Times NFL writer T.J. Simmers poses -- and answers -- the burning questions on... : GAME DAY

1. Question: Why are the New York Giants so successful when quarterback Danny Kanell throws at least one touchdown pass?

Answer: Opponents faint. The Giants are 7-0-1 when Kanell throws at least one touchdown pass, and remarkably Kanell leads all active quarterbacks (minimum 10 starts) with a .773 winning percentage (8-2-1).

2. Q: Why do the Dallas Cowboys have no chance against the Denver Broncos in Mile High Stadium?

A: They can’t score enough points to keep pace with Denver. The Broncos have become the Cowboys of the early ‘90s, rolling over opponents with an explosive Mike Shanahan offense. In their last 10 games in Mile High Stadium, the Broncos have averaged 32.8 points, scoring more than 30 on eight occasions. The Cowboys, although they scored 38 points in their debut with Coach Chan Gailey’s new offense, have averaged 17.5 points a game in their last 10 road contests.

3. Q: Who was the last Cowboy before Emmitt Smith to lead the team in rushing?

A: Paul Palmer. Now you know why they needed Emmitt Smith. Palmer ran for a team-high 446 yards in 1989 when the Cowboys went 1-15.

4. Q: Why should the Bengals beef up their running defense this week?

A: Playing Barry Sanders in Detroit is a tough task, but Sanders versus AFC opponents, who aren’t used to his moves, is not fair. In two AFC home games last season, he averaged 200 yards rushing--an 8.5-yard average per carry--and scored three touchdowns.

5. Q: Why will Ricky Watters be particularly motivated against the Arizona Cardinals?

A: Watters, now playing for the Seattle Seahawks, has run for more than 100 yards 11 times against NFC Easy opponents but has never topped the century mark against the Cardinals. And almost everybody improves their stats against the Cardinals.