Game previews - football - Brief Article

Patriots at Jets

In recent seasons, this matchup was dubbed the "Tuna Bowl" because of the number of ties both teams had with Bill Parcells. That tag does not apply much anymore. The Jets have a completely fresh look under coach Herman Edwards, and the Patriots have developed a new identity despite the fact coach Bill Belichick came from Parcells' system. Unfortunately for New England, ex-Patriot Curtis Martin still runs for the Jets, and he will lead New York to a sweep of the season series. Expect a defensive game similar to their Week 2 clash. Prediction: Jets 16, Patriots 10.

Cowboys at Redskins. In a Week 5 game between these then-winless archrivals, Dallas squeaked by with a 9-7 win in prime time. Since their 0-5 start, the Redskins have been rejuvenated, winning five straight, but the Cowboys have continued to struggle through an injury-induced quarterback shuffle. The much-improved Redskins will exact some revenge at home. Prediction: Redskins 20, Cowboys 13.

Broncos at Dolphins, Both teams are beset by injuries in their quests for AFC elite status. Several key cogs in the Broncos' horsepowered offense are in for repairs, and the Dolphins' daunting defense is a banged-up unit. A bigger concern for Miami in this game, however, will be its mistake-prone offense against Denver's opportunistic defense. Prediction: Broncos 24, Dolphins 19.

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