Sure, the NFL is only in its sixth week, but the points and passing yardage are piling up with no end in sight, especially this week.

Through five weeks of the 2002 season, games are averaging 45.7 points, the most in 44 years through a season’s first five weeks (47.9 in 1958). The record for a full season is 46.5 points per game in 1948, less than a point higher than the pace the NFL is on now.

"I don't think we’ve ever seen the game played in a more exciting manner then we're seeing right now," says former Denver Broncos linebacker/ESPN commentator TOM JACKSON. "Wide open runs, interceptions, and defenses scoring touchdowns. We're seeing a little bit of everything." 

That’s certainly the case with the NFL’s last unbeaten team, the 4-0 Oakland Raiders. "Da R-a-a-i-i-ders" -- off to their first 4-0 start since 1990 -- lead the league in points per game with a 40.5 average. Last Sunday against Buffalo, Oakland scored on a long run (CHARLIE GARNER, 36 yards) and an interception (rookie PHILLIP BUCHANON, 81 yards), just as Jackson says is happening all around the league.

There have been 26 300-yard passing games, seven more than at this point last year (and four 400-yard games, one less than all of last year). The man who has the most games in the top 10 of 300-yard efforts is Raiders quarterback RICH GANNON (three), who over the past three weeks became only the sixth QB all-time to throw for 350 yards in three consecutive games.

"We’re not conservative on offense," says Raiders first-year head coach BILL CALLAHAN. "We’re going to continue to press the ball down the field. The schedule is going to get increasingly difficult, but this team thrives on it."

If you’re looking for a non-conservative offense this week, check out the Kansas City Chiefs when they travel to San Diego to take on the division-rival Chargers. That’s the 3-2 Chiefs, the lone last-place team in the NFL with a winning record. Hey, the AFC West is a tough crowd!  Every team is .600 or above.

But the Chiefs have proven they can hold their own, and are a gritty group. Chief among the Chiefs in 2002 is 2001’s NFL rushing leader PRIEST HOLMES, described by Kansas City owner LAMAR HUNT as "quiet and doesn’t say much, but is a very nice young man." 

Holmes, the league’s leading rusher with 590 yards, is already on target to top his total of last year (1,555). With a league-leading 10 touchdowns, he is the sixth player all-time with 10 or more TDs in a season’s first five games (last was the New York Jets’ EMERSON BOOZER with 10 in 1967, and the leader is Cleveland’s JIM BROWN with 14 in 1958).

Gritty?  The Chiefs lead the NFL in fourth-quarter scoring (85 points), and marched 78 yards in 10 plays with three minutes left last Sunday for the winning score in a 29-25 victory over the Jets. Directing the Chiefs’ offense is quarterback TRENT GREEN, who leads the NFL in TD percentage (7.9) and ranks behind only Gannon (141.5) in fourth-quarter passer rating (133.4).

"The fourth quarter has been good to us all year," says Kansas City head coach DICK VERMEIL.

The main sub-plot of the game -- other than can San Diego get running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON back to his 100-yard production after he was held to 48 yards by Denver last Sunday? -- will be Chargers head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER facing the team he coached from 1989-98, building a 104-65-1 (.615) record. Last year, as coach in Washington, Schottenheimer lost to the Chiefs 45-13.  

There will be an almost identical scenario to Kansas City-San Diego on Sunday night (ESPN, 8:30 PM) when the AFC East first-place Miami Dolphins (4-1) visit the second-place AFC West Denver Broncos (4-1). Instead of "Stop Priest," it will be "Stop Ricky."

And the Broncos did indeed "Stop LaDainian" last week. Defensive coordinator RAY RHODES designed a package that used defenders staying in their gaps instead of all-out pursuit of the ball carrier -- and perhaps missing a cutback -- that limited Tomlinson to his 48 yards.

This week, it’s another horse, RICKY WILLIAMS. The "Miami Pound Machine" comes off his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the year, leaving him one game shy of the Dolphins’ season record in the category (DELVIN WILLIAMS, 1978).

"Wait for people to come to you, that’s the key," says Broncos defensive end TREVOR PRYCE, who has excelled at that position after being switched from defensive tackle this year. "If you’re overzealous trying to make a play, trying to do too much, that’s when cutbacks happen. Wait for him to come to you, and if he doesn’t run your gap, now you go find him."      

The Dolphins -- coming off an exhilarating 26-13 defeat of New England -- arrive in the Rockies with a record of 12 consecutive wins against AFC West teams. That streak clashes with the Broncos’ string of 15 victories in their past 17 home games.

In addition to Williams, the Dolphins bring in the best third-down quarterback in the AFC, JAY FIEDLER. The native New Yorker has built a 26-13 record down south in Miami, and posts a 105.6 third-down passer rating. Last Sunday, Fiedler threw for two touchdowns and ran for another -- all on third down. The top five NFL quarterbacks in third-down passing through Week 5:

THIRD-DOWN CROWNS

Fiedler’s QB adversary, BRIAN GRIESE, comes off a 316-yard, two-TD performance against San Diego and ranks second in the AFC in completion percentage (67.9).

Seeing the aqua and coral of the Dolphins’ uniforms will bring back many a memory for the 27-year-old Griese. He was born in Miami and grew up there because his father BOB was forging a Hall of Fame career with the Dolphins (1967-80), leading them to Super Bowl VII and VIII victories.

"I enjoyed the diversity of the people down there, the Spanish culture," says Griese. "I had a lot of friends who were Cuban and Argentinian. It was a great place to grow up and learn about the world."

In New England in Week 6, it will be the "Brett vs. Brady Show" when the Green Bay Packers meet a familiar foe -- the team they defeated in Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots.

But that was then. This is now, as the Pats are defending Super Bowl champs, albeit one coming off two consecutive losses after three season-opening wins. The 4-1 Pack is fresh from its rousing 34-21 Monday night win over Chicago.

