Games of the week
The Philadelphia Eagles get to put up or shut up against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday. The Eagles haven`t beaten the 49ers in four tries since 1983, before any of the current Philadelphia bunch started talking about winning Super Bowls. The current Eagles, of course, have yet to win a playoff game.
New quarterbacks are everywhere again so get those pencils and scorecards ready.
David Klingler replaces Boomer Esiason in Cincinnati.
Sean Salisbury replaces Rich Gannon in Minnesota.
Bernie Kosar replaces Mike Tomczak in Cleveland.
Tommy Maddox replaces John Elway in Denver.
Ken O`Brien replaces Browning Nagle for the Jets.
Neil O`Donnell replaces Bubby Brister in Pittsburgh.
Kent Graham has replaced Jeff Hostetler for the Giants.
P.T. Willis replaces Jim Harbaugh in Chicago.
Only Elway and Hostetler are injured. Kosar and O`Donnell return from injury. The others are permanent experiments until next week at least.
Eagles (7-4) at 49ers (9-2)
If the Giants can figure out how to score 34 points and the Packers can gain 400 yards against the world`s greatest defense of the Eagles, what can the 49ers do? And if the 49ers` defense is vulnerable, it`s time for Randall Cunningham to light it up. 3 p.m.
Dolphins (8-3) at Saints (8-3)
The Super Bowl of 8-3 teams. Neither leads its division, but both have visions of staying close enough to pounce should the Bills or 49ers falter. Besides, they haven`t played one another since 1986 and they should meet more often. This is the second of three games in 11 days for the Saints in the Superdome. Noon.
Raiders (5-6) at Chargers (6-5)
Only one of these teams can mount a late-season charge in the wide-open AFC West. They play twice, so watch out above. Both think they can catch the Chiefs and Broncos. ESPN will make the most of this battle of the 5-6 and 6-5 titans. ESPN, 7 p.m.
Vikings (8-3) at Rams (4-7)
Sean Salisbury stakes his claim to Rich Gannon`s job in his first NFL start after a Canadian career. This seems like a strange way for the Vikings to keep pace before their Dec. 13 showdown against San Francisco. 3 p.m. Ch. 2.
Games worth a peek
Bears (4-7) at Browns (5-6)
The Browns have lost two close ones in a row and are only 3-2 at home. They think they have problems? Bernie Kosar is expected to return for the first time since Sept. 14. The Bears are in an experimentation stage, following stages of frustration and desperation. Next year has arrived. Noon. Ch. 2.
Cardinals (3-8) at Redskins (6-5)
The world champions have four straight games against NFC East opponents that could propel them back into the race. But they have dropped three of their last four. They already have lost to the Cardinals, the best 3-8 team in the league. Noon.
Steelers (8-3) at Bengals (4-7)
David Shula`s decision to bench Boomer Esiason in favor of the future, David Klingler, couldn`t have been approved by the Oilers, who need help in the division. Klingler threw for a million touchdowns for the University of Houston, but he also succeeded Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware, an NFL bust. Noon.
Buccaneers (4-7) vs. Packers (5-6)
In Milwaukee. The Packers are only one game behind the Redskins in the chase for the sixth NFC wild-card spot. With the Bucs, Lions, Oilers, Rams and Vikings left, the Packers may have an easier road than the Redskins. Noon.
Games of the weak
Chiefs (7-4) at Jets (3-8)
The Jets apparently have tossed in the towel and are determined to get into the race for last place. The Chiefs are in the easy part of their schedule and headed for the top of the AFC West. Noon.
Patriots (2-9) at Falcons (4-7)
Coming off another pathetic loss, the Falcons now face enthusiastic Scott Zolak and the rebounding Patriots, who already have bottomed out and want to avoid the No. 1 draft choice. Noon.
Bills (9-2) at Colts (4-7)
The Dolphins know what can happen if you fall asleep against the Colts on one of the days when they happen to be awake. Trouble is, the Bills should have learned from the Dolphins` experience. Noon.
Broncos (7-4) at Seahawks (1-10)
If John Elway isn`t healthy, young backup Tommy Maddox may have trouble in the dome provided somebody is there to cheer. ABC isn`t. Ch. 7. 8 p.m., Monday.
