Three head-on clashes for division leads make this week a good one to forget baseball and delay basketball for a minute.
All three are rematches. In case no one was paying attention, the Eagles beat the Cowboys in Philadelphia three weeks ago, the Steelers upset the Oilers in Houston on opening day, and the Vikings shocked the Bears with a 21- point fourth quarter four weeks ago (that long?) in Minnesota.
Games of the week
Eagles (5-2) at Cowboys (6-1)
The Eagles beat the Cowboys to go 4-0 three Mondays ago and haven`t been the same since. The Cowboys get a chance for revenge and a chance to increase their lead in the NFC East, football`s toughest division. They don`t play Washington again until Dec. 13. The Eagles are injured and slumping and have beaten only Phoenix on the road. 3 p.m. Ch. 2.
Vikings (5-2) at Bears (4-3)
If the NFC Central Division really is any better this year, these are the teams that can prove it to a national TV audience. The Bears had the Vikings beaten at their place for three quarters, but gladly would trade fourth quarters this time around. Monday, 8 p.m. Ch. 7.
Oilers (5-2) at Steelers (5-2)
The Steelers are the only team to have beaten two winning teams on the road. They opened their season by beating Houston in the Astrodome in what looked to be a bigger upset than it appears now. The Steelers get to finish with five of their last seven games at home. Noon. Ch. 5.
Games worth a peek
Browns (4-3) at Bengals (2-5).
Mike Tomczak and Jay Hilgenberg can soften up the Bengals more for the Bears next week if they are inclined to do their old teammates any favors. The two old Bears are more than a little responsible for the Browns` success in the temporary absence of injured quarterback Bernie Kosar. 3 p.m.
Dolphins (6-1) at Jets (1-6)
All the no-luck Jets need is to face a Miami team that got its wakeup call last week against Indianapolis. The Jets weren`t bad against the Bills last Monday night until the two-minute drills. So here comes Dan Marino. Noon. Buccaneers (3-4) at Saints (5-2)
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The Bucs had their chance last week and must have been looking ahead. They will not enjoy the view. Sam Wyche gave up on Vinny Testaverde in favor of 38-year-old Steve DeBerg, which could lull the Saints` pass rush to sleep. Noon.
Colts (4-3) at Chargers (3-4)
Quietly, the Colts are finding out they don`t have to wait to win. But guess who has won three games in a row, starting with Indy only two weeks ago? The game plans aren`t even cold. San Diego quarterback Stan Humphries is suddenly hot. Noon.
Giants (3-4) at Redskins (5-2)
The Redskins traditionally have trouble with the Giants, but they are on a roll now and thinking about the home field in the playoffs. The Giants are thinking about their next meal. 7 p.m. TNT.
Games of the weak
49ers (6-1) at Cardinals (1-6)
Did the 49ers really need a week off to prepare for this? The Cards got disappointed against the Eagles and could catch the 49ers prolonging their bye. Noon.
Patriots (0-7) at Bills (5-2)
The only winless team isn`t likely to stay that way, but the Bills re-learned how to win last Monday night and aren`t likely to forget the lesson. Don`t worry, Patriots fan, wherever you are. You get the Jets on Nov. 22. Noon.
Rams (3-4) at Falcons (2-5)
Another loss by the Falcons and Jerry Glanville`s bandwagon will turn into a hearse. The Rams and Jim Everett, on the other hand, are showing signs of life. Noon.
Packers (2-5) at Lions (2-5)
For undisputed possession of last place in the NFC Central Division, which has sunk to its normal level after a misleading start. Tampa Bay soon could contend for the bottom as well. Noon. Ch. 2.
Latest line
By Keith Glantz and Russell Culver
(copyright) 1992 Sports Features Syndicate
Favorite Line Underdog
BEARS 3 1/2 Minnesota
BUFFALO 19 New England
Houston 2 1/2 PITTSBURGH
ATLANTA 3 1/2 L.A. Rams
NEW ORLEANS 10 1/2 Tampa Bay
Miami 5 1/2 N.Y. JETS
DETROIT 10 Green Bay
Cleveland 1 1/2 CINCINNATI
DALLAS 3 1/2 Philadelphia
San Francisco 12 1/2 Phoenix
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SAN DIEGO 7 Indianapolis
WASHINGTON 10 1/2 N.Y. Giants
(Home team in CAPS)