The game will feature two of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL, and the league’s fourth-ranked passing offense of the Packers against the NFL’s top pass defense.

Green Bay QB BRETT FAVREtops the NFC in passer rating (100.8), while New England’s TOM BRADY leads the NFL in TD passes with 13.

And although there’s an eight-year age difference between them (Favre turns 33 the Thursday before the game; Brady is 25), they both play with a gusto and abandon that smacks of schoolyard ball.

Look at Favre Monday night, racing around with the exuberance of a teenager, letting go of the longest play from scrimmage this year, an 85-yard TD pass.

Brady should be getting back his main receiver this week when TROY BROWN returns from a knee injury. Perhaps it is no surprise that the two losses the Pats have suffered the past two weeks coincide with Brown’s absence.

"He always gets open," says Brady of Brown. But others have stepped in. Rookie DEION BRANCH, a second-round choice this year from Louisville, ties for the third-most receptions in the AFC (32), and six-year veteran DAVID PATTEN is third in the conference in receiving yardage (440).

Favre just might be tempted to concentrate on his new wide receiver TERRY GLENN, a six-year Patriot who was traded to Green Bay this year and led all receivers Monday night with 154 yards (on eight catches). But Favre can also go to DONALD DRIVER, the recipient of his 85-yard TD pass.      

Also this week, the "Beltway Brothers" have big games.

 The Washington Redskins welcome a team their rookie quarterback PATRICK RAMSEY is quite familiar with -- the 4-1 New Orleans Saints, tied for first place in the NFC South with Tampa Bay.

Ramsey, who wears No. 11 just as his head coach STEVE SPURRIER did as an NFL quarterback, replaced an injured DANNY WUERFFEL last Sunday and threw for 268 yards and two TDs in leading the Skins to a 31-14 win over Tennessee. He was born in Ruston, Louisiana (hometown of BERT JONES) and attended Tulane, in the heart of New Orleans, before being taken No. 1 this year by the Redskins.

"My friends were Saints fans, so I followed the team," says Ramsey. "But I was more a fan of NFL quarterbacks, like JOHN ELWAY and DAN MARINO."

The game could come down to a battle of the backs. The Saints’ DEUCE MC ALLISTER leads the NFC in rushing (461), while the Redskins’ STEPHEN DAVIS, with one less game, ties for seventh (306).

And in Indianapolis who would have thought two short weeks ago that the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens -- now 2-2 -- would be in first place in the AFC North?  But that’s indeed where they are, and they travel to Indy this week to face the 3-1 Colts, tied with Jacksonville for first in the AFC South.

The game could be a "Hurricane Watch" -- Colts stellar back EDGERRIN JAMES against Ravens All-World linebacker RAY LEWIS (depending on his injured shoulder), both former Miami Hurricanes.

AND YOU CAN QUOTE ME: Interesting quotes from around the NFL!

• "Fortunately, they’re still afraid enough of me where I can put the fear of God in them pretty quickly and snap them back into shape. With these young guys, I’ve still got them fooled, I guess" – Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick on his young team.

• "I’m a fashionable guy, and I just didn’t think the blue and white together looked good. I think it should be all blue and then all white for the road. We feel when we look good, we play good" – Buffalo Bills wide receiver Peerless Price on his teammates voting for an all-blue ensemble at home for the club’s new uniforms.

• "When you look at the odds of making an NFL team after sitting out the whole year, Quinn making the club is huge" – Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly on quarterback Mike Quinn.

• "His details are impeccable" -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brad Johnson on head coach Jon Gruden.

• "He’s hard on himself. If he makes an error, he’s right on top of it"—Oakland Raiders head coach Bill Callahan on first-round draft choice linebacker Napoleon Harris.

NFL 2002 WEEK 6

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-3) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-5)

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HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS:  Combined, clubs have been coached by six members of Pro Football Hall of Fame (Pittsburgh 4, Cincinnati 2) STEELERS:  Are NFL-best 29-10 (.744) in October since 1992. Have won 16 of past 22 vs. Bengals Head coach BILL COWHER is 14-6 (.700) in career vs. Cincy RB JEROME BETTIS has 1,278 rushing yards (106.5 yards per game) in 12 career games vs. Bengals, including 9 100-yard games WR HINES WARD had longest reception of career vs. Cincy with 77-yard TD (10/15/00). Ward stands 7th in AFC in receptions (29). and is tied for 2nd in AFC with 4 TD receptions. Rookie WR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL is 2nd on team with 18 catches. In last meeting, WR PLAXICO BURRESS had 6 catches for 102 yards (17.0 avg.) & 2 TDs In past 7 games at Cincy, LB JASON GILDON has 8.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries & 1 INT. In past 4 vs. Cincy, LB JOEY PORTER has 4.0 sacks. Defense is No. 2 in AFC inside 20 yard-line, allowing 4 TDs in 12 possessions (33.3 pct.) BENGALS:  Head coach DICK LE BEAU was Steelers assistant under Cowher from 1992-96. Was Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator from 1995-96, reaching SB XXX in 1995 season In last meeting, QB JON KITNA had career highs in attempts (68), completions (35) & yards (411). Also tossed 2 TD passes. Last week vs. Indy, completed 31 of 43 passes (72.1 pct.) for 244 yards & 1 TD RB COREY DILLON has rushed for 283 yards in past 3 vs. Steelers (94.3 yards per game). Has 413 rushing yards (103.3 yards per game) in past 4 division games. Recorded 24th career 100-yd rush game vs. Indy last week (164 yards) in 83rd career NFL game (28.9 pct.) WR PETER WARRICK set career highs in receptions (10) & yards (109) in last meeting LB BRIAN SIMMONS recorded 21 tackles & 1.0 sack last year vs. Steelers & also scored first career TD (took lateral on fumble recovery). Scored 2nd career TD (51-yard INT-TD) in last home game (vs. TB).

CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-2) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3)

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PANTHERS:  Need win to equal best start in franchise history (1996) QB RODNEY PEETE played 7 games with Cowboys in 1994, finishing with 102.5 passer rating RB LAMAR SMITH has 6 TD runs this season, most by Panthers RB since TSHIMANGA BIAKABUTUKA’s 6 in 1999. Needs 2 TD runs to pass FRED LANE (7) for most in single-season in club history WR ISAAC BYRD had season-long 31-yard TD catch vs. Cardinals last week WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD looks to extend club-record 16 100-yard receiving games WR STEVE SMITH has career highs with 23 receptions & 385 yards receiving in 2002. Led club with 79 yards vs. Cardinals TE WESLEY WALLS had 1-yard TD catch vs. Dallas in club’s only playoff win (Divisional, 1/5/97) Defense has not allowed 100-yard rusher in past 6 games Unit tied for NFL lead with 18 sacks & tied for second with 9 INTs CB REGGIE HOWARD had second career INT vs. Cardinals COWBOYS:  RB EMMITT SMITH has 16,493 yards rushing & needs 234 yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON (16,726) as all-time leading rusher. Had season-high 70 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, vs. Giants last week, including 30-yard TD run. Needs 1 rushing TD to become first player in NFL history with 150 rushing TDs. Averages 5.3 yards per carry in 3 career games vs. Panthers, including 132-yard, 1 TD performance in last meeting QB QUINCY CARTER had career highs with 42 attempts & 262 passing yards (1 TD, 0 INTs) vs. Giants WR JOEY GALLOWAY had 14th career 100-yard receiving game last week (8 catches, 109 yards) WR ANTONIO BRYANT leads all NFC rookies with 230 yards receiving & his 16 catches is tied for first in NFC. Had 9-yard TD catch vs. Giants TE JAMES WHALEN had career-long 33-yard catch vs. Giants Rookie first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall) S ROY WILLIAMS had first career sack vs. N.Y. 

BUFFALO BILLS (2-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-3)

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GAME FEATURES two QBs drafted first overall: Buffalo’s DREW BLEDSOE (1993) & Houston rookie DAVID CARR (2002). BILLS:  Have never lost to Houston head coach Capers (2-0 vs. Carolina) QB Bledsoe has 112.5 passer rating on road in 2002, including 5 TDs & 0 INTs. Has 1,762 yards through first 5 games with Bills for most in team history & most in NFL history for QB through first 5 games with new team. Recorded 2nd 400-yard passing game of season last week vs. Oak. Will attempt to become 4th QB in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in consecutive games Among AFC reception leaders, WRs ERIC MOULDS (41) & PEERLESS PRICE (35) rank 1 & 2.   Moulds on pace for 131-catch season, NFL record is 123 (HERMAN MOORE, Det., 1995). Moulds first player in NFL history to have at least 8 catches in club’s first 5 games RB TRAVIS HENRY tied for 2nd in AFC scoring among non-kickers (36 points) First round draft pick (No. 4) T MIKE WILLIAMS attended Texas & was first team All-Big 12 selection. Hometown is The Colony, Texas & was two-way lineman in high school at The Colony High DE AARON SCHOBEL leads AFC in sacks (4.5) P BRIAN MOORMAN leads NFL in gross avg. (47.8) TEXANS:  QB Carr has 151.4 passer rating in situations when score is tied. Has 69.2 comp. pct. for 166 yards with 3 TDs & 0 INTs WR COREY BRADFORD had career-best 2 TDs in last game (9/29 at Eagles). Also had career-high 7 receptions for 97 yards RB JONATHAN WELLS ranks 2nd among AFC rookie rushers & 3rd in NFL with 147 yards (4.0 avg.) WR-KR AVION BLACK owns AFC’s 4th-best KR avg. (24.9) &  WR-PR JERMAINE LEWIS ranks 5th in AFC among PR avg. leaders (10.4) DE JEFF POSEY tied for 7th among AFC sack leaders with 3.5. LB JAMIE SHARPER has 1.5 sacks. AFC’s No. 1 defense in denying 3rd down conversions: 20 of 57 (35.1 pct.). Tied for AFC lead in allowing fewest 1st downs per game (16.0). Inside own 20, defense is AFC’s best and ranks No. 2 in NFL, allowing 3 TDs in 10 possessions (30.0 pct.). Tied for 3rd in AFC and 6th in NFL for most fumble takeaways with 5.   Team ranks 5th in AFC total defense (316.0) P CHAD STANLEY has placed AFC-high 10 punts inside 20 yard-line & has 0 touchbacks.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-1)

