The Buccaneers suffered a huge loss last week when Earnest Graham went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Graham, the team's leading rusher and scorer, will be missed as much for his leadership and team-first attitude as his athletic prowess.

An injury like that can devastate a team, but the Bucs have an ace in the hole. Tailback Carnell ``Cadillac'' Williams, the 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 yards, is ready to play after several injury-plagued seasons. He's been working hard, and coach Jon Gruden feels he's ready to start his comeback.

And if the former Auburn star can flash some of the magic he displayed before being injured, Tampa Bay will remain front and center in the NFC South race.

The Bucs are 8-point favorites at Detroit Sunday and, with three division games up next, they can't afford a stumble vs. the 0-10 Lions. Lay it.

SUNDAY

Houston (+3) over CLEVELAND - It took a late, and long, field goal to prevent another fourth-quarter flop by the Browns. After consecutive games with Baltimore and Indy, a date at the Dawg Pound will be a day at the beach for Houston.

Buffalo (-3) over KANSAS CITY - Despite a midseason swoon the 5-5 Bills are still alive in the playoff chase. They're overdue for a reversal of fortune, and 1-9 Kansas City is the place to get it.

TENNESSEE (-5 1/2) over New York Jets - The New York press which, God help us, is already pontificating on a Jets-Giants Super Bowl, call this an AFC title preview. Hopefully, a Titans romp will stifle those inane ramblings.

Patriots (+1) over MIAMI - If the Pats are going to be a postseason factor, a win here is vital. Their experience in the late-season pressure cooker helps.

DALLAS (-10) over San Francisco - The 'Pokes are coming off a win over hated Washington, Tony Romo is back and, with NFC West patsies San Fran and Seattle next, Dallas has a real chance to build momentum for a playoff run.

Philadelphia (+1) over BALTIMORE - The Ravens may be 6-4, but they have beaten just one team with a winning record (Miami). The desperate Eagles need to win or they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

Chicago (-8) over ST. LOUIS - After an embarrassing loss to the Packers, the Bears have to be in a nasty mood. Playing the 2-8 Rams, who have lost four straight, is just the ticket to get the Chicago Express back on track.

Minnesota (+2 1/2) over JACKSONVILLE - The season circled the bowl for the Jags when they blew a 14-3 halftime lead vs. Tennessee. Despite fumbling away their game with Tampa Bay, the Vikes are still tied for the NFC North lead.

Carolina (+1) over ATLANTA - Atlanta may have been exposed a bit in last week's home loss to the injury-ravaged Broncos, and the going won't get any easier vs. the NFC South-leading Panthers.

DENVER (-9) over Oakland - It is tough laying substantial points with banged-up Denver, but the alternative is taking points with an Oakland team that has gone three-plus games (13 quarters) without an offensive TD.

Washington (-3 1/2) over SEATTLE - Must game for the Redskins, who must travel the wild card route to postseason play. A solid effort easily gets them past the 2-8 Seahawks.

New York Giants (-3) over ARIZONA - Apologies to the Titans, but the Giants may be the NFL's best team at the moment. Aging Cardinals QB Kurt Warner may reconsider retirement after the New York front seven pays him a visit.

SAN DIEGO (-2 1/2) over Indianapolis - The Bolts still have a reasonable shot at catching the Broncos for the AFC West title. They match up well with an Indy team they've beaten three straight times.

MONDAY

NEW ORLEANS (-2 1/2) over Green Bay - Both these 5-5 teams are alive in the NFC wild card chase. But because they don't play in the NFC North, where a .500 record has the Pack in first place, the game is much more important to N.O.

Last week: 8-8-0.

Season: 74-79-4.