CAPSULES

NEW YORK GIANTS at

TENNESSEE 10 a.m.

* The line: Tennessee by 5

* Key injuries: NYG--Kicker Brad Daluiso (back, out; Jaret Holmes activated). TEN--Defensive end Jevon Kearse (quadriceps, questionable); quarterback Steve McNair (chest, questionable); quarterback Neil O’Donnell (neck, questionable); Receiver Yancey Thigpen (hamstring, questionable).

* Key elements: The Giants are 8-12 against AFC teams since 1995. Including the playoffs, the Titans have won 10 in a row at Adelphia Stadium.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS NYG TEN Points scored 18.5 (T17) 17.7 (19) Points allowed 14.2 (5) 16.7 (11) Passing Off. 199.3 (T17) 212.7 (12) Rushing Off. 163.8 (1) 86.3 (25) Passing Def. 239.3 (T25) 171.0 (5) Rushing Def. 64.3 (3) 102.0 (15) Time of Poss. 34:17 (2) 30:13 (15) Turnover Ratio +1 (T12) -6 (28) Red Zone TD% 36.4 (23) 33.3 (T24)

*--*

The pick: Tennessee. It will take a great effort to beat the Titans at Nashville.

INDIANAPOLIS at

BUFFALO 10 a.m.

* The line: Buffalo by 1 1/2

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: The Colts have lost five consecutive games and are 1-11 in their last 12 games at Rich Stadium dating to 1988, their only victory a 27-17 triumph in 1994. Colt running back Edgerrin James has scored at least one touchdown in the last three games. The Bills’ defense has limited opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four consecutive games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS IND BUF Points scored 33.7 (2) 19.0 (16) Points allowed 22.0 (20) 19.3 (15) Passing Off. 352.7 (2) 210.3(13) Rushing Off. 107.7 (12) 99.3 (16) Passing Def. 200.7 (14) 180.3 (7) Rushing Def. 107.7 (19) 61.3 (2) Time of Poss. 31:30 (8) 31:03 (10) Turnover Ratio -3 (T19) 0 (T16) Red Zone TD% 58.3 (T10) 55.6 (12)

*--*

The pick: Indianapolis. If the Colts can maintain the momentum they generated Monday night, the rest of the league is in trouble.

BALTIMORE at

CLEVELAND 10 a.m.

* The line: Baltimore by 8 1/2

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: In his last 11 games, Raven quarterback Tony Banks has passed for 23 touchdowns and had only 10 passes intercepted. The Browns have outscored the opposition a combined 28-7 in the first quarter in four games in 2000 after being outscored a combined 75-37 in the first quarter in all of 1999. The Ravens have an NFL-best two shutouts and have not allowed a runner 100 yards in 21 games, tops in the AFC.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS BAL CLE Points scored 24.5 (7) 16.0 (23) Points allowed 13.6 (4) 22.5 (22) Passing Off. 199.3 (T17) 214.8 (11) Rushing Off. 130.8 (6) 87.8 (22) Passing Def. 202.5 (15) 207.8 (18) Rushing Def. 46.5 (1) 128.3 (28) Time of Poss. 32:49 (4) 28:11 (25) Turnover Ratio +6 (T3) -1 (18) Red Zone TD% 41.2 (20) 50.0 (T13)

*--*

The pick: Cleveland. The Browns’ impressive young defense against Tony Banks translates into an upset.

MINNESOTA at DETROIT 10 a.m.

* The line: Detroit by 1

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: The Vikings have rushed for 120 or more yards in five consecutive games dating to last season. Detroit still hasn’t found an adequate running game since the retirement of Barry Sanders, rushing for fewer than 100 yards in seven consecutive games. Viking wide receiver Cris Carter (11,949) needs 51 yards to become the ninth player in NFL history to total 12,000 yard receiving.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS MIN DET Points scored 21.3 (13) 15.0 (23) Points allowed 15.7 (7) 16.2 (T8) Passing Off. 230.7 (9) 172.8 (25) Rushing Off. 155.0 (3) 64.3 (29) Passing Def. 198.7 (13) 210.0 (20) Rushing Def. 101.7 (14) 119.3 (24) Time of Poss. 34:38 (1) 28:52 (23) Turnover Ratio -4 (T25) +4 (T7) Red Zone TD% 60.0 (9) 18.2 (30)

*--*

The pick: Minnesota. This would be a much more impressive divisional showdown if either team had the ability to score.

SAN DIEGO at ST. LOUIS 10 a.m.

* The line: St. Louis by 17

* Key injuries: SD--Quarterback Ryan Leaf (wrist, out). STL--None.

