Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - Looking ahead in the National Football League is a dangerous thing indeed.

For proof of that fact, ask the Redskins and Giants how those games against the lowly Rams and Browns, respectively, went this past weekend.

But the temptation is nigh-on-impossible for fans to resist, and now that the New York Jets (3-2) have won a couple in a row including Sunday's 26-14 triumph over the Bengals, you can currently find a large number of Gang Green supporters checking out the upcoming slate.

In three of their next four contests, the Jets should be heavy favorites.

This Sunday's trip to Oakland will see Eric Mangini's club take on a 1-4 Raiders team that plays in something called the Black Hole, also an accurate description of the place in the league hierarchy where the once-proud organization now resides. If the blossoming Jets defense can force JaMarcus Russell into a couple of his usual mistakes, New York will fly home to North Jersey as a happy bunch.

Beyond that is a home date with Herm Edwards and the Kansas City Chiefs (1-4), a team on any NFL observer's short list of the worst clubs in football. Road wins against quality opponents do not look to be in the Chiefs' near future.

The toughest outing of the four-game stretch comes next, when the Jets must travel upstate to Buffalo (4-1). The Bills have been among the top surprises in football, and are probably circling the Jets game as a potential victory as well. But, noting how the Raiders and Rams have offered Buffalo stiff tests and the Cardinals blew the Bills out, that game is certainly winnable for Brett Favre and company if the Jets play well.

Should they get by the Bills, the next game is a home date with St. Louis, which won't often scratch and claw its way to wins the way it did against a surprised Washington team this past Sunday.

Thus, while the path to 7-2 is not exactly devoid of obstacles, it's a navigable one for a franchise on the cusp of completely elbowing last year's 4-12 debacle out of the frame.

Moreover, while a 6-3 or even 5-4 record after nine games would not be the end of the world for New York, the Jets had better take care of business while they can, because the schedule begins to get a lot tougher after game number nine.

Following the Rams tilt, the Jets will play a brutal three-game stretch at the Patriots in primetime (11/13), at currently unbeaten Tennessee (11/23), and at home against a high-octane Denver team that looks intent on reaching the postseason (11/30).

If Mangini's crew can get to Foxboro in mid-November at 7-2, the Patriots will be facing something of a relaxed, first-place opponent that is brimming with confidence and looking to build toward the postseason.

And though that would be a nice place to be, you won't hear any member of the Jets publicly discussing anything beyond the next practice session.

Fullback Tony Richardson summed up the mentality of the Jets locker room.

"The National Football League is about today, it's about tomorrow and it's about the upcoming game," said Richardson. "That's the only thing that we can control. We are going to be out there practicing Wednesday and Thursday and fly out to Oakland and get ready to play a hungry football team. That's the only thing that we have under control. We can't say, 'We want to be here at this point.' That's out of our control. We just have to lean on the veteran leaders on our team and our coaching staff, and we'll be fine."

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

NFL POWER POLL

The Sports Network's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm

FANTASY FOCUS

Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. N.Y. Giants (vs. San Francisco) - Niners will be yet another west coast team that fails to rouse itself for a 1pm start in the east.

2. Tennessee (at Kansas City) - Yeah, Arrowhead Stadium is traditionally tough, but traditions (like the Chiefs being a good team) are dying all over Kansas City.

3. Houston (vs. Detroit) - Texans righted the ship with a win last week, and get to host a Lions team that appears rudderless at this stage.

THE GAMES

I was 9-5 in my picks last week, and went an identical 9-5 against the spread. I didn't get either of the major upsets (Rams over Redskins, Browns over Giants), but called a mild one in the Jaguars/Broncos game, and also accurately predicted that the Lions would keep it reasonably close with the Vikings. My record is now 54-34 (.614), overall and 48-37-3 (.563) while walking the line.

San Diego (3-3) at Buffalo (4-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Pick)

Storylines: Bills quarterback Trent Edwards (concussion) expected to return to the lineup after being knocked out in first quarter of Buffalo's 41-17 loss to the Cardinals in Week 5...San Diego is in the midst of a 10-day road trip, and will travel to London for its Week 8 game with the Saints immediately after this contest...Wide receiver/return specialist Roscoe Parrish (thumb) could also return for Bills, but cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) unlikely to return to lineup...Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads the league in passer rating (109.4), and is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (14) along with injured Dallas quarterback Tony Romo...Chargers are No. 1 in NFL scoring offense (29.7 points per game)...San Diego wideout Chris Chambers (ankle), who is tied for the league in touchdown catches (5), considered questionable after missing last week's game against New England...Bills traded defensive tackle John McCargo to Indianapolis on Tuesday...Buffalo is 13-6 all-time following the bye week.

