National Football League

A LOOK AT TODAY'S GAMES

Published Oct. 18, 2010 10:15 p.m. ET

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COMPILED BY IRA KAUFMAN

GAME OF THE DAY

RAVENS-STEELERS, 1 p.m.

WHERE: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

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

ABOUT THE RAVENS: Baltimore usually struggles in Pittsburgh, but the NFL's top-rated defense intends to make QB Charlie Batch look like a 35-year-old journeyman. Joe Flacco found a passing rhythm last week, and RB Ray Rice has had success against the Steelers.

ABOUT THE STEELERS: As the Bucs discovered, Pittsburgh remains a formidable opponent even if Ben Roethlisberger is serving a suspension. A plus-6 turnover ratio has fueled a 3-0 start and bruising Rashard Mendenhall averages 5.2 yards per carry. Look for OLB James Harrison to hound Flacco.

KEY STAT: The Steelers haven't opened 4-0 since 1979, when Terry Bradshaw was under center for Pittsburgh's fourth Super Bowl title of the decade.

KEY MATCHUP: Ravens NT Kelly Gregg vs. impressive rookie C Maurkice Pouncey.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Ravens, 17-14

TONIGHT'S GAME

BEARS-GIANTS , 8:20 p.m.

WHERE: New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

TV/CREW: NBC, Channel 8 (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Andrea Kremer)

ABOUT THE BEARS: The opportunistic Bears come off a short week, but Jay Cutler has thrown only three interceptions during a five-game winning streak. DE Julius Peppers is making a difference up front and WR Johnny Knox has emerged as a dependable deep threat.

ABOUT THE GIANTS: New York's flurry of mental mistakes has Coach Tom Coughlin seething about lack of poise. This could be a pivotal game for a Giants team beset by turmoil. QB Eli Manning has been accurate, and the Giants would like to see him take more shots downfield.

KEY STAT: When Cutler's passer rating tops 100.0, his teams are 17-0.

KEY MATCHUP: New York's coverage teams against punt returner Devin Hester.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Giants, 20-13

49ERS-FALCONS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: 49ers QB Alex Smith can no longer blame his struggles on fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Falcons, 31-17

JETS-BILLS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The Bills moved the ball well against the Pats last week, but QB Ryan Fitzpatrick faces a nasty defense today.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Jets, 20-7

BENGALS-BROWNS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: Browns Stadium, Cleveland

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The Bucs travel to Cincinnati next weekend, and the Bengals defense will make life miserable for Cleveland today.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Bengals, 17-6

LIONS-PACKERS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: After self-destructing in Chicago, the Packers will take out their frustration on the road-challenged Lions.

KAUFMAN'S CALL; Packers, 34-10

PANTHERS-SAINTS,

1 p.m., Fox, Ch. 13

WHERE: Superdome, New Orleans

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Punchless Carolina is in no shape to match points with Drew Brees and company.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Saints, 27-16

SEAHAWKS-RAMS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, looks like the franchise QB that St. Louis fans envisioned.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Rams, 24-14

BRONCOS-TITANS,

1 p.m.

WHERE: LP Field, Nashville, Tenn.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The Titans will blitz extensively in an effort to rattle QB Kyle Orton, who is off to a sensational start.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Broncos, 20-17

COLTS-JAGUARS,

4:05 p.m.

WHERE: Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The Jags had better find a way to keep their annual tormentor, Peyton Manning, off the field.

KAUFMAN'S CALL: Colts, 23-20

TEXANS-RAIDERS,

4:05 p.m.

WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Ex- Bucs QB Bruce Gradkowski has Oakland's offense on the move with help from speedy Darren McFadden.

KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Texans, 27-24

REDSKINS-EAGLES,

4:15 p.m., Fox, Ch. 13

WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Stay classy, Philly fans, and grant returning QB Donovan McNabb the respect he deserves.

KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Eagles, 33-21

CARDINALS-CHARGERS,

4:15 p.m.

WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: When two sloppy teams meet, go with the better quarterback.

KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Chargers, 30-7

Last week: 11-5. Season record: 31-17.

Photo: Ravens RB Ray Rice

Photo: Ravens QB Joe Flacco

Photo: Steelers LB James Harrison

Photo: Steelers QB Charlie Batch

Copyright ? 2010, The Tampa Tribune and may not be republished without permission. E-mail library@tampatrib.com

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