TODAY’S LINEUP

azcentral sports NFL writer Bob McManaman offers a rundown of today’s NFL schedule:

TV GAMES

Cowboys (3-3) at Eagles (3-3) Time/TV: 10 a.m./Ch. 10. Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver. Key players/story lines: The Eagles have dropped eight straight games at home for the first time since 1936-37, and one more would set a franchise record. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. Dallas could be without pass rusher DeMarcus Ware (triceps) and RB DeMarco Murray (knee), and Philadelphia likely starts Nick Foles in place of Michael Vick (hamstring). Line: Eagles by 3. Mac says: Eagles 28, Cowboys 24. Expect a close game that gets decided in the final minutes. Patriots (5-1) at Jets (3-3) Time/TV: 10 a.m./Ch. 5. Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. Key players/story lines: The Patriots’ injury woes continue as LB Jerod Mayo (torn pectoral muscle) joined DT Vince Wilfork on the seasonending IR. CB Aqib Talib (hip) and WR Danny Amendola (concussion) will not play but TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, back) may return. The Jets’ defense has 16 sacks the past four games and is fourth in the league. Line: Patriots by 31⁄ 2. Mac says: Patriots 23, Jets 18. If the Jets get after Tom Brady, an upset is very possible here. Texans (2-4) at Chiefs (6-0) Time/TV: 1:25 p.m./Ch. 5. Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. Key players/story lines: Chiefs are a plus-12 in takeaways/giveaways, the Texans are an abysmal minus-12. Kansas City is getting 46 percent of its points from defense and special teams, including five touchdowns. Houston’s defense is allowing a league-low 252.8 yards per game, but the offense has been spotty. QB Matt Schaub has an ankle injury, and coach Gary Kubiak will turn to Case Keenum. Line: Chiefs by 61⁄ 2. Mac says: Chiefs 27, Texans 20. Kansas City has a league-leading 31 sacks, which has to make the Texans cringe. Broncos (6-0) at Colts (4-2) Time/TV: 5:30 p.m./Ch. 12. Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya. Key players/story lines: Peyton Manning makes his return to Indianapolis, where he began his Hall of Fame career. We hope those controversial comments from Colts owner Jim Irsay won’t upstage the game, and they shouldn’t. A win against the unbeaten Broncos could elevate Colts QB Andrew Luck’s status to immeasurable heights. Denver’s offensive line has been weakened by injuries. The Colts rank fifth against the pass and OLB Robert Mathis has 91⁄ sacks. Broncos LB Von Miller

2 returns from a six-game NFL suspension. Line: Broncos by 61⁄ 2. Mac says: Broncos 31, Colts 24. The Colts will find a way to keep this game close.

THE REST

Bengals (4-2) at Lions (4-2) Time: 10 a.m.

Line: Lions by 21⁄ 2. Mac says: Bengals 24, Lions 23. This is actually one of the better matchups of the day. Bears (4-2) at Redskins (1-4) Time: 10 a.m. Line: Pick ’em. Mac says: Bears 28, Redskins 17. If RGIII is allowed to run, Washington could surprise. Rams (3-3) at Panthers (2-3) Time: 10 a.m. Line: Panthers by 7. Mac says: Panthers 20, Rams 16. Take the points. This could be a season-saving game for the winner. Bills (2-4) at Dolphins (3-2) Time: 10 a.m. Line: Dolphins by 7. Mac says: Dolphins 16, Bills 9. Miami needs to make a charge if it wants to stay relevant. Chargers (3-3) at Jaguars (0-6) Time: 10 a.m. Line: Chargers by 71⁄ 2. Mac says: Chargers 33, Jaguars 14. Seriously, Jacksonville might go 0-16 this season. Buccaneers (0-5) at Falcons (1-4) Time: 10 a.m. Line: Falcons by 7. Mac says: Falcons 27, Buccaneers 20. I flirted with the idea of picking the Bucs and just couldn’t do it. 49ers (4-2) at Titans (3-3) Time: 1:05 p.m. Line: 49ers by 31⁄ 2. Mac says: 49ers 26, Titans 20. Tennessee has been a pesky team. Don’t overlook the Titans. Browns (3-3) at Packers (3-2) Time: 1:25 p.m. Line: Packers by 10. Mac says: Packers 38, Browns 20. Green Bay is hurting, but not as bad as the Browns will be today. Ravens (3-3) at Steelers (1-4) Time: 1:25 p.m. Line: Steelers by 21⁄ 2. Mac says: Ravens 26, Steelers 23. This used to be a can’t-miss game. It isn’t anymore. Last week: 6-6. Season: 30-42-2. (Record is against the spread in Sunday’s Republic.)