Peek at the Week: Is it time for a South power shift?

Game of the week

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. | Preview

The line: Indianapolis by 6½

The injuries: Jacksonville is surprisingly healthy for this time of year. Linebacker Mike Peterson (broken foot) is out, but the only other player on the team's injury report is wide receiver Josh Broussard (ankle).

Fred Taylor will be running against a different Colts defense than he is accustomed to. (AP)

Indianapolis wide receiver Marvin Harrison didn't practice this week and, in all likelihood, will be sidelined for the seventh time in eight games. Linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, who missed four games with a pinched nerve in his neck, appears ready to return. Halger and linebacker Freddy Keiaho have not been on the field at the same time since the Colts last played Jacksonville on Oct. 22.

The story: The stakes here are obvious: The winner probably takes the division, which means at least one home playoff game. For Indianapolis it could be more because of the Colts' record. With a victory Indy could dig itself in as the No. 2 seed for the upcoming AFC playoffs, provided, of course, it doesn't screw things up down the stretch.

But that wouldn't be like the Colts. Tony Dungy has done a marvelous job coaching these guys despite a tidal wave of injuries. If Adam Vinatieri doesn't shank a kick in San Diego you're looking at a club with one loss -- and that was to unbeaten New England.

Anyway, this is must-see TV from two of the top three teams in the AFC. The Colts are hurt, but they had nine days to recover from their defeat of Atlanta. And that gives them the edge. This does, too: They have won their five of their past six in Indianapolis against Jacksonville and could go three up on the Jags (because of the head-to-head tiebreaker and better division record) with a victory.

The Jags haven't been immune to setbacks, losing defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (suspended) and Peterson in recent weeks, but they're hot. Quarterback David Garrard has been one of the season's pleasant surprises, and not because of what he's doing but because of what he's not -- namely, throwing interceptions.

Once, the Jags could count on zillions of yards from Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor against a soft Colts defense, but that was yesteryear. The Colts are more physical now and tougher against the run. Which means Garrard might have to play a more significant role than he has in the past.

I like the guy, but I like Peyton Manning more, especially when I look at his history of success against the Jags in this building. But this is a different Jacksonville team. The Jags are 4-1 on the road, their best record away from home after five games under coach Jack Del Rio.

Manning shredded Jacksonville earlier this season, but I don't pay too much attention to the impact that game has here. For one, the Jags played most of the evening without Garrard. For another, they're 4-1 since that loss. If, as some believe, they're the second best team in the conference, this is their opportunity to demonstrate it.

Three games I'd like to see

Seattle at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. | Preview | Endzone

Suddenly, this looks a lot better than it did a couple of weeks ago. Seattle is driving to another division title, but it better be careful. The Seahawks were lucky to escape St. Louis a week ago, and there is no Gus Frerotte here to miss an open receiver or botch a fourth-down snap. In fact, the Eagles feel better about themselves than at almost any time this year, and I can tell you why in two words.

New England.

Shaun Alexander will be back for Seattle. (AP)

The Eagles not only hung with the unbeaten Pats, they had a chance to beat them. And that was with a backup quarterback and a third-string safety. Philadelphia believes it is back in playoff contention, and the Eagles just might be right. Hey, it's the NFC, so anything's possible. Me? I think one of the conference's 5-6 teams is going to make it, and the Eagles might be the ticket.

But they must win now. Seattle struggles on the road, especially when it has to travel across country. The good news is the Seahawks might have Shaun Alexander back in the lineup. He practiced this week for the first time in nearly a month. The bad news is that they seemed better off without him, running off three straight victories as he sat.

The key for Seattle is not the return of Alexander but ball control. Since the 2005 season the Seahawks have held the ball over 30 minutes in 22 of 43 games, with a 20-2 record to show for it. Only New England at 24-1 is better.

The Eagles are 0-1 without Donovan McNabb, but don't tell me they didn't look better last weekend. Now there's a call for backup A.J. Feeley, and it wouldn't be Philadelphia if we didn't have some dark cloud over the team and McNabb at this stage of the season. If McNabb is healthy, he starts. But he missed practice with a sprained ankle, fueling speculation that Feeley will be the quarterback again.

That, of course, is not certain. Coach Andy Reid voiced his support for McNabb this week and insisted he starts if he's OK. No matter who plays the position for Philadelphia, he better finish drives against Seattle instead of settling for field goals. The Seahawks can score in bunches, producing 24 or more points in each of their past five starts -- four of which they won.

That means it might be up to McNabb or Feeley to produce one of those multi-touchdown games to keep this team where it should be -- in playoff contention. Remember, it was this time a year ago the Eagles started their five-game run. Only one difference: Then there was no McNabb comeback. Now there could be.

Something to consider: Beware the Seattle pass rush. The Seahawks are second in the league with 35 sacks, with Patrick Kerney producing three each in his past two games. Since the beginning of 2005, only San Diego has more sacks than the Seahawks.

N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 p.m. | Preview

I know what you're thinking: How could a game involving a couple of stiffs with a combined record of 2-20 be worth watching? Well, listen up: If Miami doesn't win here, we might have history. Tampa Bay could have company in the Hall of Infamy, with the Dolphins running the table for 16 losses.

Kellen Clemens leads the 2-9 Jets vs. the 0-11 Dolphins. (AP)

I know there are four games after this one, but let's look at the schedule. At Buffalo? Can't see it. Baltimore? Maybe. At New England? Please. Cincinnati? I don't think so. It's now or never guys, and the good folks in Tampa are standing by to pop their Red Bulls.