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ALL THREE MEETINGS in series have been won by home team. Head coaches TONY DUNGY of Indy (33-19, .635) & BRIAN BILLICK of Baltimore (32-20, .615) are NFL’s 3rd- and 4th-winningest coaches since 1999 RAVENS:  Have won 2 of 3 all-time meetings vs. Colts, including past 2 In past two games, QB CHRIS REDMAN has 32 completions in 54 attempts (59.3 pct.) for 360 yards, 4 TDs & 0 INTs for 103.9 passer rating RB JAMAL LEWIS tied career-best 187 rush yards vs. Cleveland last week & recorded season’s longest run in NFL (75 yards). Leads club in receptions with 18 WR BRANDON STOKLEY recorded first multi-TD game last week. Has 6 receptions for 113 yards & 2 TDs in past 2 games. TE TODD HEAP has 9 catches for 137 yards (15.2 avg.) & 2 TDs in past 2 games. Has 2nd-most receiving yards among AFC tight ends during past 2 weeks (TONY GONZALEZ, KC, 165). Defense had 3 sacks in last meeting: DE ADALIUS THOMAS (1.5), LB RAY LEWIS (1.0) & LB PETER BOULWARE (0.5). Lewis had season-high 19 tackles (13 solo) in that game Defense stands 4th in AFC inside 20, allowing 5 TDs in 13 possessions (38.5 pct.). Opponents have scored 0 points in 3 of 13 red zone possessions -- tied for 2nd-most red zone-points-denied possessions in AFC. Rush defense 5th in AFC (94.5) COLTS:  QB PEYTON MANNING has completed 54 of 90 passes (60.0 pct.) for 667 yards with 5 TDs & 2 INTs for 92.2 passer rating in 2 career meetings vs. Baltimore (two 300-yard passing games) RB EDGERRIN JAMES has 1,319 rushing yards in past 11 home games (10 100-yard games) & 1,734 total scrimmage yards with 10 TDs In past 20 home games WR MARVIN HARRISON has 15 100-yard receiving games WR QADRY ISMAIL was member of Ravens for 3 seasons (1999-01) & helped Baltimore to Super Bowl XXXV victory. Had two 1,000-yard seasons with Ravens, including career-best 1,105 yards in 1999. TE MARCUS POLLARD had 4 receptions for 80 yards & 40-yard TD in last meeting Passing defense 2nd in AFC & 4th in NFL (179.8) Team is NFL’s best in allowing lowest PR avg. (3.0) & KR avg. (17.1).

DETROIT LIONS (1-3) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-4)

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LAST 6 MEETINGS in series decided by 7 points-or-less LIONS:  Rookie QB JOEY HARRINGTON makes first NFL road start. Had 9-2 (.818) road-record as college starter at Oregon. Earned first victory as NFL starter in club’s last game vs. Saints, passing for 267 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs for 91.0 passer rating RB JAMES STEWART averages 4.7 yards per carry in 2002. Has rushed for 100 yards in 2 of past 4 vs. Vikings, including 108 yards in last game at site. Club 9-3 all-time when he carries 20 or more times WR BILL SCHROEDER tied career-high with 8 receptions (78 yards, 1 TD) vs. Vikings on 12/17/00 (with Packers). Had first reception as Lion in last game, finishing with 7 catches for 78 yards, including 38-yard TD catch KR-PR DESMOND HOWARD has 8 career PR-TDs & needs 2 to tie ERIC METCALF for most all-time. Had season-long 70-yard KR in win vs. Saints Club all-time sack leader DE ROBERT PORCHER (86.5) has 4.0 sacks in past 2 vs. Vikings & sacks in 4 of past 5 vs. Min VIKINGS:  QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER has 3-0 record, 673 yards passing, 5 TDs & 91.7 passer rating in career vs. Lions. Had career-high 83 yards rushing vs. Lions on 10/14/01. Has connected with WR RANDY MOSS for 23 career TDs & needs 4 to become most prolific scoring tandem in club history (WARREN MOON/CRIS CARTER). Culpepper has 52 career TD passes  & needs 7 to pass Moon (58) for fourth in club history RB MICHAEL BENNETT has 258 consecutive scrimmage attempts without losing fumble. Rushed for season-high 91 yards in Week 4 vs. Seahawks RB MOE WILLIAMS needs 107 yards rushing for career high (291, 2001) Moss has 100 yards receiving in 4 of past 8 games vs. Lions, including 7 catches for 144 yards & 2 TDs (66,13) in last meeting. WR D’WAYNE BATES had career-high 107 yards receiving & first career TD catch (28) vs. Lions (with Bears, 12/30/01).

GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-2)

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REMATCH of Super Bowl XXXI (Packers 35, Patriots 21). Teams combined for highest-scoring first quarter in SB history with 24 points (Patriots 14, Packers 10) PACKERS:  QB BRETT FAVRE had 133.3 passer rating, 359 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, including 85-yard TD pass, second-longest of career, vs. Bears last week. Passed for career-best 287 yards in first half. Has 40,097 career yards passing & ranks eighth in NFL history. Needs 143 yards to pass Pro Football Hall of Famer JOHNNY UNITAS in seventh all-time. Has 298 career TD passes & needs 2 to become fourth player in NFL history to reach 300 & 3 to pass JOHN ELWAY for third all-time (300). Had a 117.2 passer rating in last game vs. Patriots, completing 23 of 34 attempts for 239 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTS RB AHMAN GREEN has 12 100-yard rushing games with Packers & club is 12-0 in those games. Rushed for 107 yards vs. Bears. WR TERRY GLENN had first 100-yard receiving game with Packers last week, finishing with 8 catches for 154 yards DE KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA had first career INT & first career TD on 72-yard INT TD vs. Chicago, also adding 2.0 sacks PATRIOTS:  Are 3-1 (.750) all-time at home vs. GB. Have won 12 of past 14 games, including postseason. Club has NFL’s top passing defense (158.2) and 3rd-best passing offense (301.8) QB TOM BRADY is 9-1 (.900) in career at home (including playoffs). At Gillette Stadium, has completed 68 of 97 passes (70.1 pct.) for 704 yards with 7 TDs vs. 1 INT for 110.5 passer rating. Leads NFL in TD passes (13). Ranks 2nd in NFL in passing yards (1,566), trailing only former Patriots QB DREW BLEDSOE (1,762) of Buffalo Among AFC rushers, RB ANTOWAIN SMITH is 10th in rush yards (310) for 4.2 avg Rookie WR DEION BRANCH is tied for 3rd in AFC with 32 receptions for 370 yards, tops among NFL rookies in each category. Is 3rd in AFC KR ret. leaders (26.4). In past 5 games vs. NFC (including SB XXXVI), WR TROY BROWN has 32 catches (6.4 receptions per game) for 415 yards (83.0 yards per game).   WR DAVID PATTEN is 3rd in AFC receiving yards (440) & 9th in receptions (27) Defense 2nd in AFC with 14 sacks, but no player has more than 2.0.

