We're past the halfway point of the NFL season now, so the games start to be significantly more important. A few teams - Buffalo, Carolina, Dallas - are already out of playoff contention. But for most of the other teams, the NFL's obsession with parity means they still have a shot at post-season glory.

Once again, there are some terrific matchups on Australian TV, including Monday's New England/Pittsburgh game, which features two of the NFL's best teams and best quarterbacks.

Monday, 5 am, One HD

Tennessee Titans (5-3) @ Miami Dolphins (4-4)

TAB Sportsbet line: Miami +1.5

Reason to watch: To see how temperamental wide receiver Randy Moss performs with his new team. Moss gives Vince Young a big target to go along with electric running back Chris Johnson. Miami has decided to start quarterback Chad Pennington, who hasn't started a game since early in 2009. The Dolphins are two games behind the Patriots and the Jets in the AFC East, so this is close to a must-win.

Monday, 5 am, Fox Sports

Minnesota Vikings (3-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-3)

TAB Sportsbet line: Chicago +1.5

Reason to watch: A tough NFC North matchup will be overshadowed by the travelling circus that is the Minnesota Vikings. First Brett Favre, then Randy Moss, and now comes word that at least six players have said they hate playing for head coach Brad Childress. With a win, Minnesota can climb back into the playoff race, but a loss means a probable locker room implosion. The Bears, meanwhile, are trying to keep pace with the Green Bay Packers.

Monday, 8:05 am, One HD

Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) @ Denver Broncos (2-6)

TAB Sportsbet line: Denver +1.5

Reason to watch: Two bitter AFC West rivals headed in opposite directions. The Chiefs had a tough overtime loss to Oakland last week, but remain in the playoff hunt. The Broncos are struggling big time, and fans are all over coach Josh McDaniels, who has traded away three important players, including running back Peyton Hillis, currently one of the NFL's best.

Monday, 8:15 am, Fox Sports

Dallas Cowboys (1-7) @ New York Giants (6-2)

TAB Sportsbet line: NY Giants -13.5

Reason to watch: It's the debut of Dallas caretaker head coach Jason Garrett, who takes over for the sacked Wade Phillips. Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones said he made the move to help change the "culture," but culture alone doesn't win games. The Giants are the best team in the NFC at the moment, with quarterback Eli Manning in great touch and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks a rising star.

Monday, 12:20 pm, ESPN and One HD

New England Patriots (6-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

TAB Sportsbet line: Pittsburgh -4.5

Reason to watch: To see which of these good teams can claim AFC dominance for the moment. Pittsburgh's defense is superb, and the offense - led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger - can score when it needs to. New England is coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, and should be ready to fire. QB Tom Brady has a slight foot injury, but will play.

Tuesday, 12:30 pm, ESPN

Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) @ Washington Redskins (4-4)

TAB Sportsbet line: (TBD, but US oddsmakers have Washington +3)

Reason to watch: Michael Vick has the Philadelphia offense humming again, and after last week's win over Indianapolis, the Eagles will like their chances in the nation's capital. The last time these two played, however, Vick was knocked out of the game. Washington had a bye last week, so this will be the first action for QB Donovan McNabb after he was controversially benched by head coach Mike Shanahan.