Brian Griese was hurt in Denver, so it is back to Jeff Garcia at least for this week. Garcia is more mobile and probably a better decision maker, but he can't make all of the throws like Griese. Jon Gruden might have to rely overwhelmingly on the run game to win this one.
Jaguars at Broncos
Jacksonville's defense really let them down a week ago, outside of Rashean Mathis' interception return for a touchdown. Giving up 26 points against Pittsburgh makes it next impossible to win against a team with a very strong defensive unit. Their task will be a challenge this week, as they have to try and at least slow down Denver.
Tampa Bay effectively eliminated Brandon Marshall a week ago and thus limited the damage in a 16-13 Broncos victory. Jacksonville's run game once again faltered against the Steelers, but facing a porous Broncos defense, both Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor should have great games on the ground.
It is imperative that the Jaguars find a way to win this game, with Tennessee essentially running away in the AFC South.
Cowboys at Cardinals
Well, it was another interesting week at Valley Ranch, and you have to wonder how it has affected the Cowboys' preparation for what should be a good test against Arizona. The Cardinals are one of the best passing offenses in the league, being led of course by the ageless Kurt Warner.
Warner should be licking his chops, as a Dallas secondary that already has problems in pass coverage will be missing Terence Newman from the lineup as he battles the effects of a sports hernia.
Dallas was listless last week, and as a fan, that bothered me. You should come out firing after losing a crucial division game against a hated rival, but that did not happen. I think the Cowboys will come out ready to play for a change this week, but if they are not unable to slow down Fitzgerald and Warner, they will go home losers.
And the rest…
Dolphins at Texans
Don't look now, but Miami might actually be a pretty decent football team. One month in, and they've already surpassed that magical mark of one win achieved in 2007. The Wildcat formation, featuring Ronnie Brown, has really thrown off defenses.
Houston looks to recover from blowing a 27-10 lead late in the fourth quarter against the Colts a week ago, but difficult losses such as that one don't evaporate from memory quickly.
Raiders at Saints
The Tom Cable era begins with a trip to New Orleans to face a Saints team that is surprisingly in last place. Outside of the opener, Oakland hasn't played particularly poorly, they just haven't closed games. New Orleans, meanwhile, is probably desperate for a win considering the fact everyone else in the NFC South is above .500 while they sit at 2-3.
Bengals at Jets
The best thing about the Jets' bye last week had to be not hearing about Brett Favre for a few days, even in light of his performance against Arizona. I'd be inclined to say he will have another good game against Cincinnati, but the Bengals' defensive backfield actually did a solid job in slowing down Tony Romo, T.O., and company.
If Marvin Lewis wants to live to see Christmas on the Ohio River, the Bengals can't keep putting up a zero in the W column.
Lions at Vikings
In spite of Brad Childress' poor offensive gameplan, and Reggie Bush's two punt returns for touchdowns, Minnesota miraculously won in New Orleans on Monday night. Adrian Peterson had what, 32 yards on 21 carries? Things are suddenly looking up for our Scandinavian pirate friends, with Detroit coming to town this week. Plus, they are now only a game out in a very wide open Norris Division.
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