GAME OF THE WEEK

Minnesota Vikings (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-2)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX (Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver)

Sheridan's line: Green Bay by 3

Last meeting: The Vikings won, 30-23, at home on Oct. 5.

Streaking: The Vikings have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in an NFL-high 30 consecutive games.

Bring the heat: The Packers focused on RB Adrian Peterson in the first meeting and the result was a 24-for-31 passing effort with three touchdowns by QB Brett Favre, who wasn't sacked. Green Bay is healthier in the secondary this time around and expected to apply far more pressure up front. Minnesota got too pass-heavy in last Sunday's loss in Pittsburgh and needs to get Peterson more touches even if he was held to 55 rushing yards Oct. 5.

Max protect: The Packers' dilemma is how to manage some consistent yards against Minnesota's stout run defense. "Achieving balance" isn't a cliche for the Packers — without it Green Bay will have to adjust its passing game and leave a tight end or running back behind to help with DE Jared Allen (4.5 sacks in first meeting) in long passing situations. Rodgers tends to hold the ball too long, but needs to make quick decisions and unload with Allen charging from his blind side.

Specialties: Packers RB Brandon Jackson will return kickoffs and CB Tramon Williams punts with WR Jordy Nelson out.

Key injuries: Vikings: WR Bernard Berrian (hamstring) is uncertain; CB Antoine Winfield (foot) is not expected to play. Packers: Rodgers (foot) will play but was limited in midweek practice; Nelson (knee sprain) is out; TE Jermichael Finley (knee sprain) is unlikely to play; LT Chad Clifton (ankle sprain) is uncertain.

Need to know: Favre is 7-0 with a 102.0 passer rating against teams with Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers as the head coach or coordinator. ... The Packers defense has 11 interceptions this season.

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Denver Broncos (6-0) at Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf)

Sheridan's line: Baltimore by 3½

Gameplan: The Broncos' transition to the 3-4 defense has gone smoother than anyone could have imagined, and it starts with a swarming run defense allowing just 79.7 yards per game. And Baltimore must build a lead because Denver has allowed just 10 second-half points all season. The Ravens need to match the Broncos' intensity on both sides of the ball. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's unit has given up consecutive 100-yard rushers. If Denver is able to run the ball effectively, QB Kyle Orton has proven to be very efficient and will methodically pick apart Baltimore's subpar secondary.

Need to know: The Ravens' three losses have come by a combined 11 points. ... Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil has 10 sacks. The only player in NFL history with more through six games was the Giants' Michael Strahan (10.5) in 2001.

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Houston Texans (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon)

Sheridan's line: Houston by 3½

Gameplan: The running game has been the one element lacking from the Texans' 10th-ranked offense. While Buffalo has a ballhawking secondary (13 interceptions), the Bills are ranked last in defending the run and with rain in Sunday's forecast Houston would be wise to get RB Steve Slaton involved early. The Bills again turn to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has a lower passer rating than injured Trent Edwards but has done a better job of getting the wideouts involved. Houston gave up three second-half touchdowns to 49ers TE Vernon Davis last Sunday, so look for Fitzpatrick to attack the seam.

Need to know: The Texans are 15-44 all-time on the road. ... Bills rookie FS Jairus Byrd has five interceptions in the past three games.

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Cleveland Browns (1-6) at Chicago Bears (3-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots)

Sheridan's line: Chicago by 13

Gameplan: Bears QB Jay Cutler has thrown 10 interceptions, but far too much of the offensive load has been thrust onto his right arm with RB Matt Forte (3.5 yards per carry) struggling behind a poor run-blocking line. Cleveland scores just 10.3 points per game, so Chicago's main objective must be to protect the ball and force the Browns' offense to produce. For Cleveland, it's about keeping the game close and therefore keeping RB Jamal Lewis involved. QB Derek Anderson is struggling mightily, in large part due to a very young receiving corps that lacks a proven playmaker.

Need to know: The Browns have been held without a touchdown in three of four road games. ... Cutler has a 65.4 passer rating with three interceptions in the red zone this season.

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St. Louis Rams (0-7) at Detroit Lions (1-5)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX (Ron Pitts, John Lynch)

Sheridan's line: Pick 'em

Gameplan: The Lions hope to get rookie QB Matthew Stafford back from a right knee injury, but the gameplan is predicated on establishing the run — especially if WR Calvin Johnson is sidelined by his own knee issue. The Rams rank 27th in defending the run, but give up a fairly respectable 4.3 yards per carry — the problem has been big deficits that allow opponents to methodically grind games out. St. Louis will also lean hard on RB Steven Jackson. QBs Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller have combined for a 6-5 interception-to-touchdown ratio. However, the secondary is where the Lions are most vulnerable.

Need to know: The Lions have lost 28 of their past 30 games. ... The Rams have lost an NFL-high 17 consecutive games.

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Miami Dolphins (2-4) at New York Jets (4-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms)

Sheridan's line: New York Jets by 3½

Gameplan: Whose rookies will hold up the best? The Jets are asking third-round RB Shonn Greene to team with Thomas Jones for a solid 1-2 punch now that Leon Washington is out for the season. New York wants to protect first-round QB Mark Sanchez, but it has to be tempting to get WR Braylon Edwards involved with the Dolphins starting a pair of rookies outside in CBs Vontae Davis (first) and Sean Smith (second). Breaking tendencies will also be important with these division rivals having met just three weeks ago. Miami ran the Wildcat 16 times in that 31-27 win, and the Dolphins' 170.3 rushing yards per game ranks second only behind the Jets' 184.9.

Need to know: The Jets are the first team with 300-plus rushing yards in consecutive games since Buffalo in 1975. ... Miami is 6-1 in its past seven games against AFC East rivals.