* Key elements: San Diego’s anemic passing game is not helped by a squad of running backs that have been held to fewer than 100 yards rushing in each of the Chargers’ four games. The Rams have scored at least 21 points in 20 consecutive games, including 30 or more in an NFL-record 10 consecutive games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS SD STL Points scored 13.8 (26) 40.0 (1) Points allowed 24.8 (24) 28.5 (28) Passing Off. 161.3 (27) 380.5 (1) Rushing Off. 72.0 (28) 97.8 (17) Passing Def. 204.5 (16) 254.8 (28) Rushing Def. 89.0 (8) 107.5 (18) Time of Poss. 27:41 (27) 30:26 (13) Turnover Ratio -4 (T25) +1 (T12) Red Zone TD% 20.0 (29) 61.1 (8)

*--*

The pick: St. Louis. Do you believe in miracles? In this case, no. Kurt Warner pads his already amazing stats.

DALLAS at CAROLINA 10 a.m.

* The line: Carolina by 6

* Key injuries: DAL--Wide receiver Raghib Ismail (ankle, questionable). CAR--None.

* Key elements: Too bad the Cowboys can’t play the Redskins every week; they are 3-0 against Washington but 6-12 against the rest of the NFL since the beginning of 1999. Dallas tight end Jackie Harris has scored at least one touchdown in each of the last three games. Panther quarterback Steve Beuerlein has four 300-yard passing performances in his last seven games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS DAL CAR Points scored 24.0 (8) 21.7 (12) Points allowed 33.8 (30) 19.0 (T13) Passing Off. 185.3 (21) 233.7 (7) Rushing Off. 96.5 (18) 89.7 (20) Passing Def. 186.3 (10) 229.7 (23) Rushing Def. 193.0 (31) 120.0 (25) Time of Poss. 24:13 (31) 29:53 (27) Turnover Ratio -3 (T19) -3 (T19) Red Zone TD% 80.0 (T1) 45.5 (T16)

*--*

The pick: Carolina. If the Cowboys couldn’t get inspired by Terrell Owens’ taunts last week, there’s absolutely no hope for them.

PITTSBURGH at JACKSONVILLE

10 a.m.

* The line: Jacksonville by 10 1/2

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: The Steelers are 0-5 at Jacksonville dating to 1995. In the last three meetings with the Jaguars, Pittsburgh has been outscored, 58-12, and has not scored a touchdown. The Steelers have been drubbed by a combined 34-3 score in the first quarter this season.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS PIT JAC Points scored 13.3 (28) 22.5 (10) Points allowed 20.7 (19) 22.2 (21) Passing Off. 202.7 (15) 250.0 (4) Rushing Off. 105.0 (14) 86.5 (24) Passing Def. 266.3 (30) 249.3 (27) Rushing Def. 95.3 (13) 87.3 (7) Time of Poss. 28:31 (24) 31:55 (7) Turnover Ratio +1 (T12) +1 (T12) Red Zone TD% 44.4 (T18) 28.6 (27)

*--*

The pick: Jacksonville. The Jaguars need a breather after getting blown out by the Colts. They get it against the Steelers.

MIAMI at CINCINNATI 1:05 p.m.

* The line: Miami by 7

* Key injuries: CIN--None. MIA--Wide receiver Tony Martin (foot, questionable).

* Key elements: Don’t expect the Dolphin defense to roll out the welcome mat for new Cincinnati Coach Dick Lebeau. Miami has limited opponents to 13 or fewer points in four consecutive games. The Bengal offense has been brutal, scoring a touchdown or less in each of the last five games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS MIA CIN Points scored 14.8 (25) 2.3 (31) Points allowed 5.5 (1) 24.7 (23) Passing Off. 145.5(31) 153.0 (29) Rushing Off. 108.8 (11) 62.0 (30) Passing Def. 178.3 (6) 207.0 (17) Rushing Def. 92.5 (11) 121.7 (27) Time of Poss. 30:34 (11) 25:15 (30) Turnover Ratio +7 (2) -8 (T29) Red Zone TD% 62.5 (7) 33.3 (T24)

*--*

The pick: Miami. There’s a new coach and a new attitude in Cincinnati. The Bengals might actually score this week.

NEW ENGLAND at DENVER 1:05 p.m.

* The line: Denver by 8 1/2

* Key injuries: NE--None. DEN--Quarterback Brian Griese (shoulder, questionable).

* Key elements: Patriot quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been getting very little support from a decimated offensive line that has given up 65 sacks in the last 16 games (4-12) dating to last season. Including the playoffs (1997-00), the Broncos are 40-6 when they total more rushes than their opponent.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS NE DEN Points scored 12.8 (29) 33.2 (3) Points allowed 18.0 (12) 25.5 (25) Passing Off. 175.3 (22) 233.3 (8) Rushing Off. 86.8 (23) 156.8 (2) Passing Def. 182.8 (8) 239.3 (T25) Rushing Def. 113.0 (21) 74.8 (4) Time of Poss. 29:19 (21) 34:00 (3) Turnover Ratio +3 (10) +9 (1) Red Zone TD% 21.4 (28) 44.4 (18)

*--*

The pick: Denver. Can nothing go right for the Patriots? They come to Denver just as the Broncos have nearly returned to full strength.

CHICAGO at GREEN BAY 1:15 p.m.

