Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - They say that you're supposed to dance with who brung ya. But if the one who brung ya stomps on your feet, can't stay in step, and does a cha-cha when he's supposed to be fox-trotting, then you go to the next person on your dance card.

That's where the Denver Broncos are with Jake Plummer.

Benching a guy that has gone a mere 40-18 (.690) as a starter since landing in Denver prior to the 2003 season is a risky venture indeed, and will be debated extensively as rookie Jay Cutler takes his first tentative steps as a pro over the next six weeks or so. The 23-year-old Cutler has never taken a meaningful NFL snap, and has never, I repeat never, been in as pressure-packed a situation as the one he will walk into on Sunday night against the Seahawks.

The live-armed Cutler played his college ball at Vanderbilt. The mention of Vandy in the vicinity of fans of the other 11 SEC schools is a valuable reminder that they have tickets to unload. Cutler wasn't expected to win in the SEC, while with the Broncos, he'll be required to both win and do so with style points.

It was the latter that Plummer could never quite do.

He threw for over 4,000 yards in 2004, something that the venerable John Elway did only once in his Hall of Fame career, but Broncos fans chafed at Plummer's league-high-tying 20 interceptions that year.

In 2005, he reduced his number of picks to a mere seven and boosted his passer rating to a strong 90.2, but he also threw more than one TD just four times in 18 games and could never be trusted to make a big play late in the going.

And of course, only one of those 40 wins came in the postseason, and Plummer's three playoff losses were all embarrassing blowouts, including last year's home meltdown against the Steelers in the AFC Championship.

Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan effectively signed Plummer's walking papers when he traded up to get Cutler with the 11th pick of the April Draft, though he did so with the understanding that the former Arizona State standout would be the triggerman for one more year. But Plummer has performed a lot like a player that can feel the walls closing in around him. His touchdown passes (11) are down, his interceptions (12) are up, and his passer rating (70.5) trails that of luminaries such as J.P. Losman, Alex Smith, and Joey Harrington.

When Denver was 5-1 and atop the division, you could make a case for Shanahan sticking with the not-great-but-usually-not-horrible Plummer, but after a 2-3 stretch that has seen San Diego take a commanding lead of the AFC West, it's time to cut bait with a guy that was 60 minutes away from playing in a Super Bowl just this past January.

It had become clear that the Broncos were probably going to be a Wild Card team with or without Plummer in the lineup, and they were likely going to bow out in the first round with or without him in the lineup. Instead of going through the motions with a short-timer on a less-than-elite team, making the move to Cutler now allows Denver to get a jump on 2007, when it could be a realistic contender again.

You can expect the switch to elicit some immediate criticism. Cutler's first two starts are against division leaders Seattle and San Diego, both of which rush the passer well and will throw lots of obstacles in the youngster's path. If the Broncos can split those two, they'll be looking good heading into a concluding three-game stretch with the Cardinals on the road and Bengals and 49ers at home. A trip to the playoffs will give Cutler some confidence to go along with his valuable experience, and will give Denver a chance to evaluate how close or how far this kid is to greatness.

Meanwhile, Plummer will stand on the sideline, hold for Jason Elam on placements, and wind down his career in Denver in a way that neither he nor Shanahan wanted or expected. It will be a sad final chapter for a skilled player that could never quite put it all together for an organization with a quarterbacking legend as its standard-bearer. This week's move gets the Broncos closer to figuring out if Cutler can be the first to properly fill Elway's shoes, a question that has lingered since the franchise maneuvered to select the strong-armed signal-caller in April.

Everyone knew it was just a matter of time, and for Cutler, justifiably and prudently, that time is now.

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

WEEKLY SEED REPORT

An up-to-date ranking of where teams lie in the playoff race:

AFC 1. Indianapolis (10-1) 2. Baltimore (9-2) 3. San Diego (9-2) 4. New England (8-3) 5. Denver (7-4) 6. Kansas City (7-4)

NFC 1. Chicago (9-2) 2. New Orleans (7-4) 3. Seattle (7-4) 4. Dallas (7-4) 5. N.Y. Giants (6-5) 6. Carolina (6-5)

NFL POWER POLL

The Sports Network's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm

FANTASY - FIVE TO START

Aaron Brooks, QB, Oakland (vs. Houston) - Raiders offense has showed a bit of a spark with him at the controls, and the Texans won't pressure him much.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina (at Philadelphia) - With DeShaun Foster limited by injuries, it looks like Williams' time to shine.

Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo (vs. San Diego) - Bills will lean hard on the passing game against the Chargers' strong run-stopping crew.

Ben Watson, TE, New England (vs. Detroit) - Lions won't have a clue against Tom Brady's favorite target.

Kansas City Defense (at Cleveland) - Browns' supposed offensive renaissance is in decay.

FANTASY - FIVE TO BENCH

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle (at Denver) - Hampered mobility is forcing his mistakes.

Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati (vs. Baltimore) - Ravens simply don't let opponents run on them.

Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo (vs. San Diego) - McGahee played well last week, but there will be no repeat performance against the Chargers.

Javon Walker, WR, Denver (vs. Seattle) - With a young quarterback at the controls, Broncos figure to go to the run even more than usual.

Jeremy Shockey, TE, N.Y. Giants (vs. Dallas) - Giants haven't found a way to get him the ball consistently all year, and that's not about to change.

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. New England (vs. Detroit) - Some of the Lions were still in junior high the last time Detroit won an outdoor road game this late in the season.

2. Chicago (vs. Minnesota) - Coming off a loss, the Bears defense will punish the poor Minnesota offense.

3. San Diego (at Buffalo) - Could be a trap game for the Chargers, but Shawne Merriman will re-assert his dominance by the second half.

THE GAMES

I was 10-6 in my picks last week, but just 8-8 against the spread. Those records would have been better had both the Vikings and Giants been able to properly protect double-digit fourth-quarter leads, or if the Browns had any heart whatsoever. I am now 103-73 (.585) on the year, and 82-88-6 (.483) against the spread.

Baltimore (9-2) at Cincinnati (6-5), Thursday, 8:00 (Cincinnati -3)

Storylines: Ravens can clinch their first AFC North title and playoff berth since 2003 with a win...Ravens aiming for their first six-game winning streak since they won their final 11 games of 2000, including a win in Super Bowl XXXV...Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Johnson, who set an NFL three-game record with 573 receiving yards in his past three games, leads the league in that category (1055)...Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (21) along with the Colts' Peyton Manning...Cincinnati safety Kevin Kaesviharn is in a four-way tie for the NFL lead in interceptions (6)...Bengals are last in the league in passing defense (245.1 yards per game)...Ravens lead the league in turnover margin (+15), interceptions (20) and INT returns for touchdowns (4), and are allowing opponents to complete a league-low 53.2 percent of passes...Cincinnati will be without running back Chris Perry (broken fibula), and starting defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) is doubtful.

Fast Fact: The Bengals' Chad Johnson has been held under 100 yards in seven of 10 career meetings with Baltimore.

Prediction: Ravens have stood up to nearly every test this season, and will pass this one as well. Ravens 24, Bengals 17.

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San Diego (9-2) at Buffalo (5-6), Sunday, 1:00 (San Diego -6)

Storylines: Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman expected to return from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy...Bills trying to put together their first three-game winning streak since winning six straight in Weeks 11-16 of the 2004 season...Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson leads the NFL in total touchdowns (24), rushing touchdowns (21), and scoring (144 points)...Bills running back Willis McGahee comes off his first two- touchdown game since 2004...San Diego leads the league in scoring offense (32.1 points per game), touchdowns (43), rushing touchdowns (24), fewest turnovers (9), and fewest fumbles lost (3)... Bills are last in the league in third-down percentage (28.6)...Chargers lead the NFL in sacks (41)...San Diego guard Kris Dielman (ankle) expected to return after a one-game absence, but defensive end Luis Castillo (ankle) is doubtful...Buffalo expected to get wide receiver Josh Reed (bruised kidney) back after a three-game absence.

Fast Fact: Since losing there in the 1964 AFL Championship, the Chargers are 5-2-1 in Buffalo.

Prediction: Bills don't have the horses to match up with San Diego's Super Bowl-quality talent. Chargers 27, Bills 10.

