Grant Halverson / Getty Images

Monday morning is our favourite time of the week – up early to watch the NFL!  More great games in store this week.

Bears @ Titans ONE HD – 5:00AM

The Bears are flying high at 6-1 while the Titans are struggling to find consistency at 3-5.  Tennessee had a tough overtime loss to the Colts last week, while Chicago did what good teams do – squeak out a win (against Carolina 23-22) while not playing especially well.

What’s the story with the Bears?  Defence, defence, defence!  They’ve scored SIX defensive touchdowns already this year – that’s equal to their total number of rushing touchdowns so far.

What’s the story with the Titans?  Difficult times for the Titans with Jake Locker again listed as doubtful for the game due to injury and one of their better offensive players – TE Jared Cook (who’s got  373yds and 2TDs for the year) reportedly unhappy and asking for a trade

Who could break out?  An obvious choice but Jay Cutler is due for a big game and with the Titans being 30th in defence, it’s looking like a distinct possibility.

Final word and prediction:  The Bears are just looking too good on defence for a struggling Titans outfit.  They need to keep up with their high powered divisional rivals – Bears to win 23-7.

Steelers @ Giants ONE HD – 8:15AM

Three weeks ago everyone was discounting the Steelers after a horrible loss to the Titans.  Now with great defence and consecutive wins over Cincinnati and Washington, they’re starting to appear a little more like the Pittsburgh we’re used to.

Meanwhile, the Giants are looking every bit the defending Superbowl champion – a team that knows that it can beat anyone and that has supreme confidence in itself.  Their season has been highlighted by a massive comeback against Tampa Bay, thumping the 49ers at Candlestick and last of course, Eli’s last drive heroics against Washington and Dallas.

What’s the story with the Steelers?  The resurgence of the Steelers run game in the last two weeks Jonathan Dwyer has has 122 and then 102 yards.  They’ll be trying to keep it going this week.

What’s the story with the Giants?  Coming through in the clutch. In the 4th Quarter when there’s 7 or less points the difference, Eli is 21-32 with 3TDs and has a QB Rating of 114.1 (compared with 89.1 overall).

Who could break out?  The Steelers secondary.  They’ve been really good this year allowing only 182.6 yards each game (compared with the Giants at 273.5), and they might really put the screws on Eli.

Final word and prediction:  The Giants to take care of business at home, but the Steelers will go down fighting.  New York 28-24.

Cowboys @ Falcons ONE HD – 12.15PM

The Falcons are really flying and answering their doubters with every passing week, starting off 7-0 now.  The Cowboys keep breaking the hearts of their fans with tough losses – none harder than the last gasp defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals, the Giants last week.

What’s the story with the Cowboys?  Dallas has turned the ball over eleven more times than they have forced turnovers (including been intercepted ten times, but only managed to grab three of their own), while Atlanta has managed to take the ball ten times more than they’ve given it up.  Dallas has given up five touchdowns from turnovers, but their defence has not created any points at all.  They need to control this and not give the high powered Falcons offence more chances to score.

What’s the story with the Falcons?  Matty Ryan and the passing game have been fantastic this year.  They’ve scored 17 TDs – 3rd in the NFL, but Dallas’ pass defence is also ranked 3rd in the league.

Who could break out?  Tony Gonzales – the ageless, future hall-of-famer will be looking to again take advantage of the holes that Julio Jones and Roddy White create.

Final word and prediction:  I think this will be close and Dallas keep confusing all of us.  Give me ‘dem Cowboys in a shootout 31-28.

Let us know which matchup you’re looking forward to and don’t forget our TV Guide.