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-3) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (3-2)

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FALCONS:  Head coach DAN REEVES spent 1993-96 as Giants head coach, leading club to divisional playoffs in 1993. Has 189 career wins & needs 5 to pass CHUCK KNOX (193) for sixth all-time. Club 24-10 (.706) under Reeves when leading at half QB MICHAEL VICK has 0 INTs & ranks second in NFL among QBs with 185 yards rushing QB DOUG JOHNSON was college teammate of Giants QB JESSE PALMER at Florida Rookie first round draft pick (No.18) RB T.J. DUCKETT leads all NFC rookies with 190 yards rushing. Averaged 4.7 yards per carry (52 yards) vs. Buccaneers last week.  RB WARRICK DUNN has 1 of 10 career 100-yard rushing games vs. Giants (with TB, 120 yards, 11/30/97) WR BRIAN FINNERAN needs 5 receptions vs. Giants for career-season high (23, 2001) DE PATRICK KERNEY was born in Trenton, NJ LB MATT STEWART had first career sack vs. Buccaneers K JAY FEELY leads NFC with 7 touchbacks on kickoffs GIANTS:  Club 36-4 (.900) under head coach JIM FASSEL when leading after three quarters QB KERRY COLLINS tied career-high with 3 TD passes last week & was ninth time he has accomplished feat. Threw 3 TD passes & had 302 yards passing vs. Falcons on 10/4/98 (with Panthers) RB TIKI BARBER had 9 receptions in last meeting at Giants Stadium WR AMANI TOOMER ranks third in NFC with 456 yards receiving. Had 5 catches for 98 yards, including season-long 56-yard TD catch vs. Cowboys. Has 100 yards receiving in 2 of past 5 games. WR IKE HILLIARD had 12-yard TD catch last week & has reception in club-record 67 consecutive games TE JEREMY SHOCKEY tied for NFC rookie lead with 16 receptions. TE MARCELLUS RIVERS had game-winning 17-yard TD catch vs. Cowboys. Has 4 career catches, 3 for TDs C DUSTY ZEIGLER played HS football at Effingham County HS in Springfield, GA DE MICHAEL STRAHAN has sack in both career games vs. Falcons.  

CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-3) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-1)

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TEAMS MEET for first time since 1995 & game is first in Tampa since 1989 BROWNS:  Are 5-0 all-time vs. Bucs, outscoring TB 142-71. Have 3-0 record at TB. Club has gone into OT in past two road games, tying NFL record. Team has scored most points through 5 games (124) since 1989 (129) when club won most recent division title QB TIM COUCH threw 6 TD passes in 3 games vs. NFC last year. Ranks 5th in AFC with 64.8 completion pct. WR-PR DENNIS NORTHCUTT posted AFC’s 3rd-most receiving yards in game in 2002 with 165 against Baltimore last Sunday on 8 catches & 2 TDs. Is 2nd in NFL in PR avg. (14.5) with 1 TD in 12 attempts. Five Browns have 16 or more catches, 4 of them WRs RB JAMEL WHITE is 2 of 2 in converting 3rd & 1 situations into 1st downs. Offense is 3rd in AFC & 4th in NFL in passing 1st downs (67) In 4 career games vs. NFC, DE COURTNEY BROWN has 16 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 5 QB pressures, 1 fumble recovery & 25-yard TD BUCCANEERS:  Defense has scored as many TDs (4) as has surrendered. Club has allowed NFL-low 53 points & ranks second in NFL with 17 sacks QB BRAD JOHNSON has 45-26 (.634) record as starter RB MIKE ALSTOTT has rushed for 4,064 career yards & needs 137 yards to pass WARRICK DUNN for second in club history WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON had career-long 76-yard TD catch in win vs. Falcons. Finished with 6 catches for 131 yards. WR KEENAN MC CARDELL spent 1992-95 seasons with Browns, totaling 80 receptions for 1,133 yards & 8 TDs in 37 games Club is first to have INT-TD in 4 consecutive games since 1973 Washington Redskins LB DERRICK BROOKS is only LB in NFL history with 3 INT-TDs in 1 season. Had 15-yard INT-TD vs. Falcons & needs 1 to become fourth player in NFL history & first since ERIC ALLEN in 1993 to have 4 INT-TDs in season DE SIMEON RICE had 2.0 sacks last week.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-1) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-2)

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SAINTS:  Offense leads NFC in TD pct. inside redzone (84.6 pct: 13 trips, 11 TDs) & defense tied for third in NFC (41.2 pct: 17 trips, 7 TDs) QB AARON BROOKS has 45 career TD passes & needs 3 to pass BILLY KILMER in fourth (47) in club history. Has passed for at least 200 yards in 5 consecutive games RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER rushed for 123 yards, including 2 TDs (1, 52) vs. Steelers last week. Has 100 yards rushing in 3 of past 5. Had career-high (since broken) 62 yards receiving, including 22-yard TD catch, in last meeting WR JOE HORN has 3,032 receiving yards with Saints and needs 193 yards to pass HENRY CHILDS in fifth place in club history. Has 100 yards receiving in 2 of past 5 games. Rookie WR DONTÉ STALLWORTH is first receiver in 20 years to catch TD pass in first 4 NFL games & can tie CHARLIE BROWN (5, 1982) for most consecutive games with TD catch from start of NFL career (since 1970) with TD catch vs. Redskins LB DARRIN SMITH had career-high 3.0 sacks in win vs. Steelers REDSKINS:  Rookie first-round draft pick QB PATRICK RAMSEY (No.32) expected to make first career start. Replaced injured QB DANNY WUERFFEL (shoulder) and had 103.6 passer rating, completing 20 of 34 attempts for 268 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs in first NFL action last week. Native of Ruston, LA, played collegiately at Tulane RB STEPHEN DAVIS rushed for 90 yards, including 1-yard TD run. Also had 14-yard TD reception, his first TD catch since 19-yarder 11/29/98. Has 18 career 100 yard rushing games & with 1 more ties for most in club history (LARRY BROWN, JOHN RIGGINS). Has rushed for 100 yards in 5 of past 9 games DE BRUCE SMITH had first sack of season vs. Titans. Has 187.0 career sacks & needs 11.5 to pass REGGIE WHITE (198.0) for first all-time CB DARRELL GREEN needs 1 INT to increase NFL record of consecutive seasons with INT to 20. CB FRED SMOOT had career-high 2 INTs last week.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-0) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-5)

