TODAY’S GAMES

GREEN BAY AT DETROIT

Kickoff: 9:30 a.m.

TV: Channel 11.

The line: Packers by 7.

Introduction: As long as they continue to give the football to running back Ahman Green often, the Packers will be a difficult team to play against down the stretch of the season.

Plot: Green leads the NFC in rushing and has rushed for at least 100 yards in eight games this season. Green Bay rushed for 243 yards in a 20-10 victory over San Francisco last week. Packer quarterback Brett Favre has thrown at least 20 touchdown passes in 10 consecutive seasons, matching Dan Marino’s NFL record. Favre, however, has thrown 15 interceptions this season and has not passed for 300 yards or more in 19 consecutive games. The Lions have lost two games in a row, including a 10-point loss at Minnesota last week. Quarterback Joey Harrington’s inconsistency has been a problem all season for Detroit. Harrington leads the NFL with 19 interceptions to go with 12 touchdown passes. The Lions lead the league in dropped passes and are last in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

Bottom line: The Packers are playing too well to fall short against the struggling Lions.

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MIAMI AT DALLAS

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: Channel 2.

The line: Cowboys by 3.

Introduction: Coach Bill Parcells is starting to believe in his team after last week’s impressive victory over Carolina, but now the Cowboys have to deal with Ricky Williams and the Dolphins.

Plot: Quarterback Jay Fiedler will get his first start since Oct. 19 after coming off the bench and leading the Dolphins to a come-from-behind victory over Washington last week. Williams rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns against the Redskins, and needs 91 more to reach 1,000 for the season. Carter passed for two touchdowns and 254 yards in the Cowboys’ 24-20 victory over the Panthers. Dallas has won five games in a row at home since losing to Atlanta to open the season. The Cowboys have the NFL’s best defense against the pass, giving up 156.1 yards per game.

Bottom line: With Fiedler back in the lineup, the Dolphins’ passing game will open up enough holes for Williams to have a big game against the Cowboys’ stingy defense.