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GAMES OF THE WEEK

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Ira Kaufman

@tampatrib.com

Published: October 26, 2008

CHARGERS-SAINTS AT LONDON, 1 p.m.

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

ABOUT THE CHARGERS: Perhaps a trip overseas will serve as a tonic for the erratic Chargers, who trounce New England one week and lose at Buffalo the following week. The NFL's worst pass defense will be tested by Drew Brees, especially if RB LaDainian Tomlinson can't provide ball control.

ABOUT THE SAINTS: The league's top-rated attack was stifled in Charlotte and the defense still can't make critical stops. With his favorite target, RB Reggie Bush, sidelined today, Brees is more likely to throw downfield at Wembley Stadium against the club that drafted him in 2001.

KEY STAT: San Diego's Philip Rivers has completed 40 of 56 passes in the past two games.

KEY MATCHUP: Saints SS Roman Harper vs. Pro Bowl TE Antonio Gates.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Chargers, 34-20

GIANTS AT STEELERS, 4:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: WTVT, Channel 13 (Dick Stockton, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver)

ABOUT THE GIANTS: The NFL's top-rated ground game is keyed by Brandon Jacobs and the Giants are 19-4 when he has at least 10 rushing attempts. Despite the absence of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, the NFC's No. 1 defense has generated 21 sacks.

ABOUT THE STEELERS: In Mike Tomlin's second season, Pittsburgh's defense is setting a lofty standard, led by S Troy Polamalu and LBs James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. QB Ben Roethlisberger is 13-3 against NFC opponents, with a 101.1 passer rating.

KEY STAT: The Steelers are seeking their 10th consecutive home win vs. the NFC.

KEY MATCHUP: Giants CB Sam Madison vs. WR Hines Ward, tied for the league lead with five TD receptions.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Steelers, 31-14

RAIDERS AT RAVENS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: In seeking the 100th win in franchise history, the Ravens still boast a defense nasty enough to hound JaMarcus Russell.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Ravens, 20-0

CARDINALS AT PANTHERS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Arizona could open up a three-game lead atop the NFC West today, but first the Cardinals have to contain big-play WR Steve Smith.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Panthers, 24-22

REDSKINS AT LIONS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Detroit's not going to go 0-16 this year, so you don't want to miss out on win No. 1.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Lions, 20-17

BILLS AT DOLPHINS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Led by their MVP candidate, QB Trent Edwards, the Bills finally play their first game against an AFC East opponent.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Bills, 16-14

RAMS AT PATRIOTS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Consecutive victories have given St. Louis life in the weak NFC West, but winning at Foxborough is a daunting challenge.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Patriots, 27-17

CHIEFS AT JETS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Even a pro like TE Tony Gonzalez is having difficulty staying focused amid the chaos in Kansas City.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Jets, 34-7

FALCONS AT EAGLES,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Two clubs coming off bye weeks tangle in a matchup that could have major implications in the NFC wild-card scramble.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Eagles, 30-20

BENGALS AT TEXANS,

4:05 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: After an 0-4 start, the Texans are emerging as a legitimate AFC wild-card threat.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Texans, 45-10

BROWNS AT JAGUARS,

4:05 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Cleveland is playing more competitively, but the latest controversy surrounding TE Kellen Winslow doesn't help.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Jaguars, 27-16

SEAHAWKS AT 49ERS,

4:15 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Mike Singletary of the 49ers makes his head coaching debut as two sloppy NFC West doormats meet today.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

49ers, 31-14

Last week's record: 10-4. Season record: 57-45.

GAMES OF THE WEEK

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