NFL Sunday

NFL rankings

1. Colts: Took a break from blowouts, had to survive a gritty effort from 49ers

2. Saints: Continued to look like NFC's most complete team in win over Falcons

3. Vikings: Brett Favre has his revenge, now can he hold up the rest of the season?

4. Patriots: Didn't even have to play last week to widen lead in AFC East standings

5. Broncos: They were due for a loss after a few heart-stopping victories

6. Bengals: Rematches with Ravens and Steelers on tap today and next week

7. Steelers: Had bye week to prepare for Monday night showdown in Mile High City

8. Cowboys: Quietly looked like a playoff contender until Roy Williams started whining

9. Eagles: Have rebounded nicely since embarrassing loss to the lowly Raiders

10. Texans: It's no joke that their 5-3 record is the best mark in franchise history

Game of the week

The Cowboys are out for revenge after losing to the Eagles 44-6 in the season-finale for both teams last year. The loss eliminated Dallas from playoff contention and it was the team's worst-ever defeat to Philadelphia.

Team on the rise

A trendy team to break out in 2009 is finally doing so. The Texans feature a stellar passing attack, and their defense is starting to come together.

Team on the decline

They have to be feeling demoralized after being swept by the Vikings. Those two losses showed the Packers aren't ready to run with the big boys.

TV schedule

CARDINALS (4-3) AT BEARS (4-3)

11 a.m., Ch. 13

The two teams haven't tangled since former Cardinals coach Dennis Green had his infamous postgame rant after his team suffered a meltdown. Who will be crowned today?

Prediction: Cards, 23-20.

DOLPHINS (3-4) AT PATRIOTS (5-2)

11 a.m., Ch. 2

Dolphins LB Joey Porter has added some spark to today's game, saying Tom Brady has his own rules and the Patriots cheated to win their championships this decade. He's right.

Prediction: 'Fins, 28-27

COWBOYS (5-2)AT EAGLES (5-2)

6:20 p.m., Ch. 5

Tony Romo hasn't thrown an interception during the Cowboys' three-game winning streak. He hasn't had much success in Philly, where the Eagles just blasted the Giants.

Prediction: Eagles, 38-31

CARDINALS (4-3) AT BEARS (4-3)

11 a.m., Ch. 13

The two teams haven't tangled since former Cardinals coach Dennis Green had his infamous postgame rant after his team suffered a meltdown. Who will be crowned today?

Prediction: Cards, 23-20.

STEELERS (5-2) AT BRONCOS (6-1)

6:30 p.m., ESPN (Mon.)

The Broncos took a beating by the Ravens after their bye week. The Steelers are coming off a bye in preparation for their showdown with Denver. Will they have similarly bad results?

Prediction:Broncos, 24-17

Fantasy tips

CAN'T MISS: Donovan McNabb vs. Cowboys

SLEEPER: Fred Davis vs. Falcons

NOT THIS WEEK: Joseph Addai vs. Texans

FREE AGENT PICK UP: Malcolm Floyd