test for the Bucs.  Let's see whether they pass this week.

Minnesota @ NEW ORLEANS(5) - Minnesota has become an SPF barometer team each week.  They have a great defense and running game.  The Vikes wore out the Panthers, while the Titans handled them easily.

The Saints are a different kind of team with a poor defense but a great offense.  This Monday Night game will tell a lot about the Saints and how their 2008 season may develop.

Kansas City @ CAROLINA (8) - KC stung Denver last week while Carolina got back on track against Atlanta.  Carolina has won twice at home already which is a significant improvement over the last couple of seasons.

Don't fall asleep Panthers!  You need to win games like this.  Tough games are plentiful while easy potential wins don't come often in the NFL.

ATLANTA (10) @ Green Bay - Atlanta can really show something by going to Green Bay and winning.  The Packers have quickly fallen from early season favorites to also rans after losing in back to back road games to Dallas and Tampa.  Favre-replacement Aaron Rodger is starting to sound a little whiny.  The poor kid might even sit this one out leaving LSU's rookie QB Matt Flynn as the starter.

The Falcons superior team spirit could lead them to victory.  They should at least make it close.

San Diego @ MIAMI (7) - The Dolphins get a chance to beat another AFC playoff team from 2007.  Spirits should be high after a bye week and the win in New England.

Norv Turner is probably one of the most mediocre NFL coaches.  It will be fun to watch Tony Sparano try to toy with him.

A win here means something very special is beginning to happen in Miami.

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