Early returns

The Chargers are hoping for more consistency from Philip Rivers.

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Where the 49ers have a big advantage over the Giants is at linebacker. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are arguably the two fastest linebackers in the NFL. Scoring points against the 49ers league-leading defense will be a challenge for Manning and the Giants. Keep an eye on how the 49ers secondary defends a speed-burner like Victor Cruz.

The return of the "Monsters of the Midway" game

Ask Michael Vick and the Eagles what it feels like to tangle with Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and the rest of the Bears defence.

A bigger concern for the Lions is how to stop Matt Forte. For all of the power and might of Ndamukong Suh and their front four, the Lions are not very good at stopping the run. The Bears offensive line has really tightened up over the course of the Bears three-game winning streak and as a result Jay Cutler has been much more effective. Not only will the Bears have the advantage of playing on their home turf, they also have a big advantage when it comes to running the football. Ravaged by injuries, the Lions don't have anyone in the backfield that even comes close to Forte. That makes the Lions offense, as good as it is, fairly one-dimensional.

The Southern brawl game

Last week's explosive display of offense is exactly why Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff made such a bold move on draft day to select receiver Julio Jones. Jones shredded the Colts defence last week with a dizzying display of raw speed. Winners of three straight the Falcons have quietly climbed back into the race in the NFC South and are poised for a big second half.

On Sportsnet: Watch the Raiders and Chargers battle live on Sportsnet beginning at 8 pm ET.

Of course, Drew Brees and the Saints are determined to shut down the Falcons and try to hang on to top spot in the division. Brees is on a pace to shatter Dan Marino's single season passing yardage record. Needless to say stopping the pass will be the main focus of Brian Van Gorder (best moustache in the NFL, by the way) and the Falcons defense.

One of the Saints main weaknesses is stopping the run. So expect them to get a steady diet of Michael Turner all day long.

The we love Al Michaels game

The Jets and the Patriots in the Meadowlands. While both teams have 5-3 records, the Jets and the Patriots are heading in opposite directions. Last week's win in Buffalo was an example that the Jets defense has their swagger back. Losers of two straight, the Patriots could use a little swagger; and a little pass defense while we're at it. Bill Belichick finally had enough of Albert Haynesworth and released him this week. While I agree with the move, Belichick still has to find a way to fix a defense that is ranked dead last against the pass. There really won't be a lot of secrets to the Jets' game plan. Rex Ryan will try to pound the ball on the ground, have Mark Sanchez make safe, high percentage passes and let his defense frustrate Tom Brady. If the Jets are successful in executing their game plan it will mean the Patriots have lost three straight for the first time since 2002.

The finding a way to win game

The Bills are trying to rebound from getting their butts kicked by the Jets as they kick off a three-game road trip in Dallas. Buffalo heads into Dallas licking some wounds. Kicker Rian Lindell has a shoulder injury so the Bills were forced to sign Dave Rayner this week. Buffalo was also forced to shut down nose tackle Kyle Williams for the rest of the year because of his foot injury.

On Sportsnet: On Sunday, tune into Sportsnet Ontario, West and Pacific to see the Bears battle the Lions as Sportsnet East shows the Giants going toe-to-toe with the 49ers beginning at 4 pm ET.

The Cowboys might not be the best team in the NFC but they're still very much alive. Safety Bryan Scott said stopping Cowboys running DeMarco Murray is a top priority for the Bills defense. The Bills do catch a bit of break with the injury to Cowboys No. 1 receiver Miles Austin. The one aspect of this game that is tough to predict is: Which Tony Romo will show up?

One of the main reasons the Bills are 5-3 is the fact Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't had two bad games in a row yet this year. Chan Gailey would love to see that pattern continue Sunday in "Big D".

The Where's Albert? game

The Bucs have suffered so many injuries along their defensive line that they were forced to claim Albert Haynesworth off waivers. A thin defensive line is the last thing Raheem Morris needs when facing a team like the Texans. Playing behind a huge offensive line and led by the human road-grader Lawrence Vickers, Arian Foster and Ben Tate form a formidable one-two punch. Foster and Tate are the backbone of the Texans league-leading running game. The Texans ability to run the ball not only makes them tough to beat, it also buys Gary Kubiak more time until Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson finally recovers from his hamstring injury.

Keep an eye on Texans rookie linebacker Brooks Reed, one a best kept secrets in the NFL.

Finally the Ravens take on the Seahawks in Seattle. Meaning Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs can once again introduce himself to the world as "Sizzle" from "Ball So Hard University".

Survivor pool tip of the week - If I was a betting man I would be leaning heavily towards the Packers to remain undefeated after they beat the Vikings in the Monday night game.

Jim Lang is co-host of Brady and Lang in the morning on SPORTSNET 590 The FAN and a columnist for sportsnet.ca.