Before the unbeaten San Diego Chargers, the last team to start out 5-0 was last year’s New Orleans Saints, who finished 8-8. This week, the Saints get a chance to remind the Chargers how it felt.
The Philadelphia Eagles test their four-game winning streak in Dallas, where the Cowboys make a habit of winning showdowns. The Atlanta Falcons find out if their 4-2 record really does make them equal to the 49ers.
The NFC Central has the week off, but that division race will sort itself out within the next three weeks, starting with next Thursday night’s game in the Metrodome between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
Games of the week
More Top Picks Carts Plants
Eagles (4-1) at Cowboys (4-1)
Against the Eagles, the Cowboys have won four straight and five of the last six. The story is pretty much the same: Emmitt Smith (172 yards, 237 yards, 114 yards, 163 yards). The Eagles can’t stop him. This is coach Barry Switzer’s biggest test yet after games against Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit, Washington and Arizona. With the Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals coming up next, the Cowboys should be able to focus totally on Randall Cunningham. Nobody is playing better defense than the Cowboys’ Charles Haley. The health of little RB Charlie Garner is a factor for the Eagles. In two games, he has been hurt, but not before he gets 100 yards. 3 p.m. WFLD-Ch. 32.
Chargers (5-0) at Saints (2-4)
San Diego GM Bobby Beathard quietly has assembled an NFC East-type power team that has taken over the AFC-gutty quarterback, big line, power runner, speed receivers, tough defense. The Saints can’t compete because they can’t run or stop the run consistently. But their backs are against the wall and the desperation factor has worked in most places this season. This is the Chargers’ first trip to the Superdome since 1979. 3 p.m.
49ers (4-2) at Falcons (4-2)
Steve Young vs. Jeff George and Jerry Rice vs. Andre Rison aside, this is Deion Sanders’ game. Returning to the Georgia Dome for the first time since jilting the Falcons, Sanders will be in his element on stage, ready to light up the place. Look for either a big interception or some big plays from George to Rison. And isn’t it time for Sanders to return punts and kickoffs? Maybe play a little wide receiver opposite Rice? Both teams found new running backs last week. Craig Heyward is on the straight and narrow in Atlanta. Rookie William Floyd gave a glimpse of the future in San Francisco. Noon. WFLD-Ch. 32.
Games worth a peek
Raiders (2-3) at Dolphins (4-1)
Los Angeles dominated this series in the ’80s, but has lost two of last three (1988 and 1992). Raiders are down but dangerous and need AFC victories to keep pace. Their defense slowed the No. 1-ranked passing attack last week in New England; now they get the No. 2-ranked passing attack in their Eastern road trip. It’s enough for the Raiders to cry conspiracy. Miami’s 27th-ranked defense could be inviting target for QB Jeff Hostetler. Noon. WMAQ-Ch. 5.
Patriots (3-3) at Jets (3-3)
Pivotal midseason game for two AFC East rivals who don’t know exactly where they are headed. New England QB Drew Bledsoe threw three interceptions against Raiders last week. New York QB Boomer Esiason returned in ugly but vital victory over Colts. Jets won both games last year with Patriots scoring only one touchdown total, but that was before “Air Parcells” and Bledsoe’s No. 1-ranked offense. Noon.
Giants (3-2) at Rams (2-4)
Two-game slide by both teams has interrupted higher hopes. New York needs to keep pace in NFC East. Los Angeles doesn’t know which Chris is healthy enough to play quarterback, Miller or Chandler. Does anybody know the difference? Rams hold big 20-9 lead in series. Giants RB Rodney Hampton was stuffed by Minnesota last Monday after returning from injury. Coach Dan Reeves and young QB Dave Brown must find way to improve 27th-ranked offense, better only than Arizona’s. 3 p.m.
Chiefs (3-2) at Broncos (1-4)
Just what Wade Phillips needs. Playing at Mile High in front of a hostile Monday night home crowd, Denver must face a desperate Kansas City team that has scored zero touchdowns in two straight losses. How long can Joe Montana be kept out of the end zone? The Broncos are the 25th-ranked defense, which may be just what the Chiefs need. But the Chiefs’ defense isn’t much better, 23rd. 8 p.m. Monday. WLS-Ch. 7.
Games of the weak
Cardinals (1-4) at Redskins (1-5)
Can anybody here win this game? Washington coach Norv Turner could have had either job. Too bad Buddy Ryan isn’t working with Jack Kent Cooke. Steve Beuerlein is back at QB for Arizona, last in the league in offense. Ryan hopes for a boost from RB Garrison Hearst, who returns for limited duty after a year to rebuild his knee. Beuerlein is the lowest-rated passer, although his playing time has been limited by Ryan’s yo-yo. Ryan will try to blitz rookie Washington QB Heath Shuler back to Tennessee. Noon.
Bengals (0-5) at Steelers (3-2)
The desperation factor has yet to work in Cincinnati, where another season already looks hopelessly lost. Pittsburgh needs to keep pace with Cleveland in the AFC Central. The Steelers have won six in a row against Bengals, who need a victory in the worst way. David Shula has the Browns and Cowboys coming up next. Noon.
Colts (2-4) at Bills (4-2)
More Top Picks Neato Botvac D4 Connected
This is a big-time mismatch for an Indianapolis defense that has held Buffalo to fewer than 23 points only once in their last nine meetings. Likewise, the Colts’ offense has scored more than 10 points only once during the same stretch, in the Colts’ only victory in 1992, 16-13. Colts are devastated on defense, and Bills are regaining health and form on offense. Noon.