It is rare when the NFC Central Division provides the suspense this late in a season, but the floundering Vikings and surging Packers are heading for a showdown.
If the Packers increase their winning streak to six against the Rams in Green Bay and the Vikings stumble against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, the Dec. 27 Packers-Vikings game in Minnesota is for the division title.
Otherwise, the Packers have to keep winning and hope the Redskins beat the Eagles Sunday in Philadelphia to squeeze into the playoffs as a wild-card.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
RAMS (5-9) AT PACKERS (8-6)
Five in a row and counting, the Packers haven`t won six in a row since 1965. Sterling Sharpe needs 13 catches in his last two games to surpass Art Monk`s single-season record of 106. Right tackle Tootie Robbins, a key element in the offensive line, will play despite a dislocated right shoulder. Noon.
Redskins (9-5) at Eagles (9-5)
The Redskins have beaten the Eagles seven of their last 10 meetings including three times in Philadelphia. An Eagles loss this time puts the Packers ahead of them for a wild-card spot. The Eagles struggled against Seattle last week while the Redskins lucked out against Dallas. Noon.
Vikings (9-5) at Steelers (10-4)
Quick, somebody find a quarterback. These two teams are heading for a quick playoff exit if their quarterbacks don`t get better. The Vikings, with Sean Salisbury again replacing Rich Gannon, are in danger of missing the playoffs entirely. Bubby Brister was 0-11 on third downs against the Bears. Noon.
Bills (10-4) at Saints (11-3)
The Saints think they are playing their best football of the season. They need to keep it up because the Redskins or Eagles appear to be their first playoff test. If the Bills think they are playing their best, another Super Bowl trip isn`t likely. They need to secure home field. Noon. Ch. 5.
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
BEARS (5-9) AT LIONS (4-10)
Andre Ware gets another chance to show he plays better than he practices. If he`s not the quarterback of Detroit`s future, he will want out soon. The Bears will try to get inspired for Mike Singletary`s final game in the Silverdome, one week before his final final game, unless he makes the Pro Bowl. 3 p.m. Ch. 2.
Oilers (8-6) at Browns (7-7)
Foiled by NFC teams last week, these two still are trying to get into the AFC playoffs. At this point, neither team appears capable of doing anything more than filling out the playoff card. Noon.
Chargers (9-5) at Raiders (6-8)
Winners of nine out of 10, the Chargers now lead AFC West, thanks to the Chiefs` loss Saturday. The Raiders have their cars packed and motors running toward a long offseason. Al Davis is going to have to break up this gang of has-beens. 3 p.m. Ch. 5.
Jets (4-10) at Dolphins (9-5)
The down-and-up Dolphins can clinch a playoff spot by beating the down-and-down Jets. Ken O`Brien beat the Dolphins in their first meeting, but is injured, leaving the task to young Browning Nagle, who has proved only one thing in his initial starting year: He isn`t ready. 7 p.m. ESPN.
Cowboys (11-3) at Falcons (6-8)
Getting out of Atlanta healthy will be the only thing on the Cowboys`
minds Monday night. The Falcons will be trying to make up for their last Monday night embarrassment against the 49ers, 41-3. 8 p.m., Monday.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
PATRIOTS (2-12) AT BENGALS (4-10)
These teams need to find out as much as possible about young quarterbacks Scott Zolak and David Klingler. Patriots are ranked 27th on offense, the Bengals 26th. But the Pats have an edge because their 27th offense will be going against the Bengals` 28th defense. Noon.
Cardinals (4-10) at Colts (7-7)
Chris Chandler gets a chance to prove to the Colts he can play quarterback. The Colts sometimes wonder which Illinois quarterback is better- Jeff George or Jack Trudeau? Noon.
Seahawks (2-12) at Broncos (7-7)
John Elway is supposed to return, sore elbow and all, but it`s too late for the Broncos. 3 p.m.
