Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5, 39)
Cincinnati's third-down defense vs. Cleveland's third-down offense
Cincinnati's improved defense is eighth in the NFL in third-down conversion percentage defense this season. The Bengals allowed only 6-of-19 third-down conversions in the first meeting between the two clubs at Cleveland in early October.
The inability to convert on third down is just one of many problems for the Browns offense in 2009. Cleveland is 29th in the league in third-down conversion percentage.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (+3, 40)
Buffalo's pass defense vs. Miami's pass offense
The Bills are ninth in the league in passing defense. Buffalo held the Dolphins to only 86 yards through the air in Week 4 at Miami but Ronnie Brown churned out 115 yards on the ground to help the home team to a 38-10 rout. With Brown on the shelf for the rest of the 2009 campaign, the Bills have a better chance for an improved overall defensive effort on Sunday.
Miami is 30th in the NFL in passing offense. Chad Henne has avoided mistakes with only four interceptions in 218 pass attempts. However, the absence of Brown could force him into some miscues against a Bills defense that leads the AFC with 17 interceptions.
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets (-3, 41.5)
New York's rush offense vs. Carolina's rush defense
Despite having the second-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, the Jets have stumbled to losses in six of their last seven outings. New York may finally have the right matchup to get back on track against Carolina.
The Panthers are 26th in the league in rushing defense while allowing opponents to gain 4.7 yards per carry on the ground. The inability to stop the run has been a major factor in the club's rapid decline from last year's 12-4 record.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers (-13.5, 45)
San Diego's pass offense vs. Kansas City's pass defense
The Chargers began their current five-game winning streak with a 37-7 win at Kansas City in Week 7. Phillip Rivers passed for 268 yards with three touchdown strikes in the victory for a San Diego air attack that is 10th in the league in passing offense.
Kansas City is 28th in the NFL in passing defense. The Chiefs were fortunate to upset the Steelers last week after allowing Pittsburgh to gain over 400 yards through the air.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (-11, 47)
Minnesota's rush units vs. Chicago's rush units
While there is plenty of attention directed at Brett Favre this season, the Vikings are still a very physical football team at the line of scrimmage. Adrian Peterson is just one yard shy of a 1,000-yard campaign for the league's 10th-best rushing offense while Minnesota's stout defensive line has helped the club lead the NFC in rushing defense in 2009.
In contrast, the Bears have been a soft team up front this season. Chicago is next to last in the NFC in rushing offense while the squad's defense is just 23rd in the league in rushing defense.