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RAIDERS:  NFL’s lone unbeaten team. Club has won 11 of past 12 vs. NFC. Have won 6 of past 7 vs. Rams, including 3 consecutive on road. Club has NFL’s best offense (462.0 yards per game) and NFL’s best rush defense (59.5) In past 3 vs. NFC, QB RICH GANNON has completed 61 of 93 passes (65.6 pct.) for 737 yards with 8 TDs & 3 INTs for 105.0 passer rating. Gannon is NFL’s top-rated passer (104.0), completing 114 of 169 passes (67.5 pct.) for 1,355 yards, 10 TDs & 3 INTs. In 4th qtrs., Gannon is 22 of 29 (75.9 pct.) for 355 yards, 4 TDs & 1 INT with NFL-best rating of 141.5 In 30 career meetings vs. Rams, WR JERRY RICE has 158 receptions for 2,409 yards & 20 TDs. Had career-high 16 catches vs. L.A. Rams (11/20/94). WR TIM BROWN has career 18.5 yards per catch avg. vs. Rams RB CHARLIE GARNER averaging 8.4 yards per rush on 40 carries, leading all RBs. Closest avg. among RBs is 5.6 by 2 players NFL-best +7 turnover ratio Rookie CB-PR PHILLIP BUCHANON ranks 3rd in AFC PR avg. (13.0) with 1 TD Defense has 7 players with at least 11 tackles RAMS:  Head coach MIKE MARTZ has 7-3 (.700) record vs. AFC, including postseason QB JAMIE MARTIN passed for 232 yards last week. Was assistant sports editor of school newspaper while at Weber State RB MARSHALL FAULK has 114 TDs & needs 3 to pass JOHN RIGGINS (116) for seventh all-time. Has 9 TDs (5 rushing, 4 receiving) & averages 8.5 catches in past 4 games vs. AFC opponents. Rookie third-round draft pick RB LAMAR GORDON had first NFL TD reception (7 yards) vs. 49ers WR TORRY HOLT has averaged 127.7 receiving yards per game in past 3 vs. AFC, including 203 yard, 2 TD (21,46) effort vs. Colts on 12/30/01 DE LEONARD LITTLE has 5.0 sacks in past 4 games vs. AFC, including 2.0 vs. Colts on 12/30/01.  DE GRANT WISTROM has 5.0 sacks in past 6 games CB AENEAS WILLIAMS has 8 career INT-TDs & needs 2 to pass KEN HOUSTON (9) for second all-time.

                                                KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-2) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-1)

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CHIEFS:  Have scored 171 points in first 5 games -- most in team history. Second-highest team mark (168) occurred in 1966 when Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl I. Club has scored 85 of its 171 points (49.7 pct.) in 4th qtr. in ’02. Have won 4 of past 5 vs. SD & 7 of past 10 QB TRENT GREEN is 3-0 in career vs. SD (2-0 w/ KC, 1-0 w/ Wash). Has thrown 7 TDs in past 2 games vs. 1 INT. Is NFL’s 2nd-highest rated 4th qtr. passer (133.4) with 6 TDs vs. 0 INTs RB PRIEST HOLMES had 30 carries for 181 yards (6.0 avg.) & 1 TD in last game at SD. In past 11 road games, Holmes has 1,356 rush yards (123.3 yards per game) & 13 TDs Leads NFL in rushing (590), total scrimmage yards (803), points (60) & 1st downs (44). Is 2nd in NFL among RBs in receptions with 31 (MARSHALL FAULK, StL, 38). Club averaging NFL-best 178.4 rush yards per game RB TONY RICHARDSON has rushed for 3 TDs in past 2 vs. Chargers DE ERIC HICKS has 7.0 sacks in past 5 games vs. Chargers CHARGERS:  Aim for first 5-1 start since 1994 (6-0), when club advanced to Super Bowl XXIX. Have won 3 of past 4 at home vs. KC Head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER was head coach of Chiefs from 1989-98. Had 101-58-1 (.634) record with KC & led team to 7 playoff appearances QB DREW BREES has won 4 of first 5 career starts. Brees made NFL debut last year (11/4/01) vs. KC, passing for 221 yards & 1 TD with 94.8 passer rating In last game vs. Chiefs, RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON rushed for 145 yards on 27 carries (5.4 avg.) PR-KR-WR TAMARICK VANOVER was member of Chiefs for 5 years (1995-99). Holds KC records for KR (212), KR yards (5,099) & KR-TDs (4). Tied for lead in PR-TDs (4) & ranks second in PR (191) & PR yards (1,930) LB DONNIE EDWARDS played 6 seasons with Chiefs (1996-01). Is only player in KC history with 100+ tackles in five consecutive seasons. DE MARCELLUS WILEY has 25.5 sacks in past 30 games. Club ranks 2nd in AFC total defense (295.0). In sacks, team is tied for NFL lead w/ Carolina (18).

