WEEK 7 MATCHUPS

SUNDAY: CAROLINA (4-2)

AT CINCINNATI (3-2)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In two games without Steve Smith, the Panthers scored a total of 19 points. Since his return, they’ve scored more than 20 in four consecutive games. Rudy Johnson has accounted for 405 of Cincinnati’s 487 yards rushing.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Carolina. The Panthers have found a groove while the Bengals are struggling on both sides of the ball.

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DETROIT (1-5)

AT N.Y. JETS (3-3)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Jets are 30th in the league in total defense, giving up 370 yards a game. Detroit running back Kevin Jones is coming off his first 100-yard game of the season, but Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Jones will sit out because of a suspension.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Detroit. The Lions have shown signs of a breakout and the Jets have had defensive troubles all season.

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SUNDAY: GREEN BAY (1-4)

AT MIAMI (1-5)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In an effort to jump-start an offense that is averaging only 13 points, Miami promoted Marcus Vick from the practice squad. He’ll play receiver. Green Bay running back Ahman Green is expected to play after sitting out two games with a hamstring injury.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Green Bay. Green’s return should revitalize an offense that’s scored only one rushing touchdown.

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SUNDAY: JACKSONVILLE (3-2)

AT HOUSTON (1-4)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Jaguars have two shutouts in four games, but have given up 74 points in the other three. Even with leading tackler Mike Peterson out for the season, Houston shouldn’t present a problem. The Texans have scored only 14.4 points a game.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Jacksonville. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew should pile up yards against a suspect defense.

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SUNDAY: NEW ENGLAND (4-1)

AT BUFFALO (2-4)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It’s a rematch of New England’s 19-17 victory in Week 1 when the Patriots rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit. The Patriots have relied on the run, averaging 139 yards rushing a game. The Bills have only 387 total yards in their last two games combined.

PETER YOON’S PICK: New England. Tom Brady is 10-1 against the Bills in his career -- his most victories against any team.

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SUNDAY: PHILADELPHIA (4-2)

AT TAMPA BAY (1-4)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Eagles are averaging a league-best 402.3 yards a game, but they’ve given up fourth-quarter leads in both of their losses. Tampa Bay running back Cadillac Williams has 205 yards in his last two games after gaining only 107 in the first three.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Philadelphia. Keeping a lead won’t be a problem against a team that has averaged 12.4 points.

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SUNDAY: PITTSBURGH (2-3)

AT ATLANTA (3-2)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Steelers broke out of an early funk as Ben Roethlisberger threw his first touchdown passes of the season in a 45-7 victory over Kansas City last week. The Falcons’ rushing attack has gained 1,160 yards this season -- nearly 400 more than any other team.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Pittsburgh. It was about this time last year that the Steelers turned things up a notch.

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SUNDAY: SAN DIEGO (4-1)

AT KANSAS CITY (2-3)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Philip Rivers’ 334 yards passing and LaDainian Tomlinson’s four rushing touchdowns last week signaled that the Chargers are more than just their league-leading defense. Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has averaged 31 yards rushing in his last two games.

PETER YOON’S PICK: San Diego. Until Johnson starts producing, the Chiefs aren’t going to win any big games.

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SUNDAY: DENVER (4-1)

AT CLEVELAND (1-4)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: A defense that has given up only one offensive touchdown is a good way for Denver to cover up an offense that’s 30th in the league in scoring and passing. The Browns, 31st in the league in total offense, has topped the 20-point mark only once.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Denver. The Broncos stand a good chance at holding another opponent without a touchdown.

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SUNDAY: WASHINGTON (2-4)

AT INDIANAPOLIS (5-0)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Colts are No. 4 in the league in total offense at 357 yards a game but are last in stopping the run -- giving up 166.8 yards rushing a game. Washington running back Clinton Portis, second in the NFL with six rushing touchdowns, could be in for a big day.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Indianapolis. The Colts had a bye week to shore up their run defense deficiencies.

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SUNDAY: ARIZONA (1-5)

AT OAKLAND (0-5)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Arizona’s Monday night meltdown against Chicago will still sting, but the Cardinals lead the NFL with 59 first-quarter points and can start the healing with some more. The Raiders, who have the league’s worst offense, probably wouldn’t be able to come back.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Arizona. Cardinals Coach Dennis Green knows exactly what the Raiders are: bad.

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SUNDAY: MINNESOTA (3-2)

AT SEATTLE (4-1)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Seattle will be without reigning MVP Shaun Alexander for a third straight game because of a broken foot. In his absence, Maurice Morris has only 109 yards rushing. The Vikings have scored three touchdowns on defense and four on offense.

PETER YOON’S PICK: Minnesota. There won’t be any miracle field goals to help the Seahawks this week.

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MONDAY: N.Y. GIANTS (3-2)

AT DALLAS (3-2)WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Terrell Owens finally made news on the field when he had three touchdown receptions last week and the Cowboys finally seemed in sync. Giants running back Tiki Barber also found his groove and leads the NFL with 533 yards rushing after gaining 185 last week

PETER YOON’S PICK: Dallas. Barber won’t have a repeat performance against the league’s stingiest run defense.