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Sunday's NFL Capsules

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By IRA KAUFMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2008

GAME OF THE DAY

REDSKINS AT EAGLES, 1 p.m.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS: Washington is the only NFL team that hasn't thrown an interception, and its plus-6 turnover ratio is tied with Tennessee for tops in the league. WR Santana Moss is on pace for 108 catches, but the defense could struggle without injured end Jason Taylor.

ABOUT THE EAGLES: Rookie WR DeSean Jackson continues to impress, and QB Donovan McNabb has regained his Pro Bowl form. If RB Brian Westbrook returns today, Philly will have another key weapon to utilize against Washington's resourceful defense.

KEY STAT: Three of the four career TDs by Eagles WR Hank Baskett have come from 85 yards out or longer.

KEY MATCHUP: Moss vs. CB Asante Samuel, who has an NFL-high 18 interceptions since 2006.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Eagles, 23-16

TONIGHT'S GAME

STEELERS AT JAGUARS, 8:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: WFLA, Channel 8 (Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer)

ABOUT THE STEELERS: Pittsburgh's offensive line has struggled at times protecting Ben Roethlisberger and carving holes for a battered group of running backs. An aggressive defense, led by S Troy Polamalu, stiffened after intermission as the Steelers rallied past Baltimore on Monday.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS: Jacksonville's running game is still a work in progress, but Fred Taylor has a history of success against Pittsburgh. The kicking game is impressive, and young WR Matt Jones is beginning to emerge as a reliable downfield threat.

KEY STAT: Jacksonville's Josh Scobee has converted 10 consecutive FG attempts.

KEY MATCHUP: Jaguars SS Brian Williams vs. TE Heath Miller.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Steelers, 20-10.

TITANS AT RAVENS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Seeking the first 5-0 start in franchise history, the Titans rely on a punishing defense and a productive ground game led by speedy rookie Chris Johnson.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Titans, 16-3

CHIEFS AT PANTHERS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Carolina might be caught looking ahead to next week's early-season showdown in Tampa, but the Chiefs are usually punchless on the road.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Panthers, 23-14

BEARS AT LIONS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Detroit swept Chicago last season, and the mistake-prone Lions purged themselves of GM Matt Millen during the bye week.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Lions, 27-20

FALCONS AT PACKERS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Coming off back-to-back setbacks, Green Bay will be determined to resurrect a dormant running game today.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Packers, 21-7

COLTS AT TEXANS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Indy takes an 11-1 mark against Houston into Reliant Stadium, where the winless Texans are desperate to hound Peyton Manning into mistakes.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Texans, 31-27

CHARGERS AT DOLPHINS,

1 p.m.; WTSP, Ch. 10

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Miami has reeled off six consecutive wins vs. San Diego, but the Chargers are starting to roll offensively behind QB Philip Rivers.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Chargers, 33-14

SEAHAWKS AT GIANTS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Seattle had a week off to work on that minus-3 turnover differential, while the Giants seek their first 4-0 start since their 1990 championship season.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Giants, 17-13

BILLS AT CARDINALS,

4:15 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Relying on a disciplined defense and sharp special teams, the Bills are writing one of the most intriguing story lines of the early season.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Cardinals, 24-17

BENGALS AT COWBOYS,

4:15 p.m.; WTSP, Ch. 10

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Little has gone right for the winless Bengals, and Cincinnati has the misfortune today of catching the angry Cowboys on the rebound.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Cowboys, 41-10

PATRIOTS AT 49ERS,

4:15 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Coming off a shabby effort against Miami, followed by a bye week, the Pats seek a 12th consecutive win vs. AFC opponents.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Patriots, 21-16

Last week's record: 7-6. Season record: 31-29.

GAME OF THE DAY

TONIGHT'S GAME

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