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-1) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-4)

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LONG-TERM ELITE:  Since 1997, Jacksonville is NFL’s fourth-winningest team (52-32, .619); Tennessee is 8th (50-35, .588) JAGUARS:  Dating back to Nov. 24, 1996, club has NFL's best road record (24-19, .558). Only 5 clubs are .500+ on road in that span QB MARK BRUNELL is 35-19 (.648) all-time in division starts & has won more games under head coach TOM COUGHLIN (60) than any other current QB under his head coach. Among starters, is NFL’s 2nd-rated passer (101.3). Has completed 70 of 110 attempts (63.6 pct.) for 918 yards, 5 TDs & AFC-low 1 INT RB FRED TAYLOR has rushed for 100+ yards in each of past 3 games vs. Titans, including 1999 AFC Championship Game. Has 326 yards in those 3 (108.7 yards per game). Taylor ranks 5th in AFC in rush (387) & scrimmage yards (577) WR JIMMY SMITH had 14 catches for 207 yards in 2 games vs. Tenn. last year. Has 100-yard receiving games in 4 of past 7 vs. Titans Club is NFL-best 5 of 5 on 4th down conversion tries Club tied for 2nd in AFC with +5 turnover ratio First round draft pick (No. 9) DT JOHN HENDERSON leads team with 3.0 sacks. Was born in Nashville, attended Pearl-Cohn High (Nashville) & was 2000 Outland Trophy winner (two-time finalist) at Tennessee TITANS:  In past 4 vs. Jax, QB STEVE MC NAIR has completed 76 of 112 passes (67.9 pct.) for 994 yards with 9 TDs & 0 INTs for 122.4 passer rating. Had career-best 5 TD passes vs. Jags (12/26/99) & in last meeting tied career high with 2 rushing TDs. AFC’s 3rd-highest rated passer on 3rd down (103.8), completing 30 of 46 passes (65.2 pct.) for 303 yards, 4 TDs & 1 INT RB EDDIE GEORGE has rushed for 465 yards (two 100s) & 2 TDs in past 5 vs. Jaguars (93.0 yards per game). In 11/26/00 meeting, George had career bests in receptions (7) & receiving yards (109). Longest career run (76 yards) came vs. Jax (9/8/96) In past 2 at home vs. Jags, KR-PR-WR DERRICK MASON has 316 combined yards. Has TD reception in each of those 2 & has 37.0 KR avg. (222 yards on 6 returns). Set AFC Championship Game record with 174 KR yards in 1999 at Jacksonville. FRANK WYCHECK leads NFL TEs with 22 receptions (9 on 3rd down).

SUNDAY NIGHT
MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (4-1)

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FIVE OF PAST 8 MEETINGS between clubs decided by 7 points-or-less. Clubs meet for fifth time in past 5 seasons (includes 1 playoff game). At least one of these teams have qualified for playoffs in past 13 seasons DOLPHINS:  Are 6-0-1 in past 7 vs. Broncos. Are 4-0 vs. Denver head coach Shanahan in regular season. Club has scored 156 points in 1st 5 games, only scoring more in ’84 (164) when advancing to SB XIX In only start vs. Denver, QB JAY FIEDLER completed 18 of 28 passes (64.3 pct.) for 176 yards with 1 TD & 0 INTs for 93.8 rating. Is 1 rush TD from tying team’s all-time record for most by QB (DAN MARINO & DAVID WOODLEY, 9) RB RICKY WILLIAMS plays 1st career game vs. Broncos. Is 1 100-yard rush game from tying club record for most in single season (DELVIN WILLIAMS, 5, ’78) Team has held Broncos WR ROD SMITH to 3 receptions in 2 career games. Club 2nd in AFC in rush yards allowed per attempt (3.4) BRONCOS:  Have won 15 of past 17 at home. Broncos are 165-54-1 at home since 1974, best in NFL in that span QB BRIAN GRIESE played football at Miami’s Columbus HS. Completed 24 of 40 passes (60.0 pct.) for 270 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 105.2 passer rating in last meeting at home Rookie RB CLINTON PORTIS rushed for 1,200 yards & 10 TDs last year with Miami, helping school win National Championship. Leads NFL rookie rushers with 306 yards on 55 carries (5.6) In last game vs. Dolphins at home, WR ED MC CAFFREY had 6 catches for 105 yards (17.5 avg.) & career-high-tying 3 TDs, including long of 61 yards CB DELTHA O’NEAL posted 2 INTs last Sunday vs. SD NFL’s best defense in yards per carry (3.2).

MONDAY NIGHT
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-1) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-3)

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CLUBS HAVE PLAYED 1 NFC game in series history (SF, 37-21, 9/26/76) SEAHAWKS:  Club 12-6 (.667) all-time on MNF QB TRENT DILFER makes first start vs. 49ers since passing for 169 yards, 1 TD in 13-6 win on 8/31/97 (with TB) RB SHAUN ALEXANDER scored 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 rec.) in Week 4 win vs. Vikings, including career-long 80-yard TD catch. Needs 3 TDs to join MARSHALL FAULK (8, 12/10/00, 12/18/00) with most TDs in consecutive games since 1970 in NFL history. Has averaged 144.3 yards in past 3 prime-time games, with 8 TDs DT JOHN RANDLE ranks second among active players with 125.0 sacks. Had career-high 10 tackles (with Vikings, 10/7/97) & only career INT vs. 49ers (10/24/99). Rookie fifth-round draft pick DT ROCKY BERNARD has 4.0 sacks & needs 0.5 sacks to set club single-season record for rookies (BRIAN BOSWORTH, 1987; MICHAEL MC CRARY, 1993; SAM ADAMS, 1994). Named NFC Rookie Defensive Player of Month for September 49ERS:  Club 8-2 in past 10 MNF games. Defeated Seahawks 19-6 in only MNF meeting (11/25/85) QB JEFF GARCIA has 95.3 passer rating (346 of 560, 4,067 yards, 38 TDs, 15 INTs) in past 19 road-starts. Has 2-0 record in MNF games with 124.8 passer rating, including 373 yards, 2 TD performance vs. Falcons (1/3/00) RB GARRISON HEARST has rushed for 815 yards & 5 TDs, averaging 135.8 yards per game, in past 6 MNF games with 49ers. Has 14 career 100-yard rushing games with 49ers & will move into sole possession of second place in club history (ROGER CRAIG) with 100-yard outing vs. Seahawks. Club has 13-1 (.929) record when he rushes for 100 yards WR TERRELL OWENS has 61 career TDs & needs 1 to pass KEN WILLARD for third in club history. Needs 6 TDs to pass Craig for second. Had TD catch in last MNF game vs. Jets.