Fast Fact: In the fourth quarter this season, Bills quarterback Trent Edwards is 27-of-35 passing for 350 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 136.6 passer rating.

Prediction: Bills are fresh and rested, while Chargers will be preoccupied with upcoming trip to London. Bills 27, Chargers 20.

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New Orleans (3-3) at Carolina (4-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -3)

Storylines: Panthers join Buccaneers and Falcons in a three-way tie for first- place atop the NFC South...Carolina, which is 3-0 at home this season, was routed by New Orleans (31-6) at Bank of America stadium last Nov. 25...Wide receiver Marques Colston (thumb) expected to return to lineup, and tight end Jeremy Shockey (tight end) remains questionable...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards (1993), and Saints are No. 1 in league passing offense (324.7 yards per game)...New Orleans running back Reggie Bush leads the league in touchdowns (8), punt return average (26.9), and punt return touchdowns (3)...Saints defensive tackle and first-round Draft pick Sedrick Ellis (knee) not expected to return to lineup...Panthers tackle Jeff Otah (ankle) could return to lineup after a one-game absence...New Orleans guard Jamar Nesbit will serve the final game of a four-game NFL suspension... Saints cut wide receiver Terrance Copper on Tuesday and signed end Jeff Charleston.

Fast Fact: In his 18 appearances over the past two seasons, Reggie Bush has failed to average four yards per carry 13 times.

Prediction: Chalk last week's loss to the Bucs up as an aberration, as Carolina matches up much better with inconsistent New Orleans. Panthers 31, Saints 21.

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Minnesota (3-3) at Chicago (3-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Chicago -3)

Storylines: Vikings and Bears join Packers in a three-way tie for first-place atop the NFC North...Chicago, which has lost three games by a total of eight points, tries to rebound from heartbreaking 22-20 loss at Atlanta last week...Minnesota has won two straight since a 1-3 start...Vikings swept home- and-home against the Bears in 2007...Minnesota wide receiver Bernard Berrian, a member of the Bears from 2004 through 2007, faces his former team for the first time...Vikings have allowed league-worst three punt returns for touchdowns...Bears guard Terrence Metcalf was suspended four games by the NFL on Monday for violating league policy on steroids and related substances... Vikings safety Madieu Williams (neck) not expected to make his debut with the team...Bears defensive backs Danieal Manning (hamstring), Charles Tillman (shoulder), and Nathan Vasher (wrist) all considered questionable for Sunday's game...Chicago wideout Brandon Llloyd (knee) unlikely to play, and Minnesota receiver Sidney Rice (knee) is questionable.

Fast Fact: The Vikings have not had a 300-yard passer since January 16th, 2005, when Daunte Culpepper threw for 316 yards in a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Prediction: Vikings are 3-3 in spite of themselves, and Bears could easily be 6-0 at this stage. Bears 23, Vikings 9.

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Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (0-6), Sunday, 1:00 (Pittsburgh -9)

Storylines: Cincinnati is one of league's two remaining winless teams, along with the Lions...Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow) will miss his third game in the last four contests, and Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for Cincinnati...Steelers running back Willie Parker (sprained knee) expected to return to the lineup after a two-game absence... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin), defensive end Brett Keisel (calf), and kicker Jeff Reed (groin) are all expected to play for Steelers...Bengals are last in NFL total offense (227.8 yards per game) and yards per rush (3.1)...Fitzpatrick has led Cincinnati in rushing in both of his starts...Steelers are No. 1 in yards allowed per rush (2.78)...Bengals kicker Shayne Graham (groin) could miss his second straight game, and Dave Rayner would handle kicking chores if he can't go...Steelers are 10-9 all-time following the bye week...Cincinnati linebacker Daryl Blackstock will serve second of a four-game suspension for violation of the league's steroid policy.

Fast Fact: Including playoffs, the Steelers are 7-0 in Cincinnati since last losing there in 2001.

Prediction: Bengals have played their best football as heavy underdogs, and that trend will hold this week. Steelers 24, Bengals 17.

