Too bad so many marquee matchups occur the same week. The Cowboys-49ers showdown in San Francisco Sunday isn’t the only big game of this week. Three others have division-race ramifications-San Diego at Kansas City, Buffalo at Pittsburgh and Cleveland at Philadelphia.
While the top two teams in the league are battling in Candlestick, the bottom two, Houston and Cincinnati, are dueling in Riverfront.
And finally there’s a sellout in Los Angeles, long lost football mecca. The Raiders are playing the Rams.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
COWBOYS (8-1) AT 49ERS (7-2)
The potential loss of WR Alvin Harper puts the world champion Cowboys at another disadvantage in their attempt to make it four straight over the 49ers in the last three years. Harper, who hurt his knee Monday night, is doubtful but “guarantees” he’ll be ready. It puts more pressure on the big three of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. The 49ers and No. 1-rated QB Steve Young go against the No. 1-rated Cowboys’ defense, which hasn’t missed 49ers LB Ken Norton. 3 p.m., WFLD-Ch. 32.
CHARGERS (7-2) AT CHIEFS (6-3)
After losing to the Chargers in San Diego, the Chiefs have a chance to catch them at home and make a race of the AFC West, but they are banged up, with RB Marcus Allen, WR J.J. Birden and CB Mark Collins on the questionable list. The Chargers rested injured QB Stan Humphries in 10-9 loss last week to Atlanta just to have him ready for the Chiefs. RB Natrone Means remains the key to the Chargers against the Chiefs’ 21st-ranked run defense. Noon.
BROWNS (7-2) AT EAGLES (7-2)
Philadelphia is the first winning team Cleveland has faced all season. It marks the fourth game between the Perry brothers, William and Michael Dean, although Michael Dean is one of eight Browns listed questionable. It is the second game pitting Philadelphia defensive coordinator Bud Carson against the team he coached in 1989-90. Browns QB Mark Rypien, who played last week for woozy Vinny Testaverde, has more experience against Philadelphia and will likely get the call. Eagles WR Fred Barnett no longer is being ignored by QB Randall Cunningham. Noon.
RAIDERS (4-5) AT RAMS (4-5)
This could be the last game between two Los Angeles teams if the Rams move as expected. They have played only four times since the Raiders moved down from Oakland. Because the sellout is not blacked out in the area, a good show could remind L.A. fans what they will be missing if the Rams bolt. On the other hand, the Cowboys-49ers game is blacked out of the L.A. area. Raider QB Jeff Hostetler remains frustrated with offense. Rams DT Sean Gilbert harassed John Elway last week. Which QB Chris (Miller or Chandler) will be more recovered from concussions? 3 p.m.
OILERS (1-7) AT BENGALS (1-7)
So bad it’s good. Who is No. 28? Houston’s only victory of the season came against Cincinnati Sept. 25 in a 20-13 game so ugly the Oilers said they were afraid to go to their cars in the Astrodome parking lot even after a win. Cincy QB Jeff Blake has given new hope in two impressive outings. Is that enough film for Oilers’ surprisingly high-ranked (eighth) defense to draw a bead? Noon.
BILLS (5-4) AT STEELERS (6-3)
Four-time defending champion Buffalo has lost three conference games, and Bills can ill afford another if they hope to keep their drive for five alive. Pittsburgh must stay close to Browns. It stomped the Bills 23-0 on a Monday night last year and has won five Monday night games in a row. RB Bam Morris has allowed injured Barry Foster to heal slowly. QB Neil O’Donnell is expected back but is struggling. 8 p.m. Monday, WLS-Ch. 7.
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
BEARS (5-4) AT DOLPHINS (7-2)
Without injured running backs Keith Byars and Bernie Parmalee, Miami is as vulnerable as it might get all season. But Dolphins are happy to be playing the worst defense against the run in the league, too. Bears have patched-up secondary minus injured Jeremy Lincoln, which hot Miami QB Dan Marino no doubt will notice. Noon, WFLD-Ch. 32.
FALCONS (5-4) AT SAINTS (3-6)
This is WR Michael Haynes’ first shot at his old team. With Atlanta, Haynes used to beat New Orleans. Without him, the Falcons seem to be winning more regularly. The Saints have two games against their division rival in the next month to try to turn around their disappointing season. The Falcons have won six of their last seven against NFC West rivals, and these two encounters should provide glimpse of future for both clubs. Noon.
VIKINGS (7-2) AT PATRIOTS (3-6)
Ripe for upset, Minnesota faces Drew Bledsoe’s pass-happy New England team without injured CB Anthony Parker. But the Vikings have an offense (third) and a defense (fourth) ranked higher than any other team in the league, while the Patriots continue to struggle with the 25th-ranked defense. Noon.
JETS (5-4) AT PACKERS (5-4)
Wild-card hopes for both teams and a reunion for ex-New York executive Ron Wolf, now running Green Bay. In six meetings with the Jets, the Packers won only the first, in 1973. Jets have played in Lambeau Field only once, in 1979. After shaky starts, both teams have won three of their last four to become factors in their respective division races. 3 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
SEAHAWKS (3-6) AT BRONCOS (3-6)
Basement brawl in AFC West. Denver bagged its first win of season in Seattle Oct. 9. Seahawks sunk to new low in allowing Cincinnati its first win last week. Seattle’s defense is 27th, one above Denver’s, so this figures to be a real shootout. 3 p.m.
CARDINALS (3-6) AT GIANTS (3-6)
New York won first encounter Sept. 11, and has won only once since. Arizona’s Buddy Ryan claims officials cost him the first loss. Giants coach Dan Reeves switching to QB Kent Graham to bolster 27th-ranked offense. Cards are 26th on offense, so this figures to be a real shutout. Noon.
BUCCANEERS (2-7) AT LIONS (4-5)
Put a happy face on this one, ESPN. Tampa Bay won first game when Vernon Turner returned first kick for a touchdown in Bucs’ history. Detroit going with QB Dave Krieg after season-ending injury to Scott Mitchell. Lions RB Barry Sanders had 166 yards in Tampa Bay loss. 7 p.m., ESPN.