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Minnesota (5-6) at Chicago (9-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Bears -9)

Storylines: Vikings seeking revenge for a 19-16 home loss to the Bears in Week 3...Chicago leads its closest competitors for the NFC's top seed by two games...Bears quarterback Rex Grossman has thrown 11 interceptions in his past six games, including three in last week's loss to New England...Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson threw for a season-high 271 yards and three touchdowns in last Sunday's win over Arizona...Chicago leads the NFL in total defense (261.1 yards per game), scoring defense (12.5), takeaways (34), forced fumbles recovered (17), and is tied for the league lead in touchdowns allowed (14)...Vikings lead the NFL in rushing defense (56.6 yards per game) and rush yards allowed per attempt (2.8)...The Bears' Devin Hester has three returns for touchdowns (two punt, one missed field goal) on the season... Chicago is expected to be without safety Todd Johnson (ankle), and Minnesota could be minus tight end Jermaine Wiggins (knee).

Fast Fact: No member of the Vikings has posted a 100-yard receiving game at Soldier Field since Cris Carter caught seven passes for 111 yards and a touchdown there in Week 7 of the 2000 season.

Prediction: Dome teams don't win at Soldier Field in December, especially inferior ones like the Vikings. Bears 20, Vikings 6.

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Kansas City (7-4) at Cleveland (3-8), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -5)

Storylines: Kansas City tries to remain in position for an AFC Wild Card berth, while Cleveland seeks to avoid a third home loss in three weeks... Chiefs have won five of their last six, and have not allowed more than 17 points in a game since Week 8...Kansas City is 2-0 since quarterback Trent Green returned from the severe concussion that had sidelined him for eight games...Browns quarterback Charlie Frye threw a career-high four interceptions in last week's 30-0 loss to the Bengals, and got into an apparent heated exchange with receiver Braylon Edwards on the sideline...Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who has gone over 150 yards in four of his past five games, leads the NFL in rushing yards (1202)...Green has yet to throw his first touchdown pass of 2006...Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns (sprained foot) could miss Sunday's game...Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen leads the league in defensive fumble recoveries (4).

Fast Fact: The last time the Browns (two straight home losses) lost three home games in three consecutive weeks was 1990, when they fell to the Oilers (35-23), Dolphins (30-13), and Rams (38-13) in Weeks 11-13.

Prediction: This looks like a trap game for the Chiefs, but since the Browns have clearly quit, they'll manage to win anyway. Chiefs 19, Browns 16.

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N.Y. Jets (6-5) at Green Bay (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Jets -2)

Storylines: Jets try to win two in a row for just the second time this season, while remaining part of the AFC Wild Card discussion...Green Bay, which has lost three of its past four, is 1-4 at Lambeau Field this season...Jets quarterback Chad Pennington threw for 286 yards in last week's win over the Texans, his highest passing total since Week 2...Packers are last in the league in scoring defense (26 points per game), and have given up a league- high-tying 21 touchdown passes on the year...Jets have given up a league-high- tying 13 rushing touchdowns on the year...Packers cornerback Charles Woodson had two interceptions in Monday night's loss to Seattle...The Jets' Justin Miller leads the NFL in kickoff return average (28.9) and kickoff returns for touchdowns (2)...Green Bay right tackle Mark Tauscher (groin) and middle linebacker Nick Barnett (broken hand), both of whom missed the Seattle game, could remain out.

Fast Fact: The only four-touchdown, zero-turnover game in the career of Jets quarterback Chad Pennington came in a 42-17 Jets win over the Packers on Dec. 29, 2002.

Prediction: Jets will improve their playoff chances with a narrow win against the fading Packers, who are on a short week. Jets 23, Packers 20.

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San Francisco (5-6) at New Orleans (7-4), Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -7)

Storylines: Saints try to keep hold of their one-game advantage over Carolina in the NFC South, while 49ers try to at least keep pace with 7-4 Seattle in the NFC West...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards (3463), and New Orleans leads the league in total offense (402.5 yards per game), and passing offense (307.5 yards per game)...San Francisco running back Frank Gore has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his past three games, and is second in the league in rushing yards (1177) behind only the Chiefs' Larry Johnson (1202)...Niners have lost an NFL-high 14 fumbles on the year...Saints wideout Marques Colston (ankle) could return after missing last week's win over Atlanta...New Orleans receiver Devery Henderson has more than 100 receiving yards in three of his last four outings...49ers cornerback Walt Harris is in a four-way tie for the NFL lead in interceptions (6)...49ers are tied for last in the league in touchdowns allowed (33)...Saints have just five interceptions on the year, tied for the fewest in the NFL.