ARIZONA, CHICAGO, N.Y. JETS & PHILADELPHIA HAVE OPEN DATES IN WEEK 6

ARIZONA (3-2):  Club has best start since 1991 & 4-2 mark would be tops since 1988 QB JAKE PLUMMER rallied Cardinals from 13-6 fourth-quarter deficit to 16-13 come-from-behind win vs. Carolina. Passed for 221 yards & 1 TD Rookie free agent RB DAMIEN ANDERSON rushed for 61 yards & had three receptions for 36 yards in win last week.  RB THOMAS JONES leads club with 310 yards rushing & needs 71 yards for career high (380, 2001) WR DAVID BOSTON is averaging 16.1 yards per catch & leads club with 19 receptions for 305 yards TE FREDDIE JONES had first TD catch (15 yards) with Cardinals, tying score with 2:38 remaining vs. Panthers Rookie first-round draft pick (No. 12) DT WENDELL BRYANT had first career sack vs. Panthers, finishing with 1.5. DE KYLE VANDEN BOSCH has at least 0.5 sacks in 3 consecutive games.

CHICAGO (2-3):  QB JIM MILLER had career-high 49 pass attempts vs. Packers, completing 27 for 353 yards & 3 TDs. Tied for third in NFC with 10 TD passes in 2002 WR MARTY BOOKER has led club in receiving yards in 7 of past 8 games. Had career-high 12 receptions (141 yards) vs. Packers. Leads NFL with 566 yards receiving & ranks second in NFC with 37 receptions. WR DAVID TERRELL has 43 career receptions & 7 TD catches, averaging 1 TD catch per every 6.1 receptions. TE JOHN DAVIS had career-high 2 TDs (1, 21) vs. GB & has career-best 3 TDs this season KR LEON JOHNSON averaged 30 yards on 3 KR vs. GB LB ROSEVELT COLVIN set club record with 8 consecutive games with at least 1.0 sacks, with sack vs. GB. Has 11.0 sacks during that streak & needs 1.0 sacks in next game to tie BRUCE SMITH & KEVIN GREENE (9) for second-longest consecutive games with sack streak in NFL history.

N.Y. JETS (1-4):  In past 2 games, QB CHAD PENNINGTON has completed 44 of 64 passes (68.8 pct.) for 526 yards for 8.22 yards per attempt RB CURTIS MARTIN rushed for 119 yards on 21 carries with 1 TD last week vs. KC. Is 1 100-yard rushing game away from tying FREEMAN MC NEIL (26) for most by Jets player In past 2 games, WR LAVERANUES COLES has posted 16 catches for 213 yards -- his best career consecutive game totals KR-RB CHAD MORTON ranks 1st in AFC, 2nd in NFL in KR avg. (28.6) LBs MARVIN JONES (30) & SAM COWART (26) rank 1st and 2nd on team in tackles Club owns AFC-best avg. drive start after KOs (32.7). Kickoff coverage team is NFL’s 2nd-best as opponents’ avg. drive start after KOs is 21.9.

PHILADELPHIA (3-2): Club 24-4 (.857) under head coach ANDY REID when scoring 20 or more points & 3-0 following bye under Reid. Team has scored 165 points in first 5 games, most to start season in franchise history, & has scored in 17 of 20 quarters in 2002 QB DONOVAN MC NABB tied for NFC lead with 11 TD passes, his most to start season. Rushed for 100 yards on 12 carries (1 TD) vs. Jaguars for second career 100-yard rushing game. Had 48 pass attempts, tied for second-most of career, vs. Jaguars RB DUCE STALEY rushed for 82 yards & added 6 receptions (35 yards) last week. Leads club with 24 receptions WR TODD PINKSTON has 21 receptions for 212 yards & is on pace to surpass career highs (42, 586 in 2001) in both categories TE CHAD LEWIS had season-high 6 catches (47) & 1 TD (4 yards) vs. Jaguars LB LEVON KIRKLAND has started 128 straight regular-season games & has never missed game (165) in NFL careeer.

2002 NFL STANDINGS

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

(Home teams in capitals)
Open dates: Detroit, Houston, Minnesota and Seattle

Oakland 49, BUFFALO 31

NEW ORLEANS 32, Pittsburgh 29

Tampa Bay 20, ATLANTA 6

INDIANAPOLIS 28, Cincinnati 21

Washington 31, TENNESSEE 14

Arizona 16, CAROLINA 13

MIAMI 26, New England 13

JACKSONVILLE 28, Philadelphia 25

N.Y. Giants 21, DALLAS 17

Kansas City 29, N.Y. JETS 25

SAN FRANCISCO 37, St. Louis 13

DENVER 26, San Diego 9

Green Bay 34, CHICAGO 21

Baltimore 26, CLEVELAND 21

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE -- OCTOBER 13-14

(All times local)

Open dates: Arizona, Chicago, N.Y. Jets and Philadelphia

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 1:00 PM

Green Bay at New England 1:00 PM

Carolina at Dallas 12:00 PM

Buffalo at Houston 12:00 PM

Oakland at St. Louis 3:15 PM

Detroit at Minnesota 12:00 PM

Baltimore at Indianapolis 12:00 PM

Cleveland at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

Atlanta at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM

Jacksonville at Tennessee 3:15 PM

New Orleans at Washington 1:00 PM

Kansas City at San Diego 1:15 PM

Miami at Denver 6:30 PM (ESPN)

San Francisco at Seattle, Monday, 6:00 PM (ABC)