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Tennessee (5-0) at Kansas City (1-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Tennessee -7)

Storylines: Titans, the NFL's lone remaining unbeaten team, are 5-0 for the first time in team history...Kansas City will start quarterback Brodie Croyle (shoulder), who has been out since Week 1...Chiefs are last in NFL passing offense (136.6 yards per game)...Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez expressed public dissatisfaction at not being traded by Tuesday's trade deadline... Tennessee has surrendered a league-low-tying two sacks on the season...Titans are No. 1 in the league in scoring defense (11.2 points per game), takeaways (14), turnover margin (+6), and touchdowns allowed (6)...Chiefs are last in the league in rushing defense (182.2 yards per game), rushes of 20 yards or longer (11), and have recorded an NFL-worst three sacks entering Week 7... Kansas City has an NFL-high-tying eight lost fumbles forced, along with Arizona...Tennessee defensive backs Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan are tied for the league lead in interceptions (4) along with Green Bay's Charles Woodson...Chiefs cut linebacker Napoleon Harris on Tuesday, and signed ex- Titan Rocky Boiman on Wednesday...Titans are 11-8 all-time following the bye week, while Chiefs are 12-7.

Fast Fact: In his only meeting against the Titans (Dec. 13th, 2004), Chiefs running back Larry Johnson rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.

Prediction: Simply put, the Chiefs are terrible on both ends of the football. Titans 38, Chiefs 10.

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Baltimore (2-3) at Miami (2-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Miami -3)

Storylines: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron returns to Miami, where he served as head coach and compiled a 1-15 record in 2007...Baltimore has lost three in a row since a 2-0 start...Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown leads the league in rushing touchdowns (7)...Ravens defensive backs Samari Rolle (neck/shoulder) and Dawan Landry (spine) remain out, and cornerback Fabian Washington (shoulder) and safety Tom Zbikowski (shoulder) are questionable...Miami quarterback Chad Pennington has a passer rating of 100 or better in each of his last three games...Baltimore placed guard Marshal Yanda (knee) and linebacker Tavares Gooden (hip) on season-ending injured reserve on Tuesday...Dolphins are tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (8) along with Arizona, and have committed the fewest turnovers in the NFL (3)... Ravens lead the NFL in total defense (220.8 yards per game), rushing defense (66.4 yards per game), and passing defense (154.4 yards per game)...Baltimore has thrown a league-low one touchdown pass entering Week 7.

Fast Fact: The Ravens are 4-10 all-time in the state of Florida, including 1-4 at Miami.

Prediction: This game will come down to the most efficient quarterback, which is clearly Chad Pennington. Dolphins 22, Ravens 16.

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San Francisco (2-4) at N.Y. Giants (4-1), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Giants -10)

Storylines: Giants quarterback Eli Manning (chest) expected to start despite suffering injury in Monday's 35-14 loss to the Browns...New York leads the NFL in total offense (419.4 yards per game), rushing offense (181.2), yards per carry (6.1), and runs of 20 yards or longer (10)...Giants are the only club in the league that has yet to lose a fumble...Niners have surrendered a league- worst 23 sacks on the season, and have committed an NFL-high 15 turnovers... Giants are last in the league in takeaways (2), and are the only team in the NFL that has yet to force a lost fumble...San Francisco linebacker Takeo Spikes has an interception in three consecutive games...Giants wide receiver Steve Smith posted career-bests in catches (9) and receiving yards (94) in last week's loss to the Browns...New York middle linebacker Antonio Pierce (quadriceps) expected to return to the lineup, but cornerback Aaron Ross (leg) is questionable...Giants kicker John Carney is a perfect 12-of-12 on field goals.

Fast Fact: While serving as an assistant with the Giants (1993-96) and Jets (2000), current 49ers head coach Mike Nolan was 22-19 in games played at Giants Stadium.

Prediction: Niners seem to draw their toughest opponents at exactly the wrong time. Giants 35, 49ers 17.