Fast Fact: The 49ers are 1-4 in their last five trips to the Louisiana Superdome.

Prediction: Saints appear to have regained their equilibrium in Atlanta last week, and will take care of the 49ers at home. Saints 31, 49ers 21.

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Detroit (2-9) at New England (8-3), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -13)

Storylines: Lions, who are 0-5 on the road under first-year head coach Rod Marinelli, enter Week 13 tied for the worst record in the NFL along with Cardinals and Raiders...Patriots looking to go 4-0 against the NFC North after holding down the Vikings (31-7), Packers (35-0) and Bears (17-13) in recent weeks...Patriots will begin life without inside linebacker Junior Seau (broken arm), who was lost for the year last week...New England leads the league with 13-of-16 fourth-downs (81.2 percent) converted...Lions have the fewest rushing attempts (209) in the league, and running back Kevin Jones (ankle) is considered questionable for Sunday...Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who tied a franchise record with three interceptions against Chicago last week, is in a four-way tie for the league lead in picks (6)...New England has allowed an NFL-low seven touchdown passes on the year...Patriots have surrendered just one run of more than 20 yards this season, the lowest figure in the league... Lions are allowing opponents to complete a league-high 68 percent of passes.

Fast Fact: The Lions are 0-22 in December and January road games played outdoors since their last such win, at Tampa Bay, on Dec. 23rd, 1995.

Prediction: No real reason to believe the Lions will get off the bus for this one. Patriots 28, Lions 0.

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Arizona (2-9) at St. Louis (5-6), Sunday, 1:00 (St. Louis -6)

Storylines: Cardinals, who are 0-5 on the road this season, enter Week 13 tied for the worst record in the NFL along with Lions and Raiders...St. Louis looking to maintain its momentum after snapping a five-game losing skid in last week's 20-17 win over the 49ers...Arizona is last in NFL rushing offense (69.7 yards per game), yards per carry (2.9), and rushes of 20-plus (0)... Cardinals running back Edgerrin James rushed for a season-low 15 yards on just four carries in last week's loss to the Vikings...St. Louis running back Steven Jackson matched a season-high with 121 rushing yards last week...Rams are last in the league in rushing defense (154.8 yards per game) and yards allowed per carry (5.2)...Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart threw for 405 yards in last week's loss...Rams have thrown a league-low four interceptions on the year...St. Louis expected to be without starting end Victor Adeyanju (broken forearm) for the next 2-3 weeks...Cardinals looking to avenge a 16-14 home loss to St. Louis in Week 3.

Fast Fact: The road team has won the last three installments of the Cardinals/Rams series.

Prediction: Cardinals have a chance to pull an upset against a team that can't stop the run, but our guess is that they won't get it. Rams 24, Cardinals 23.

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Indianapolis (10-1) at Tennessee (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Indianapolis -7)

Storylines: Colts look to maintain at least a one-game edge on Baltimore and San Diego in the quest for the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC...Titans trying to win for the fifth time in seven games and avenge a 14-13 loss in Indianapolis in Week 5...Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (21) along with the Bengals' Carson Palmer... Indianapolis leads the league in third-down percentage (56.7) and sacks allowed (12)...Tennessee is last in the NFL in completion percentage (48.4)... Titans quarterback Vince Young was a season-best 24-of-35 passing for 249 yards with two touchdowns in last week's come-from-behind win over the Giants...Tennessee is last in the NFL in total defense (367.8 yards per game), and is tied for last in touchdowns allowed (33)...Colts are allowing opponents to convert on a league-high 46.5 percent of third-down attempts, and have given up a league-high-tying 13 rushing touchdowns on the year...The Titans' Pacman Jones is tied for the NFL lead in punt returns for touchdowns (2).

Fast Fact: Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has been held under 200 passing yards in each of his last two outings against the Titans.

Prediction: Titans will crash back to earth against the Colts, who will make it eight in a row over Tennessee. Colts 30, Titans 10.

