TODAY’S GAMES

CHICAGO (4-6) AT DALLAS (3-7)

Kickoff: 1:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 11.

The line: Cowboys by 3 1/2 .

Chicago update: The clock struck midnight on rookie quarterback Craig Krenzel when he lost Sunday for the first time in four starts. Despite the three victories, it has been a bumpy ride. The Bears have had 13 turnovers in the last four games, 11 by their quarterback -- six fumbles and five interceptions. Chicago’s defense was pitiful in a 41-10 loss to the Colts, surrendering four touchdown passes to Peyton Manning and 275 yards on the ground.

Dallas update: It’s hard to believe how far the Cowboys have fallen in the last year. They look nothing like the team that made the playoffs last season and seemed to be building toward something big. Take away a fumble the first time he touched the ball, and quarterback Drew Henson played well Sunday in a 30-10 loss to Baltimore. He directed a touchdown drive and didn’t look at all jittery. With Vinny Testaverde nursing a sore right shoulder, it could be Henson’s show from here on.

Story line: Can Bill Parcells pull the Cowboys out of their nose dive? Each of their last four losses has been by 20 points or more, an abysmal franchise record.

The pick: Dallas. The Cowboys are awful, but give them the edge because they’re playing at home and Henson looks better than Krenzel.

*

INDIANAPOLIS (7-3) AT DETROIT (4-6)

Kickoff: 9:30 a.m.

TV: Channel 2.

The line: Colts by 9.

Indianapolis update: As Manning continues on his collision course with the NFL record books, his defense is starting to come together. The Colts are doing a better job of pressuring quarterbacks and covering receivers. Now, Indianapolis will have to do without rookie free safety Bob Sanders for a while. He’s recovering from a sprained knee. Running back Edgerrin James is coming off the second-best game of his career, with 204 yards rushing against Chicago.

Detroit update: Quarterback Joey Harrington is fighting for his job; his backup, Mike McMahon, has been taking some snaps with the No. 1 offense. The Lions looked good against Minnesota ... until they faded in the second half. A player to watch is returner Eddie Drummond, who’s this season’s Dante Hall. Drummond has had four returns for touchdowns -- two punt returns, two kickoff returns -- three of which have come in the last two games.

Story line: With 35 touchdowns in 10 games, Manning is on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s single-season record of 48 touchdown passes. Can the Lions keep him at bay?

The pick: Indianapolis. If Manning doesn’t tear Detroit apart, James will.

-- Sam Farmer