The Oilers, Eagles, and Chiefs go on the road this weekend with a chance to prove something against winning teams and prove something to their fans.
The Oilers travel to Denver, site of last year`s disappointing AFC playoff loss.
”I get sick every time I think about that game,” Houston coach Jack Pardee said.
The Eagles travel to Washington, where they have lost five of their last six times in RFK Stadium. The Eagles lost last week in Kansas City.
The Chiefs travel to Dallas in search of their first road victory this year against a contender. Their only losses were at Denver and at Houston.
Winning on the road is the key to staying at home come playoff time.
Games of the week
Chiefs (4-2) at Cowboys (4-1)
Under coach Marty Schottenheimer, the Chiefs have won nine of 10 games against NFC foes. Coming off a pounding of the Eagles, the Chiefs could stake claim to NFC East dominance. The Cowboys have won nine in a row at home, where Kansas City owner Lamar Hunt once disguised his AFL Chiefs as the Texans. Noon.
Eagles (4-1) at Redskins (3-2)
A victory puts Washington right back in the thick of the NFC East with Dallas still scheduled for a visit to RFK. A triumph by the Eagles stamps them as the favorite with a visit to Dallas still on the agenda. Injuries to Washington`s offensive line could be an invitation to Philadelphia`s defensive front. Noon.
Oilers (4-1) at Broncos (4-2)
The missing defensive players who weren`t around to chase John Elway in the playoff loss are back. If Ray Childress and friends can keep Elway honest, Warren Moon could repeat his 325-yard performance in last year`s game. A victory by Houston would mark the Oilers` first five-game winning streak since 1980. ”I think a lot of people would believe the Oilers are for real,”
Houston safety Bubba McDowall said. 3 p.m. Ch. 5.
Patriots (0-5) at Dolphins (5-0)
This is the season-opener that was delayed by Hurricane Andrew. Unfortunately, the hurricane hit New England, too. It`s a rare matchup between the league`s only winless team and the only undefeated team. What competitive balance? 3 p.m.
Games worth a peek
Buccaneers (3-2) at Bears (2-3)
New Tampa Bay coach Sam Wyche said he hasn`t heard any opponent making fun of his team yet, a sure sign of progress. Unaccustomed as Mike Ditka is to losing seasons, this one could turn ugly in a hurry like 1989 with another loss or two. Vinny Testaverde owes the Bears` defense plenty. Noon. Ch. 2.
Falcons (2-4) at 49ers (5-1)
The Falcons need Deion Sanders worse than the Braves do, which doesn`t mean they will get him, of course. Whatever Nike says, Deion does. But wouldn`t he look better covering Jerry Rice than covering a dugout bench?
Maybe Nike sells seat cushions. The Falcons are terrible on defense even with Deion. 3 p.m.
Packers (2-3) at Browns (2-3)
Cleveland quarterback Mike Tomczak says he has no reason for revenge against the team that cut him in favor of two untested youngsters. ”In his mind, I think he`d like to show the front office it made a mistake,” Green Bay defensive end Matt Brock said. ”He`s real tough, a guy I`d like to play for.” Noon.
Games of the weak
Giants (2-3) at Rams (2-4)
These teams used to be interesting. Now, the only intrigue is to see how far they can fall before they bottom out. Both have shown signs of life lately, but there is little hope of either going anywhere this season. 3 p.m. Chargers (1-4) at Colts (3-2)
Jeff George is 2-0 as a starter and last week`s 6-3 overtime victory against the Jets showed that George no longer has to do it all for the Colts to win. The young defense is ranked 11th and gets another open invitation to improve this week against the lowly Chargers. Noon.
Raiders (2-4) at Seahawks (1-5)
Tom Flores gets to coach his new team against his old for the first time since Al Davis allowed him to leave Los Angeles. Trouble is, the Seahawks already have lost two quarterbacks and don`t seem to have a chance against a rejuvenated Raiders defense on a two-game spurt. 3 p.m.
Saints (4-2) at Cardinals (1-4)
If the Cardinals aren`t the worst team in the league, they are in a short line. If the Saints can`t score this week, there may be no hope for the future. They are averaging 14 points a game; the Cards are giving up 28 a game. 3 p.m.
Bengals (2-3) at Steelers (3-2)
New coaches David Shula and Bill Cowher started fast and soon found out why there were job openings waiting for them. The Bengals have dropped to a familiar 28th on defense and the Steelers are 20th in pass defense. 8 p.m. Monday. Ch. 7.