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San Francisco 49ers (3-3) at Indianapolis Colts (6-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX (Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan)

Sheridan's line: Indianapolis by 12

Gameplan: The 49ers don't want to get into a shootout with the Colts, but new starting QB Alex Smith does give the offense far better ability to throw the ball vertically. With WR Michael Crabtree making an immediate impact, the goal is for the passing game to help open more holes for RB Frank Gore. The 49ers must avoid third-and-longs because their shaky offensive line won't hold up against Indianapolis' strong pass rush. Colts QB Peyton Manning won't face the same heat. San Francisco doesn't rush the passer as well and the Colts can spread the field and attack.

Need to know: 49ers TE Vernon Davis leads the NFL with six touchdown receptions. ... The Colts have won a franchise-record 15 consecutive regular-season games.

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Seattle Seahawks (2-4) at Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX (Dick Stockton, Charles Davis)

Sheridan's line: Dallas by 9½

Gameplan: The Cowboys' offense appears to have hit its stride with a healthy running game setting the table for QB Tony Romo, who has a new favorite target in WR Miles Austin. One of Seattle's few advantages is its pass rush (16 sacks) against Dallas' aging line, but first the Seahawks must overcome playing without injured MLB Lofa Tatupu and snuff out the ground game. Seattle offensive coordinator Greg Knapp wants to improve his own running attack, but it's difficult with a patchwork line not run blocking or pass protecting well. QB Matt Hasselbeck will have to rely on short drops and ask his receivers to make plays after the catch.

Need to know: The Seahawks expect Damion McIntosh to be their fourth different starter at left tackle in seven games. ... Austin has 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns over the past two games.

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New York Giants (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX (Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa)

Sheridan's line: Pick 'em

Gameplan: The Giants are expected to dial up their blitz packages once again. Coverage remains a concern, while Eagles QB Donovan McNabb has struggled against the blitz this season and Philadelphia's ground game is in question with RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) uncertain. If he can't play, rookie LeSean McCoy must shoulder the load. The Eagles' defense received an immediate boost from new MLB Will Witherspoon last Sunday. But he'll face a much stiffer test against the Giants' stout offensive line paving the way for RBs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Establishing the run is key for the Giants, who lack explosive playmakers downfield and will struggle without balance.

Need to know: The Giants have won the past four regular-season meetings in Philadelphia. ... Giants rookie WR Hakeem Nicks has a touchdown reception in four consecutive games.

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Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (0-6)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS (Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker)

Sheridan's line: Tennessee by 3

Gameplan: No matter who is behind center for the Titans, they need to attack the Jaguars' secondary. Jacksonville has just five sacks on the season and is far stronger against the run. Another significant issue for the Titans has been far too many dropped passes downfield. Both offenses are run-based, but the Jaguars only called on RB Maurice Jones-Drew to carry the ball six times in a 37-17 victory in the first meeting. Tennessee's secondary has been injury-depleted and abused by opposing quarterbacks all season. And Jaguars QB David Garrard can get comfortable in the pocket because the Titans' front four fails to generate much pressure.

Need to know: Jones-Drew has seven rushing touchdowns in his past four games. ... The Titans are 12-8 in games following a bye week.

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Oakland Raiders (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (3-3)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS (Dick Enberg, Dan Fouts)

Sheridan's line: San Diego by 16½

Gameplan: Keeping the game close is mandatory for the Raiders, who don't have the passing game to come from behind. And it will be interesting to see how QB JaMarcus Russell rebounds after being pulled from last Sunday's game. San Diego's weakness is in defending the run, and that's where the Raiders will attack first in an effort to ease the burden on Russell. Chargers QB Philip Rivers completed five passes to each of four different receivers in San Diego's 24-20 victory at Oakland in Week 1. The passing game has only grown since then, so the Raiders will need to ratchet up the pass rush to keep the scoreboard manageable.

Need to know: Raiders TE Zach Miller leads all NFL tight ends with 16.0 yards per reception. ... The Chargers have won the past 12 meetings.

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Carolina Panthers (2-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-2)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX (Chris Myers, Brian Billick)

Sheridan's line: Arizona by 10

Gameplan: Carolina wants to rely on its power ground game, but the Cardinals enter with the league's top-ranked run defense allowing just 67.5 yards per game. Arizona will try to force the game onto the arm of QB Jake Delhomme, who continues to make poor decisions downfield and faces a Cardinals defense that will bring pressure from anywhere. It's also strength on strength with Carolina's No. 1-ranked pass defense battling the Cardinals' high-powered attack. Arizona is throwing the ball more than twice as much as it runs, but rookie RB Beanie Wells is starting to make a bigger impact as he learns the offense and will be a factor in the red zone.

Need to know: Delhomme has thrown a league-high 13 interceptions, and turned the ball over six times in last season's playoff loss to Arizona. ... Cardinals RB Tim Hightower leads NFC running backs with 31 receptions.

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Atlanta Falcons (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (6-0)

Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden)

Sheridan's line: New Orleans by 10

Gameplan: The Falcons' defense is being exposed on the ground and through the air. Unless Atlanta is able to take away the run and get in the face of QB Drew Brees in long passing situations, the Saints should move the ball down the field at will. The improvement this season in the Saints is their balance and ability to adjust mid-game. Meanwhile, nothing about the Falcons' offense has been as consistent as expected. Atlanta is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, but needs to control time of possession against the high-octane Saints and set up play-action for QB Matt Ryan.

Need to know: Ryan is 11-3 in his career in games played indoors. ... The Saints seek to start 7-0 for just the second time in franchise history (1991).