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Dallas (4-2) at St. Louis (1-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Dallas -6)

Storylines: Cowboys will be without quarterback Tony Romo, who is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (14) and will miss at least three games with a broken right pinkie...Veteran Brad Johnson will start at quarterback for St. Louis...Dallas cornerback Pacman Jones was suspended for at least four games on Tuesday due to a repeat violation of the NFL personal conduct policy... Cowboys acquired wide receiver Roy Williams in a trade with the Lions on Tuesday...Rams coach Jim Haslett, who led team to a 19-17 upset of the Redskins in his debut last week, will make home debut as head man...St. Louis seeking first home victory of 2008... Rams are last in NFL scoring offense (12.4 points per game) and scoring defense (32.8)... Cowboys have an NFL-high- tying 22 touchdowns on the season...Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens is tied for the league lead in touchdown catches (5) along with three other players...Rams' Donnie Jones leads the league in punting average (51.6)...St. Louis re-signed cornerback Fakhir Brown earlier this week...Dallas running back Felix Jones (hamstring) and cornerback Terence Newman (groin) are out, but safety Roy Williams (forearm) could return.

Fast Fact: The Cowboys are 3-0 in their last three road games in the series with the Rams, with their last away loss in the series coming in Anaheim in 1986.

Prediction: Forget the passing game, Rams will have no ability to slow down Marion Barber. Cowboys 27, Rams 13.

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Detroit (0-5) at Houston (1-4), Sunday, 4:05 (Houston -9)

Storylines: Lions placed quarterback Jon Kitna (back) on season-ending injured reserve on Sunday, and will start Dan Orlovsky for a second straight week... Lions are one of two remaining winless teams, along with the 0-6 Bengals... Lions seeking to avoid their first 0-6 start since 2001, when they started 0-12 en route to a 3-13 finish...Detroit traded former Pro Bowl wide receiver Roy Williams to Dallas on Tuesday in exchange for a first-, third-, and sixth- round choices in the 2009 Draft...Texans have activated cornerback Dunta Robinson (knee) from Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list, and Robinson could make 2008 debut...Detroit wideout Calvin Johnson (concussion) and running back Kevin Smith (shoulder) both considered questionable...Lions are last in NFL total defense (421.6 yards per game)...Texans have surrendered an NFL-worst 20 touchdowns and 10 passing TDs, and are last in the league in turnover margin (-8)...Lions placed safety Gerald Alexander (neck) on season- ending injured reserve on Monday.

Fast Fact: The Lions were 24-17 winners when they last visited Houston, defeating the Oilers at the Astrodome on Dec. 10, 1995.

Prediction: Lions should get their offense going against poor Houston defense, but will fall just short once again. Texans 23, Lions 20.

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Indianapolis (3-2) at Green Bay (3-3), Sunday, 4:15 (Indianapolis -1)

Storylines: Colts seek third straight win, while Packers look to snap two-game losing streak at Lambeau Field...Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings leads the NFL in receiving yards (653)...Colts are last in NFL rushing offense (69.4 yards per game)...Green Bay is last in the league in yards allowed per rush (5.11)...Packers have recorded a league-high-tying 11 interceptions, along with Tampa Bay...Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson is tied for the league lead in interceptions (4) along with Titans' Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin...Indianapolis has surrendered a league-low-tying one touchdown pass on the year...Colts safety Bob Sanders (ankle/knee) remains out, and running back Joseph Addai (hamstring) is questionable after exiting early in last week's win over the Ravens...Colts acquired defensive tackle and former first- round Draft pick John McCargo from the Bills on Tuesday...Indianapolis also placed rookie running back Mike Hart (knee) on season-ending injured reserve and re-signed Clifton Dawson...Indy linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (pectoral) could make first appearance of season after spending first six weeks on Physically- Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list.

Fast Fact: Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy is 5-9 against Green Bay in his career.

Prediction: In battle of two inconsistent teams, look for the one that runs the football better to come away a winner. Packers 21, Colts 19.

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N.Y. Jets (3-2) at Oakland (1-4), Sunday, 4:15 (N.Y. Jets -3)

Storylines: Jets after third straight victory, while Raiders try to snap four- game home losing streak dating back to last season...Raiders seeking first win in two tries under interim head coach Tom Cable, who makes home debut as head man...Jets running back Thomas Jones totaled a career-high three touchdowns in last week's win over the Bengals...New York has totaled 10 sacks in its past two games...Jets safety Eric Smith slated to return after serving a one-game NFL suspension for helmet-to-helmet hit on Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin... Jets are one of two NFL teams without a rush of 20 yards or longer this season (Arizona)...New York return man Leon Washington leads the league in kickoff return average (31.5)...Jets kicker Mike Nugent (hamstring) expected to remain out, with Jay Feely again handling kicking chores... Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess (triceps) regarded as questionable.

