Unfamiliar matchups in umfamiliar surroundings mark this week`s NFL games.
The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to play only their second home game in seven weeks against the New England Patriots, but it was moved out of Candlestick Park to Stanford Stadium.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Redskins have met only twice before. This is the Bucs` first trip to RFK.
Green Bay never has beaten Miami in their five encounters. The Dallas Cowboys have played the Kansas City Chiefs (nee Dallas Texans) only three times and not in Kansas City since 1970. The Bears haven`t played in Cleveland since 1980 B.D.-Before Ditka.
MUST SEE
Bears (4-2) at Cleveland (3-3)-Neither team is accustomed to losing three games in a row.
TRY TO SEE
Denver (5-1) at Seattle (3-3)-Suddenly, Denver has discovered defense and lead the league against the rush. Seattle has the No. 4 rushing offense and will try to slow Denver`s runaway in the AFC West.
L.A. Raiders (3-3) at Philadelphia (4-2)-”If I was Bo Jackson`s father and he hit the baseball like he does, I wouldn`t let him play against the Philadelphia Eagles,” said Eagles coach Buddy Ryan.
WORTH SEEING
New Orleans (2-4) at L.A. Rams (5-1)-The Saints have played better than their record. Have the Rams?
Minnesota (4-2) at Detroit (1-5)-Lions have the ”run and shoot”
offense; Vikings have the ”shoot, look at Herschel run” offense.
WAIT AND SEE
Green Bay (3-3) at Miami (3-3)-The Packers had the No. 1 offense until the Vikings shut it down. Dan Marino is struggling.
Indianapolis (3-3) at Cincinnati (4-2)-Both teams are in the thick of their respective AFC races. Eric Dickerson, nursing a hamstring injury, has been held to less than 100 yards four straight games.
Tampa Bay (3-3) at Washington (3-3)-The Bucs are 0-2 lifetime vs. the Redskins, 0-14 on the road vs. the NFC East.
Pittsburgh (3-3) at Houston (3-3)-Which .500 team is for real?
SEE IF YOU CARE
New England (2-4) at San Francisco (5-1)-The 49ers are supposed to be home for five of their next six games. Palo Alto is close enough.
N.Y. Giants (5-1) at San Diego (2-4)-Ailing Jim McMahon has kept the Chargers close.
COVER YOUR EYES
N.Y. Jets (1-5) at Buffalo (4-2)-This game marks the return of receiver Chris Burkett.
Dallas (0-6) at Kansas City (2-4)-The Cowboys have yet to cover the spread.
Atlanta (2-4) at Phoenix (2-4)-Last week, Deion Sanders arrived in a stretch limo bigger than the limo of Falcons owner Rankin Smith. ”He makes more money than me,” Smith said.
