NFL Sunday

FANTASY TIPS

CAN'T MISS: Brett Favre vs. the Lions

SLEEPER: Mark Sanchez vs. the Jaguars

NOT THIS WEEK: Mike Sims-Walker vs. Jets

FREE AGENT PICK UP: Chris Chambers

LOCAL WATCH

Keisel the diesel: Former BYU DT Brett Keisel was a force on Monday night for Pittsburgh, recording two tackles, two sacks and two quarterback hurries against Denver.

GAME OF THE WEEK

It's the first Tom Brady-Peyton Manning match-up in two seasons, and their showdowns usually live up to the hype. The two teams build their rosters and schemes for these games. Is Jim Caldwell ready for Bill Belichick?

TEAM ON THE RISE

Philip Rivers won the 2004 Draft Bowl with late-game heroics last week, and the Chargers are starting to look like an AFC West contender.

They gave up 41 points at home to the Cardinals, and then Jay Cutler threw five picks against the 49ers. At least there's plenty of blame to assign.

TV SCHEDULE

LIONS (1-7) AT VIKINGS (7-1)

11 a.m., Ch. 13

Shoveling your sidewalk or raking leaves may be a better option than watching this game. The Vikings will roll and the announcers will gush about how much fun Brett Favre is having.

Prediction: Vikings, 47-2

BRONCOS (6-2) AT REDSKINS (2-6)

11 a.m., Ch. 2

OK, we get it. The Broncos are the NFL team located closest to us. But how many fans would rather see this game than the AFC North Steelers-Bengals showdown?

Prediction: Broncos, 9-6

COWBOYS (6-2) AT PACKERS (4-4)

2:15 p.m., Ch. 13

The two teams have gone in opposite directions in the last month. The Packers can't beat previously winless Tampa Bay, but has a shot in this game? Highly doubtful.

Prediction: Cowboys, 38-20

PATRIOTS (6-2) AT COLTS (8-0)

6:20 p.m., Ch. 5

Colts have had to scrape by in wins over 49ers and Texans the last two weeks. That doesn't bode well with the high-powered Patriots coming to town for a Sunday night showdown.

Prediction: Patriots, 27-24

RAVENS (4-4) AT BROWNS (1-7)

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

There have been a lot of good Monday night games this season, but this won't be one. The Browns have quit on coach Eric Mangini, and who can blame them? It could get ugly — fast.

Prediction: Ravens, 34-3

RANKINGS

1. Colts: Gutted out tough win over Texans to lengthen already strong division lead

2. Saints: One of these weeks a slow start is going to end their unbeaten streak

3. Vikings: Had their bye week last week, kind of have another one vs. Lions today

4. Patriots: Been under the radar, but can make a major statement against the Colts

5. Bengals: Looked impressive in win over Ravens to earn season sweep

6. Steelers: Champs are starting to roll, and just in time for Bengal rematch

7. Cowboys: Cutting Terrell Owens has done wonders for quarterback Tony Romo