If all goes right for the Dolphins this weekend, a Dec. 6 showdown against the Patriots in South Florida could prove to have huge implications during the home stretch of the AFC East race.

The decision-makers at NBC, though, don't seem overly impressed.

By invoking the league's flexible scheduling policy, the broadcasting network has chosen to bump the Dolphins' game (which was initially scheduled for a prime-time Sunday slot at 8:20 p.m.) to a less appealing 1 p.m. slot on CBS.

NBC instead picked up the showdown between Minnesota and Arizona. Two words likely can be used to explain the network's decision: Brett Favre. The Vikings quarterback has caused huge ratings multiple times this season, especially when his new team faced his former team in two epic Packers-Vikings showdowns.

But if the Patriots lose to the undefeated Saints on Monday -- and the Dolphins manage to defeat the Bills on Sunday -- it would set up a huge division game. Under that scenario, if Miami defeated New England, the teams would be tied at 7-5 heading into the final four games of the season.

Nonetheless, that game will now be played at 1 p.m. on Dec. 6. Adjust your schedule accordingly.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY

Taking a break from their preparations to play a big division game against the Bills on Sunday, nearly 20 Dolphins players spent several hours at Land Shark Stadium on Tuesday passing out prepared Thanksgiving meals to more than 900 families.

The players also contributed the money to purchase the meals from Publix, which delivered pallets of prepackaged boxes that all included a turkey, several sides and a pumpkin pie.

The meals were distributed to families in need, chosen by over 100 different area charitable agencies

``It's a good event, especially to be able to come out and really give to the community,'' wide receiver Davone Bess said. ``Everybody is worthy of getting a good meal for Thanksgiving. I can recall times when I was younger, when family and friends were coming to events just like these to get their own meals.

``I ate some of the food from these same types of events growing up. It's great to be able to give to the community. And it's great to show them that we care about them. We're thankful for them.''

OUTBOUND, INBOUND

In addition to the decision to waive linebacker Matt Roth, the team also waived safety Nate Ness. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson also was formally moved to the injured reserve list. With two of the open roster spots, Miami signed cornerback Evan Oglesby and defensive end Ikeaika Alma-Francis.

-- JEFF DARLINGTON