They should spread this weekend out. It`s by far the biggest of the young season, with first-place games in all five divisions that are playing. The AFC Central is off. It is unlikely that a weekend with so many meaningful matchups can be duplicated.
There are two games between undefeated teams-Miami at Buffalo and Dallas at Philadelphia. With Kansas City at Denver, the Rams at San Francisco, and the Bears at Minnesota, every division features a big rivalry.
Watch for road victories. If any visitors prevail in these headline matchups, they take the first big step toward division supremacy.
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This also marks the debut weekend for new free agents Keith Jackson of the Dolphins and Garin Veris of the 49ers.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Cowboys (3-0) at Eagles (3-0)
The two teams that want to succeed the Redskins in the NFC East audition in front of a national Monday night audience. This game is courtesy of Herschel Walker. His trade to Minnesota built the Cowboys into an instant contender. His arrival in Philadelphia bolstered the Eagles` ground game. 8 p.m., Monday. Ch. 7.
Dolphins (3-0) at Bills (4-0)
The AFC version of Cowboys-Eagles, Buffalo has won four straight from its toughest division rival. New Miami free agent tight end Keith Jackson could become a factor with only one week in a new system, but the Bills again appear in a class by themselves in the AFC. 1 p.m.
Bears (2-2) at Vikings (3-1)
The NFC Central is no laughing matter for the Bears this year. Dennis Green has infused new life into a moribund franchise with three wide receivers and a tight end combination second to none. If this is a shootout like last week`s, a different outcome is likely. Noon.
Chiefs (3-1) at Broncos (3-1)
The Chiefs haven`t beaten the Broncos in Mile High Stadium since 1982. Kansas City coach Marty Schottenheimer is 1-7 vs. Denver quarterback John Elway. ”Our guys don`t think Kansas City can beat us here,” said Denver defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. If the Chiefs do it, they`ll have a leg up on the defending AFC West champions in a two-team division. 3 p.m. Ch. 5.
Rams (2-2) at 49ers (3-1)
Two weeks ago, the Rams weren`t thinking about first place in the NFC West. After they run into the 49ers, they probably won`t be either. The 49ers lead the NFC in all kinds of offense. The Rams trail the league in run defense. 3 p.m. Ch. 2.
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
Saints (2-2) at Lions (1-3)
Both teams are coming off disappointing division losses at home, where both dominate their respective domes. The Lions are changing their offensive plans to try to spring Barry Sanders. Erik Kramer may have to start for gimpy Rodney Peete. Noon.
Packers (2-2) at Falcons (1-3)
Desperate now, the last thing the Falcons want to see is their former draft choice, Brett Favre, leading the Packers to victory in the Georgia Dome. A second straight loss in their new home and Atlanta coach Jerry Glanville might want to get in his car and stay at the racetrack. Noon.
Colts (1-2) at Buccaneers (3-1)
With these records, it`s hard to believe the Buccaneers and not the Colts could have drafted linebacker Quentin Coryatt. The Colts got the choice from the Bucs in exchange for backup quarterback Chris Chandler, one of the several stupid moves by the Bucs that new coach Sam Wyche is trying to overcome. Jeff George is welcomed back at quarterback by Indy coach Ted Marchibroda. Noon.
Giants (1-2) at Raiders (0-4)
The Frustration Bowl. Another loss by the Raiders would be devastating. The game features the oldest starting quarterback in the league, New York`s 36-year-old Phil Simms, vs. the youngest starting quarterback in the league, the Raiders` 23-year-old Todd Marinovich. 3 p.m.
Games of the weak
Seahawks (1-3) at Chargers (0-4)
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For every great matchup, there is an equal and opposite minor attraction. Neither team has scored 20 points in a game this year, and even if they did, who would notice? 3 p.m.
Redskins (2-1) at Cardinals (0-3)
The Cardinals are 9-32 over their last 41 games, worst in the NFL during that span. The Redskins have outscored former assistant and Phoenix coach Joe Bugel 123-24 in four straight victories. 3 p.m.
Patriots (0-3) at Jets (0-4)
TNT is calling it The Doughnut Bowl. ”I understand completely,” said studious New England quarterback Hugh Millen. ”I don`t see us breaking any ratings for NFL telecasts. It`s ostensibly a clunker.” 7 p.m. TNT.