They are three of the best stories and biggest surprises of the NFL season, and if you ROOT for one of the teams bordering Connecticut, your team will be playing one of those surprises Sunday. What you need to know about the Titans, Cardinals and Dolphins:
Patriots (6-4) AT Dolphins (6-4)
1 p.m., Ch. 3
If the Patriots lose, it would put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Last season the Dolphins were 1-15.
The Dolphins' wildcat formation works when QB Chad Pennington steps aside and a running back takes the snap from center. Maybe the back runs, maybe he throws, maybe he flips to Pennington, who throws it. You just never know what's coming. Miami is 6-2 since unveiling it, including a 38-13 victory over the Patriots on Sept. 21.
The Dolphins have struggled the last two weeks, but defeated the Seahawks 21-19 and the Raiders, 17-15.
Jets (7-3) AT Titans (10-0)
1 p.m., no local TV
If the Jets lose, they would fall into a tie for first with the winner of Patriots-Dolphins.
Last season the Titans were 10-6.
The Titans are quarterbacked by Kerry Collins, the former Giant who has performed well since replacing Vince Young.
The Titans have allowed the fewest points (13.1) in the league, though their defense ranks 10th against the pass, sixth against the run and sixth in total yardage.
Giants (9-1) AT Cardinals (7-3)
4:15 p.m., Ch. 61
The Giants seem to be playoff bound, but need to keep winning to secure home-field advantage.
Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, 37, is an ex-Giant who has a 105.5 rating. He was displaced in New York by Eli Manning when Manning was ready to play.
The Cardinals average 392 yards a game, second in the league.
Receivers Larry Fitzgerald (67) and Anquan Boldin (62) could both end up with more than 100 catches.
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