Essentially, this comes down to which team can find the end zone without a compass. Miami ranks 24th in scoring, the Jets 26th. That's what you call symmetry, people. Both have inexperienced quarterbacks and struggling passing attacks, but the Jets have Thomas Jones -- and maybe, just maybe, he can make a difference. I'll take Kellen Clemens over John Beck at this stage of their careers, too, though I must admit Beck showed me something in that Monday night loss to Pittsburgh.

Then there is this: The Dolphins scored no offensive touchdowns the past two weeks; the Jets at least knocked off Pittsburgh. Plus, they have beaten Miami three straight and six of the past seven, so they have an edge.

But the Dolphins could have the incentive. They don't want to go down in history as one of life's biggest losers, so figure them to try something, anything, to pull out of this freefall. Defensively, they're not bad -- holding their past two opponents to two touchdowns and a pair of field goals -- but unless Jason Taylor scores again I don't see where they manufacture points.

Something to consider: The Jets have 10 sacks the past two games after producing nine in their first nine. Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson is the big winner here, with 3.5 sacks the past two weeks.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. | Preview

If the Saints are going to defend their NFC South title this is the chance. Not only do they get Tampa Bay at home, they get them without Jeff Garcia. Last time I checked the Bucs were talking about Luke McCown at quarterback, and that's nothing but good news for New Orleans.

Jeff Garcia's injury will be a pain for the Bucs. (AP)

Of course the Saints still must solve one of the league's toughest defenses. A week ago Washington ran all over Tampa Bay in the second half, outgaining the Bucs by 301 yards, yet they couldn't pull out a win. And they couldn't because the Bucs forced six turnovers, including an interception that short-circuited a potential game-winning drive.

A lot has been written and said about the play of linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber, and for good reason: They continue to make big plays. But what about linebacker Barrett Ruud? All he's done is produce a team-high 135 tackles, including a career-best 18 against Tennessee.

If I'm Drew Brees, I stay away from him. Brees is the key to what happens here. Let's face it, without Garcia the Bucs will struggle to score. So Brees better avoid mistakes. The guy has been a paragon of inconsistency this year and was underwhelming when Tampa Bay crushed these guys earlier this season.

Bottom line: The Saints win this one if they have a pulse on offense. If they turn the ball over, they're in trouble. You don't beat Tampa Bay by giving the Bucs short fields and easy touchdowns.

Something to consider: Despite losing fullback Mike Alstott and running back Carnell Williams to season-ending injuries and running back Michael Pittman for five games, the Bucs average 4.11 yards per carry -- second best in team history.

Crummy game of the week

Atlanta at St. Louis, 1 p.m. | Preview

Joey Harrington might throw some to St. Louis' Oshiomogho Atogwe. (AP)

I can guarantee you one ticket that's available this week, and you might not have to pay face value. That's what happens when you try to sell Joey Harrington vs. Gus Frerotte.

At this juncture, Gus the Kicking Mule might be a better draw. People have been staying away from the Too Tall Jones Dome all season, and this is another chance to do some early Christmas shopping.

Maybe you watch this game if Steven Jackson is on your Fantasy team; otherwise, I can't think of a reason. Remember, St. Louis, only four more months to the start of baseball season.

Something to consider: Wide receiver Roddy White is on target to become Atlanta's first 1,000-yard receiver since Terance Mathis did it in 1999. At the rate he's going White will wind up with 1,126 yards.

Upset of the week

San Francisco (+2½) over Carolina | Preview

The Niners offense is getting it together under Trent Dilfer. (AP)

I can't believe I'm picking the 49ers to win anything but a high draft choice for New England. But this is Carolina, a demoralized club in a five-game slide. Normally, I'd say the 49ers don't have a prayer on a cross-country trip because, well, they're the 49ers. But this is Carolina, where the Panthers haven't won in five games this season and where the losing streak is to seven.

These are also the Panthers who can't score (50 points in their past five games), can't pressure the quarterback (10 sacks all year) and can't win. I'm not sure why they're the favorite here, but I like whatever Ted Tollner did with the 49ers' offense a week ago.

Normally, I'd say getting these guys to produce two touchdowns in consecutive weeks is as likely as Isiah Thomas pulling coach of the year votes, but Tollner seems to have found something. I'm betting he keeps it going here.

Something to consider: This game is a chance to measure the two leading candidates for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 49ers' Patrick Willis leads his team in tackles, while Carolina linebacker Jon Beason tops the Panthers in that department.

Five guys I'd like to be

Rex Grossman, QB, Chicago: Because for the first time in, oh, say, a couple of years, critics are poised to pounce on the other quarterback.

Get this: Chicago fans are clamoring to see Rex Grossman play. (AP)

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis: Because he plays Jacksonville at home, where he's 5-1 against the Jags, with 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego: Because he's aiming for his third straight 100-yard game against the Chiefs. In the past two he averaged 165.5 yards rushing per start.

Oshiomogho Atogwe, S, St. Louis: Because he's aiming for his fourth straight game with an interception, and just drew Joey Harrington as a target.

Edgerrin James, RB, Arizona: Because he has faced Cleveland four times in his career and never lost.

Stat of the week

Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson has thrown three touchdown passes this season. Each has been for exactly 60 yards.

He said it

"I just want to put some things to rest real quick here. When Donovan's ready to come back physically then he'll be the starting quarterback. Let's not confuse words here." -- Philadelphia coach Andy Reid on Donovan McNabb's future.

Where we will be

Pete will be in Indianapolis to take my call-in order at Shapiro's.

I'll be in Philadelphia on Sunday to check Shaun Alexander for a pulse.

I'll be in Baltimore on Monday to deck the stadium halls in crepe.