Fast Fact: Jets quarterback Brett Favre is 4-0 in his career against the Raiders, and has a 107.8 career passer rating against the franchise.

Prediction: Jets have both the pass rush and secondary playmakers to force JaMarcus Russell into mistakes. Jets 28, Raiders 14.

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Cleveland (2-3) at Washington (4-2), Sunday, 4:15 (Washington -7)

Storylines: Cleveland looks to build on upset of defending Super Bowl champion Giants on Monday night, while Redskins seek to bounce back from home loss to previously winless Rams...Browns tight end Kellen Winslow (undisclosed illness) considered questionable after being hospitalized for three days last week and missing Week 6 win over the Giants...Redskins signed former All-Pro running back Shaun Alexander on Tuesday, and his status is unknown for Sunday...Washington running back Clinton Portis leads the NFL in rushing yards (643)... Cleveland cornerback Eric Wright was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week thanks to a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Giants...Redskins are the only team in the league that has yet to throw an interception...Redskins cut punter Durant Brooks on Tuesday and replaced him with ex-Seahawk Ryan Plackemeier... Washington also signed ex-Seahawks safety Mike Green, and placed Reed Doughty on season-ending injured reserve.

Fast Fact: The Browns lead the all-time series with the Redskins, 33-9-1 (.779), and are 16-3-1 (.825) in Washington.

Prediction: Browns can't afford to suffer a Monday night hangover given the strength of their remaining schedule, but will fall short against Skins team that won't lose two straight at home. Redskins 26, Browns 24.

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Seattle (1-4) at Tampa Bay (4-2), Sunday, 8:15 (Tampa Bay -10)

Storylines: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back) expected to miss second straight game, meaning either Seneca Wallace (calf) or Charlie Frye will start for Buccaneers...Jeff Garcia expected to start for Tampa Bay ahead of quarterback Brian Griese (elbow)...Warrick Dunn could start at running back for Buccaneers, with Earnest Graham moved to fullback for a second straight week...Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren is 15-4 against Tampa Bay all-time, and the Seahawks are 7-1 all-time against the Buccaneers...Wideout Deion Branch (heel) is questionable for Seattle...Wideout Joey Galloway (foot), a former Seattle first-round Draft choice who played for the Seahawks from 1995 through 1999, is questionable for Buccaneers...Tampa Bay tight end Jerramy Stevens also faces former team...Buccaneers are the only team in the league that has yet to allow a rushing touchdown... Bucs have recorded an NFL-high- tying 11 interceptions, along with Green Bay...Seahawks released wide receiver Michael Bumpus and signed running back/return man Justin Forsett on Tuesday.

Fast Fact: Seattle is 4-0 in Tampa Bay all-time, beating the Bucs on their home turf in 1976, 1996, 2004, and 2006.

Prediction: Bucs don't have the offensive punch to blow many teams out, but Seattle is too beaten up to come away with a road win. Buccaneers 16, Seahawks 13.

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Denver (4-2) at New England (3-2), Monday, 8:30 (New England -3)

Storylines: Broncos own a one-game lead over San Diego atop the AFC West as Week 7 begins, while New England is a game back of Buffalo for first-place in AFC East...Veteran Michael Pittman expected to make second straight start at running back for Broncos after amassing 109 yards on 20 carries in last week's loss to Jacksonville...Denver is last in league passing defense (255.5 yards per game)...Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall leads the NFL in receptions (43) ...Broncos running back Selvin Young (groin), wide receiver Eddie Royal (ankle) and Brandon Stokley (concussion), and tight end Tony Scheffler (groin) all regarded as questionable for Monday night...New England running backs Laurence Maroney (shoulder), LaMont Jordan (calf) and defensive backs Ellis Hobbs (knee) and Brandon Meriweather (hip) all questionable... Broncos tight end Daniel Graham played five years with New England (2002-2006), and Patriots cornerback Deltha O'Neal spent four years in Denver (2000-2003)...Denver has surrendered a league-low-tying two sacks on the season, along with Tennessee...Broncos are 5-1 in their last six trips to New England.

Fast Fact: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is 2-9 in his career against the Broncos (regular season and playoffs), including a 2-5 mark since joining the Patriots in 2000.

Prediction: Patriots don't have the quarterback to attack Denver's defensive weaknesses, and Cutler could have a field day against New England secondary. Broncos 25, Patriots 17.