The three NFC leaders-San Francisco, Dallas and Minnesota-get good tests this week in their race for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
The 49ers play Miami at home and the Cowboys travel to Denver. Neither 10-2 team can afford to slip and both AFC rivals suddenly find themselves struggling.
The Vikings can clinch the NFC Central title in Philadelphia against the Eagles, who are trying to stay even with the Redskins and ahead of the Packers in the NFC wild-card picture.
Games of the week
Vikings (9-3) at Eagles (7-5)
Sean Salisbury gets his second start at quarterback, but injured Cris Carter doesn`t get to haunt former teammates. The Eagles still are upset over last week`s loss to the 49ers. With the Redskins coming up Dec. 20, there is not much room for error. Noon.
Cowboys (10-2) at Broncos (7-5)
Denver looks like a non-playoff team with John Elway ailing and the worst statistics in the league for a team with a winning record-24th on offense, 23rd on defense. The Cowboys are just trying to stay healthy for the playoffs. 3 p.m.
Dolphins (8-4) at 49ers (10-2)
These teams are meeting for the first time since 1986, so this is the first confrontation between Steve Young and Dan Marino. The 49ers have a defense that is No. 1 against the run and No. 28 against the pass, indicating they take leads early. 3 p.m.
Lions (3-9) vs. Packers (6-6)
The Packers haven`t won four in a row since 1984. They won`t get a better chance for a while. The Lions have tumbled into oblivion, with coach Wayne Fontes groping for a quarterback. Game is in Milwaukee. Noon. Ch. 2.
Games worth a peek
Chiefs (8-4) at Raiders (5-7)
The Chiefs humiliated the Raiders at Arrowhead 27-7. Pride is all the Raiders have left. The Chiefs are alone in first in the AFC West with a easy finishing schedule. 3 p.m.
Chargers (7-5) at Cardinals (3-9)
Are the Chargers the best 7-5 team in the league, ahead of Philadelphia, Washington, Houston and Denver? The Cardinals are the best 3-9 team, that`s for sure. San Diego is NFL`s hottest team, winning seven of eight with a shot at running the table. 3 p.m.
Jets (3-9) at Bills (9-3)
Buffalo can`t afford too many more stinkos like last week`s embarrassment in Indianapolis. Jets remain stunned after career-ending injuries to Al Toon and Dennis Byrd. Noon. Ch. 5.
Bears (4-8) at Oilers (7-5)
Another ”must-win” for the Oilers is another ”try-not-to-lose” for the Bears. It`s not a good combination. If Cody Carlson can`t beat them, he will hand off to Lorenzo White, who can. P.T. Willis will ”try not to throw any interceptions.” That`s a start. 8 p.m., Monday. Ch. 7.
Games of the weak
Bengals (4-8) at Browns (6-6)
The Browns are like the Packers of the AFC-a .500 team with an outside shot at the playoffs. Losing twice in one season to Cincinnati won`t help Bill Belichick`s reputation with Art Modell. Noon.
Colts (5-7) at Patriots (2-10)
AFC East road to nowhere leads through these teams. Both have experienced recent success, too little, too late. Noon.
Seahawks (2-10) at Steelers (9-3)
This is a warmup game for Pittsburgh before taking on the Bears. The Seahawks can`t be expected to win two in a row. Noon.
Rams (4-8) at Buccaneers (4-8)
Maybe there should be a 4-8 bowl. Invite the Bears, Bengals, Rams, and Bucs and play a tournament. On second thought, let`s not and say we did. ESPN. 7 p.m.
