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TODAY'S GAMES

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By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 27, 2008

TITANS AT LIONS, 12:30 p.m.

TV/CREW: WTSP, Channel 10 (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms)

ABOUT THE TITANS: A 13-game winning streak during the regular season was just shattered during a 21-point loss to the Jets, so Tennessee will enter Ford Field seeking atonement. A plus-11 turnover ratio leads the league, and rookie Chris Johnson is the AFC's No. 2 rusher behind former Buc Thomas Jones.

ABOUT THE LIONS: The league's worst rushing defense will be tested by Tennessee's physical line as Detroit seeks its first win. Rookie RB Kevin Smith has averaged 98 yards in the past three games, and WR Calvin Johnson can make any secondary look bad. If the game is close, K Jason Hanson's range gives Detroit a fighting chance.

KEY STAT: Hanson is 6-for-6 this year on FG attempts from 50 yards or longer.

KEY MATCHUP: Calvin Johnson vs. young CB Cortland Finnegan, tied for the NFL lead with five interceptions.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Titans, 34-7

SEAHAWKS AT COWBOYS, 4:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: WTVT, Channel 13 (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver)

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS: It's hard to believe Mike Holmgren is heading up the NFC's least productive offense. Seattle has won three of the past four meetings against Dallas, but this is a battered Seahawks club playing out the string. Rookie TE John Carlson is one of the few bright spots amid the carnage.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS: Dallas has built some momentum since QB Tony Romo returned to guide one of the NFL's most balanced attacks. The Cowboys are 25-14-1 on Thanksgiving, and they are 26-4 when Marion Barber carries at least 11 times. Dallas tops the NFC in third-down success rate at 47.6 percent.

KEY STAT: The Cowboys have scored at least 20 points in each of their last seven Thanksgiving Day appearances.

KEY MATCHUP: Seahawks LT Walter Jones vs. blitzing LB Demarcus Ware.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Cowboys, 24-14

CARDINALS AT EAGLES, 8:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: NFL Network (Bob Papa, Cris Collinsworth)

ABOUT THE CARDINALS: Arizona can clinch its first division title since 1975 with a win. The NFL's No. 2 attack is keyed by prolific QB Kurt Warner and a trio of dangerous WRs. Don't forget about rookie Tim Hightower, who has already scored nine rushing TDs. S Adrian Wilson heads up an overlooked defense.

ABOUT THE EAGLES: Philadelphia ranks in the Top 10 on both sides of the ball, but the Eagles are fading fast in the NFC playoff picture. QB Donovan McNabb is under siege from the media and a disgruntled fan base. Perhaps big-play rookie WR DeSean Jackson can find some seams downfield in this must-win matchup.

KEY STAT: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is one of seven players in NFL history with at least 25 rushing TDs and 25 receiving TDs.

KEY MATCHUP: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin vs. CB Asante Samuel.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Cardinals, 27-20

TODAY'S GAMES

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