* The line: Green Bay by 5 1/2

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: The Packers have won 13 of the last 15 games between these longtime rivals. In 16 games against Chicago, Packer quarterback Brett Favre is 13-3. The Chicago offense has hardly lived up to preseason expectations, scoring 14 points or fewer in three consecutive games. Chicago is 1-6 at Lambeau Field the last seven seasons.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS CHI GB Points scored 12.0 (30) 17.2 (20) Points allowed 26.5 (26) 13.2 (3) Passing Off. 188.8 (20) 204.8 (14) Rushing Off. 116.0 (9) 89.3 (21) Passing Def. 197.5 (12) 187.0 (11) Rushing Def. 148.5 (29) 80.0 (6) Time of Poss. 27:17 (29) 29:23 (20) Turnover Ratio -8 (T29) -3 (T19) Red Zone TD% 80.0 (T1) 33.3 (T24)

*--*

The pick: Green Bay. Bear quarterback Cade McNown won’t have to face the fury of Chicago fans. But he will have to face the fury of the Packer defense.

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO 1:15 p.m.

* The line: San Francisco by 3 1/2

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: This could turn out to be quite an air show, as neither team has an adequate pass defense. 49er quarterback Jeff Garcia has remained relatively unscathed as his offensive line has given up an NFL-low two sacks this season. The 49ers have given up two touchdown passes or more in seven consecutive games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS AZ SF Points scored 17.0 (21) 28.8 (4) Points allowed 27.0 (27) 34.8 (31) Passing Off. 239.0 (6) 254.0 (3) Rushing Off. 56.3 (31) 138.5 (4) Passing Def. 230.3 (24) 306.8 (31) Rushing Def. 163.0 (30) 102.3 (16) Time of Poss. 27:47 (26) 29:05 (22) Turnover Ratio -4 (T25) +2 (11) Red Zone TD% 45.4 (T16) 75.0 (4)

*--*

The pick: San Francisco. The 49ers will have to find a way to win without the inspirational tactics of Owens. Fortunately, they are only playing the Cardinals.

TAMPA BAY at WASHINGTON 1:15 p.m.

* The line: Washington by 1 1/2

* Key injuries: TB--None. WAS--Center Cory Raymer (knee, out).

* Key elements: This will be a rematch of last season’s NFC divisional playoff game won by Tampa Bay, 14-13. The Buccaneer offense has scored 12 touchdowns in four games this season, this after scoring only 25 in all of 1999.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS TB WAS Points scored 27.5 (5) 16.8 (22) Points allowed 11.8 (2) 16.2 (T8) Passing Off. 164.5 (26) 242.8 (5) Rushing Off. 133.8 (5) 120.8 (8) Passing Def. 165.8 (4) 163.3 (3) Rushing Def. 79.8 (5) 105.0 (17) Time of Poss. 32:27 (6) 32:39 (5) Turnover Ratio +6 (T3) 0 (T16) Red Zone TD% 76.9 (3) 50.0 (T13)

*--*

The pick: Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers can recover from last week’s crushing loss to the Jets if Keyshawn Johnson does less talking and more catching.

ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA 5:35 p.m.

* The line: Philadelphia by 3

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: After rolling for 306 yards rushing in their season-opening 41-14 victory over Dallas, the Eagles have rushed for 208 in losing two of three. Philadelphia’s defense has given up only 13 points the last two games.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS ATL PHI Points scored 21.2 (14) 20.8 (15) Points allowed 30.2 (29) 15.0 (26) Passing Off. 193.8 (19) 146.8 (30) Rushing Off. 79.5 (26) 128.5 (7) Passing Def. 262.0 (29) 155.8 (2) Rushing Def. 94.3 (12) 113.5 (22) Time of Poss. 30:09 (16) 29:26 (19) Turnover Ratio -3 (T19) +4 (7) Red Zone TD% 11.1 (31) 58.3 (T10)

*--*

The pick: Philadelphia. A shake-up in the Falcon offensive line will mean problems early, problems Atlanta won’t be able to overcome.

SEATTLE at KANSAS CITY, MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 6 p.m.

* The line: Kansas City by 4

* Key injuries: SEA--Wide receiver Derrick Mayes (foot, questionable). KC--Running back Donnell Bennett (foot, questionable).

* Key elements: The Seahawks are 2-16 in their last 18 games at Arrowhead Stadium dating to 1981. Seattle has won each of its last five Monday night games dating to 1988.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS SEA KC Points scored 18.5 (T17) 23.2 (9) Points allowed 20.5 (17) 19.0 (T13) Passing Off. 159.8 (28) 202.5 (16) Rushing Off. 101.5 (15) 75.5 (27) Passing Def. 216.3 (16) 208.5 (19) Rushing Def. 121.3 (8) 108.5 (20) Time of Poss. 27:22 (28) 30:33 (12) Turnover Ratio -9 (31) +5 (6) Red Zone TD% 40.0 (21) 66.7 (5)

*--*

The pick: Kansas City. Elvis gets back on a national stage, prompting a stream of Dennis Miller jokes and a Seahawk defeat.