Only two wild-card playoff spots remain open on the final weekend of the season, hardly the kind of rousing finish the league or the networks wanted.
The winner of the Denver-Kansas City game will advance, but neither team appears eager to stick around. Green Bay and Washington are vying for the one undecided NFC spot but their fates are tied to the Eagles-Giants game.
With San Francisco prepared to get to the Super Bowl without leaving California and with Buffalo the only AFC team willing to make the trip, the prevailing notion seems to be: Let`s get this over with.
Games of the week
Packers (9-6) at Vikings (10-5)
If nothing else, the Packers want to show the Vikings who is best in the NFC Central. No question the Packers are hottest, going for seven in a row. Vikings still are trying to find their lost offense before risking
embarrassment in the playoffs. Noon, WBBM-Ch. 2.
Broncos (8-7) at Chiefs (9-6)
The Chiefs win the prize for the most up-and-down team of season. They look like Super Bowl contenders one minute, dogs the next. They have an awful time beating John Elway and the Broncos and if they fail Sunday, Kansas City coach Marty Schottenheimer can`t expect too many Happy New Year cards. Noon, WMAQ-Ch. 5.
Bills (11-4) at Oilers (9-6)
If Oilers win, they may have to go to Buffalo next week for the first playoff round. If they lose, they may get to play in warmer weather. Does it make any difference? Only place the Oilers appear to be going is nowhere fast. They`ve made the playoffs six years in a row, more than any other team, but they never get anywhere. 7 p.m., ESPN.
Giants (6-9) at Eagles (10-5)
The Redskins and Packers will be watching this game. So will Giants fans who worry a victory may save coach Ray Handley`s job. What do the Eagles think? Wouldn`t they prefer Handley back? Noon.
Lions (5-10) at 49ers (13-2)
The return of Joe Montana after nearly two years away is reason enough to watch this on Monday night. Montana is supposed to play a half. Wouldn`t it be more fun to alternate Montana and Steve Young on every play and see them slap high-fives to and from the huddle? 8 p.m. Monday.
Games worth a peek
Chargers (10-5) at Seahawks (2-13)
After winning 10 of 11 and becoming the first team to make the playoffs after losing their first four games, the Chargers still need to beat the lowly Seahawks (or hope the Chiefs lose) to win the AFC West. The Seahawks are battling the Patriots for No. 1 draft pick. 3 p.m.
Colts (8-7) at Bengals (5-10)
Coach Ted Marchibroda has renewed hopes in Indianapolis, but this game belongs to a left tackle, Cincinnati`s Anthony Munoz. The TV cameras should isolate on him every play to give a master his just due in his final game. Noon.
Browns (7-8) at Steelers (10-5)
The Steelers are floundering but still have a chance to earn a first-round bye. The Browns are trying only to get to .500, already a
disappointing season. Noon.
Bears (5-10) at Cowboys (12-3)
Last game for Mike Singletary and only heaven and Mike McCaskey knows who else. Mike Ditka? Check the sideline setup. Who is calling plays? Who is talking with whom? The Cowboys just want to stay healthy and get another rushing title for Emmitt Smith. 3 p.m., WBBM-Ch. 2.
Games of the weak
Dolphins (10-5) at Patriots (2-13)
Dick MacPherson`s return to the sidelines after surgery is the highlight of this game. The Dolphins already have a playoff spot. The Patriots and Seahawks are vying for the No. 1 draft spot. Noon.
Falcons (6-9) at Rams (5-10)
For last place in the NFC West, this is a game between two teams going nowhere slow. Fans got their fill of Atlanta last Monday, when not even Deion Sanders was worth watching. 3 p.m.
Buccaneers (4-11) at Cardinals (4-11)
A fitting end to a fitful season. Neither team was able to benefit from a fifth-place schedule, so both teams are prepared to try again next year. 3 p.m.
