Heading into December, no team leads a division by more than one game, an unprecedented event. In four of the six divisions, three teams are bunched within two games. The NFC Central gets the first shot at sorting itself out with big games between the Vikings and Lions and Bears and Packers.
PACKERS (7-4) AT BEARS (6-5)
Not since 1963 have the Bears and Packers met in the second half of a season both sporting winning records. Packers won 17-3 in Green Bay Oct. 31 when Brett Favre threw one touchdown pass to Sterling Sharpe and Darrell Thompson ran for the clincher. Feeble as the Bear offense has been, it was the lowest point total of the season. Both defenses are exceptional, so the game is likely to turn on one big play, one turnover, or one kick in the fourth quarter. Anyone who boos doesn’t understand defense. Or understands the NFC Central too well. Noon, WBBM-Ch. 2.
VIKINGS (5-6) AT LIONS (7-4)
Jim McMahon is back at quarterback to try to halt Minnesota’s 1-4 skid since his injury. Detroit is playing without Barry Sanders. McMahon was hurt in the last Detroit game when the Lions came from behind and won in the Metrodome on a controversial interference penalty in the end zone. Losing Sanders has put the Lions in crisis mode, where they seem to respond. “This team doesn’t handle success well,” linebacker Chris Spielman said. Noon.
GIANTS (8-3) AT DOLPHINS (9-2)
The two oldest quarterbacks in the league meet as New York’s Phil Simms, 38, faces Miami’s Steve DeBerg, 39. Both teams have taken surprising one-game leads in their divisions. The Giants have the No. 1 running game; the Dolphins have the No. 2 passing game. The Giants have the stronger defense statistically, No. 3 to No. 11. 3 p.m.
FALCONS (5-6) AT OILERS (7-4)
Jerry Glanville’s first trip back to Houston’s House of Pain. Mouths are flapping already. When Houston’s Ernest Givins said the Oiler receivers were great and the Falcon receivers were good, Atlanta’s Andre Rison considered it an insult. Said Rison: “All I see is Houston’s defensive backs catching more balls than Houston’s receivers. If Warren Moon had us, Houston would go to the Super Bowl. They run the worst routes I’ve ever seen. They drop more balls than I’ve ever seen. They’re sorry. I wish (Deion Sanders) could check Ernest Givins and shut his little mouth up the whole game. He probably wouldn’t catch a pass.” Noon.
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
RAIDERS (6-5) AT BILLS (8-3)
Both teams are trying to get over disappointing road losses, but Los Angeles was embarrassed by Cincinnati last week. Buffalo lost to Joe Montana and is bickering again over how coaches use the talent. Noon.
SAINTS (7-4) AT BROWNS (5-6)
Vinny Testaverde is expected back to try to stop Cleveland’s four-game losing streak. This is Browns’ luck: Tommy Vardell carried the ball 416 times at Stanford without fumbling. He carried the ball 225 times with the Browns without fumbling. Then he fumbled two times in his six carries against the Falcons. “Touchdown Tommy” now has more fumbles (two) than touchdowns (one) in his NFL career. Noon.
BRONCOS (7-4) AT CHARGERS (5-6)
Denver looks beat up, but San Diego is playing at home. It has lost two in a row there while winning three on the road. This is Chargers’ last chance to compete in the AFC West. John Elway won the last meeting in Denver 34-17. Vance Johnson and Reggie Johnson are out. 3 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5.
CHIEFS (8-3) AT SEAHAWKS (5-6)
This will mark the first time all season Joe Montana has played in consecutive weeks. Old Notre Dame master vs. young Notre Dame master, Rick Mirer, for first time. Marcus Allen is becoming almost as much a key to Kansas City as Montana. 3 p.m.
EAGLES (5-6) AT COWBOYS (7-4)
Lucky Philadelphia gets to play in Texas Stadium after two straight losses have stunned the world champions. Eagles have added ex-Bear, ex-Cowboy John Roper to their motley crew. Will Leon Lett be on the field goal team? 8 p.m. Monday, WLS-Ch. 7.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
COLTS (3-8) AT JETS (7-4)
New York has won five in a row, going for seven against Indianapolis and Washington as it climbs into playoff contention. The Colts laid an egg on national television against Chargers, looking equally inept on offense and defense. Noon.
PATRIOTS (1-10) AT STEELERS (6-5)
Pittsburgh celebrated its Monday night shutout over the Bills by losing to the Broncos 37-13 and Oilers 23-3. New England gets closer and closer with no cigar. Noon.
REDSKINS (2-9) AT BUCCANEERS (3-8)
Washington owner Jack Kent Cooke said: “Considering the flood of injuries which I believe are unparalleled in the league this year and perhaps in any other year, Richie (Petitbon) is doing a fine job. I doubt Joe Gibbs, Don Shula or any of these oustanding coaches could have done very much better considering the erratic condition of the club. You almost have to look at a program to find out who’s playing.” But he didn’t say Petitbon would be back. Noon.
RAMS (3-8) AT CARDINALS (3-8)
Phoenix owner Billy Bidwill finally gave coach Joe Bugel peace of mind for the rest of the season, promising not to fire him now that he can’t reach Bidwill’s preseason ultimatum. He said he had to win nine games. Now that Bugel can’t, he’s getting his money’s worth out of him. 3 p.m.
BENGALS (1-10) AT 49ERS (8-3)
Some teams get all the luck. 49ers are favored by 22-24 points, biggest spread Las Vegas can recall for an NFL game. The only problem with the 49er schedule is it won’t help get them playoff tough. 7 p.m., ESPN.