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Atlanta (5-6) at Washington (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 (Washington -1)

Storylines: Atlanta seeks to halt a four-game losing streak, the longest for the franchise since it lost seven straight without an injured Michael Vick in the first half of 2003...Redskins are 1-1 since turning to second-year quarterback Jason Campbell...Vick returns to the field for the first time since making obscene gestures to Atlanta fans in the wake of a 31-13 loss to the Saints last week...Washington running back T.J. Duckett faces a Falcons team for which he played from 2002 through 2005...Falcons lead the NFL in rushing offense (197.7 yards per game), yards per carry (5.7), and rushes of 20-plus (21), but have not scored more than 14 points in a game during their four-game skid...Redskins have allowed a league-low three rushing touchdowns on the season, but are tied for the NFL high in TD passes allowed (21)... Redskins have a league-low nine takeaways on the year...Washington has just five interceptions and 14 sacks on the year, with both figures tied for the fewest in the NFL.

Fast Fact: The Falcons are 1-9 all-time at Washington.

Prediction: Despite his struggles, you still have to like Vick to get the best of the inexperienced Campbell. Falcons 17, Redskins 16.

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Houston (3-8) at Oakland (2-9), Sunday, 1:00 (Oakland -3)

Storylines: Raiders try to avoid their second five-game losing streak of 2006, while handing quarterback Aaron Brooks his first win in five tries as the Oakland starter...Raiders demoted offensive coordinator Tom Walsh on Tuesday, promoting tight ends coach John Shoop to take his place...Raiders are last in the league in total offense (239.8 yards per game), scoring offense (12 points per game), passing offense (139.5 yards per game), touchdowns (13), passing touchdowns (6), and sacks allowed (53)...Houston is 2-0 against the Jacksonville Jaguars this season, and 1-8 versus everyone else...Texans wideout Andre Johnson leads the league in receptions (84)...Houston leads the NFL in completion percentage (69.8)...Texans lost center Mike Flanagan (cracked ribs) and backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels (fractured thumb) for the season in last week's 26-11 loss to the Jets...Raiders tackle Robert Gallery (elbow) is questionable for Sunday...Oakland leads the league in passing defense (156.5 yards per game)...Raiders are last in the league in forced fumbles recovered (2).

Fast Fact: Sunday will mark the first trip to Oakland for a Houston-based NFL franchise since the Oilers suffered a 27-7 loss in a 1980 AFC First-Round Playoff.

Prediction: Raiders will win this one on the strength of their superior defense. Raiders 12, Texans 7.

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Jacksonville (6-5) at Miami (5-6), Sunday, 4:05 (Miami -1)

Storylines: Dolphins have won four straight since beginning 1-6, their longest streak since winning the final six games of 2005...Jacksonville is 5-1 at home this season, and 1-4 on the road...Miami quarterback Joey Harrington matched a season-high with three touchdowns passes in last Thursday's 27-10 win over the Lions...Miami running back Ronnie Brown (fractured hand) not expected to play on Sunday, and likely to be replaced in the lineup by Sammy Morris...Morris equaled a career-high with 91 rushing yards on 12 carries against the Lions... Jacksonville running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for 179 ground yards on 30 carries in last week's 27-24 loss to Buffalo...Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis is in a four-way tie for the NFL lead in interceptions (6)...Jacksonville CB Brian Williams (hamstring) considered questionable for Sunday...Jaguars have a 4-2 record all-time against fellow Florida residents Miami and Tampa Bay, compared to 5-6 for both the Dolphins and Buccaneers.

Fast Fact: The Jaguars' most recent win over the Dolphins was a 62-7 rout in a 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff, a game that marked the final on-field appearance of Miami quarterback Dan Marino and head coach Jimmy Johnson.

Prediction: Jaguars will awake from their slumber this week, controlling both lines of scrimmage en route to a win. Jaguars 20, Dolphins 17.

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Dallas (7-4) at N.Y. Giants (6-5), Sunday, 4:15 (Dallas -3)

Storylines: Winner assumes control of the NFC East...Dallas is 4-1 since suffering a 36-22 home loss to the Giants in Week 7, while New York is 2-3 since that win, including three straight defeats...Giants QB Eli Manning has two touchdown passes and six interceptions during the team's three-game losing skid...Giants expected to be without ends Michael Strahan (foot), Osi Umenyiora (hip flexor) and cornerback Sam Madison (hamstring) for at least one more week, but linebacker Brandon Short (quad) could return to the lineup... Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who is now 4-1 as a starter, leads the NFL in passer rating (110.8)...Dallas cut kicker Mike Vanderjagt on Wednesday, signing fellow veteran Martin Gramatica to take his place...Cowboys running back Marion Barber III rushed for a season-high 83 yards on 16 carries in last Thursday's 38-10 win over the Buccaneers, also scoring his 10th and 11th touchdowns of the season...Dallas' Bill Parcells, who served as head coach of the Giants from 1983 through 1990, has a career record of 4-5 against his former team.

Fast Fact: The Cowboys have been swept in a home-and-home by the Giants in 10 different seasons (2004, 2002, 2000, 1997, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1984, 1963, 1962) and have never made the playoffs in any of those campaigns.

Prediction: Giants are up against the ropes in the NFC East, and surging Cowboys will deal a knockout blow to their division title hopes. Cowboys 31, Giants 17.

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Tampa Bay (3-8) at Pittsburgh (4-7), Sunday, 4:15 (Pittsburgh -8)

Storylines: Pittsburgh tries to avoid its first non-winning season since 2003, while Buccaneers look for a victory behind rookie quarterback and Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski...Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (knee sprain) will miss the first game of his four-year NFL career, and wideout Hines Ward (knee) will also be out...Steelers have thrown a league-high 19 interceptions on the year, all by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and are last in the NFL in turnovers (30) and turnover margin (-12)...Roethlisberger was sacked nine times in last week's 27-0 loss to the Ravens...Buccaneers have surrendered a league-high-tying 21 touchdown passes on the year...Tampa Bay has just five interceptions and 14 sacks on the year, with both figures tied for the fewest in the league...Steelers (shut out twice this season) have not been shut out three times in a season since 1989, and have not suffered back-to-back shutouts since 1951...Tampa Bay will be without starting left guard Dan Buenning (torn ACL) for the rest of the season, and could be missing linebacker Shelton Quarles (knee/ankle) and defensive tackle Ellis Wyms (ankle) and tight end Alex Smith (ankle) on Sunday.

Fast Fact: The Buccaneers are 1-6 all-time against the Steelers, and have averaged just 12.6 points per game in their matchups with Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Gradkowski won't get much going during his homecoming, and the Bucs will slip to 0-6 on the road in '06. Steelers 20, Buccaneers 7.

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Seattle (7-4) at Denver (7-4), Sunday, 8:15 (Denver -3)

Storylines: Denver rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 Draft out of Vanderbilt, will make his first pro start in place of the struggling Jake Plummer...Broncos enter Week 13 with a handle on the top Wild Card spot in the AFC, while Seattle has opened a two-game lead over the Rams and 49ers in the NFC West...Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander carried a career-high 40 times for 201 yards in Monday night's 34-24 win over the Packers, Alexander's most productive outing since 2001...Denver running back Tatum Bell (turf toe) expected to start after missing three of the team's last four games...Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (knee) returned following a four-game absence last week, throwing three touchdown passes and three interceptions...Seahawks wideout Darrell Jackson leads the league in TD receptions (9)...Seattle is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (21), but is last in the league in rushing touchdowns (3)...Broncos are tied for the league lead in touchdowns allowed (14).

Fast Fact: Seattle is 0-6 in Denver since last winning there in 1995.

Prediction: Cutler isn't likely to be perfect, but the Broncos running game and defense will pick him up. Broncos 23, Seahawks 16.

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Carolina (6-5) at Philadelphia (5-6), Monday, 8:30 (Carolina -3)

Storylines: Panthers and Eagles enter Week 13 as members of a crowded NFC Wild Card picture...Jeff Garcia, who completed 19-of-23 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 45-21 loss the Colts, expected to make his first home start as an Eagle...Carolina plays its third primetime game in five weeks, after losing to the Cowboys (35-14) on a Sunday night and defeating the Buccaneers (24-10) in a Monday game...Panthers running back DeShaun Foster (elbow) expected to play after missing last week's 17-13 loss to the Redskins...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has posted three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, and needs 161 yards for the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career...Philadelphia is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes (21)...Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers leads the NFL in sacks (11)... Carolina is allowing opponents to convert on a league-low 28 percent of third- down attempts.

Fast Fact: The last Eagles quarterback other than Donovan McNabb to engineer a home victory on Monday night was Randall Cunningham, who started in a 21-6 win over the Houston Oilers on Oct. 24, 1994.

Prediction: Eagles' inability to stop the run will send them to their sixth loss in seven games. Panthers 21, Eagles 16.