There are only eight undefeated teams after two weeks and there can be no more than six after the Raiders play the Chiefs and the Steelers play the Dolphins.
The game of the week might be a game of the weak as winless Arizona and Detroit meet. Both teams have playoff aspirations that will be severely retarded with an 0-3 start.
The Giants and Saints also are 0-2 teams scrambling for a win before it’s too late.
Games of the week
Raiders (2-0) at Chiefs (2-0)
The Chiefs own the Raiders, having won 10 of their last 11 games. New Chiefs offensive line coach Art Shell would like to extend the trend even though he is the former Raiders coach (largely because of it). This is Shell replacement Mike White’s first shot at Marty Schottenheimer, who is making magic with QB Steve Bono. Without LT Gerald Perry, Raiders QB Jeff Hostetler could be pressured by Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas. Noon.
Steelers (2-0) at Dolphins (2-0)
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Backup QB Mike Tomczak faces Dan Marino in a Monday night matchup of early-season AFC favorites. This is the revenge of ex-Steelers TE Eric Green, who bad-mouthed his old team and signed with the Dolphins. “I think he’s fired up because I think he believes the Steelers did him wrong and didn’t treat him properly,” said Steelers LB Kevin Greene, who will have to face him. Ch. 7, Monday, 8 p.m.
Patriots (1-1) at 49ers (2-0)
Despite the Patriots’ preseason bandwagon, the 49ers are the week’s largest favorites, illustrating the wide gap between the top few and the rest of the pack. Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe has yet to throw a TD pass and the 49ers’ defense is hereby on a Who Needs Deion mission. Meanwhile, Steve Young is completing 71.6 percent of his passes. 3 p.m.
Cowboys (2-0) at Vikings (1-1)
The Vikings did a job on Detroit’s Barry Sanders last week and will get to test their defense on Emmitt Smith. Could there be a difference in offensive lines? Robert Smith, no relation, is off to a pretty good start as the Vikings’ newest running back. Halftime should feature a wrestling match between Vikings President Roger Headrick, chairman of NFL Properties Committee, and maverick Dallas owner Jerry Jones, who wants to bust up the licensing arrangement. TNT, 7 p.m.
Bears (1-1) at Buccaneers (1-1)
Both NFC Central teams have their backers and detractors. This is Tampa’s home opener and everybody swears the Bucs are better. This is the Bears’ road debut and everybody says the same thing. If WR Alvin Harper plays, he could take pressure off QB Trent Dilfer, who was blitzed to distraction in Cleveland. Ch. 32-Fox, 3 p.m.
Games worth a peek
Colts (1-1) at Bills (1-1)
QB Jim Harbaugh is expected to start, but the Colts lost WR Flipper Anderson (knee) for the season. Maybe ex-Bear Wendell Davis can play for the first time since suffering two ruptured patella tendons Oct. 10, 1993, at Philadelphia. Bills are trying more two-back sets, but at one point against Carolina last week, QB Jim Kelly was 1 of 14 for 4 yards with three interceptions. Noon.
Rams (2-0) at Panthers (0-2)
The Panthers expect a crowd of about 60,000 for their franchise home opener, 16,000 below capacity. That means the game will be blacked out in the Charlotte area even though temporary stadium Clemson is a three-hour drive away. “We’re disappointed,” said Panthers President Mike McCormack. Must be too close to basketball season. At least the Rams are happy about it and should stay undefeated. Noon.
Bengals (2-0) at Seahawks (0-2)
The surprising Bengals take on the disappointing Seahawks. Cincinnati QB Jeff Blake is thriving while Seattle QB Rick Mirer is dying. “We’ll see in the next few weeks,” Blake said. “See if I’m on halftime of Monday Night Football and shows like that. That’s when you know you’ve made it.” 3 p.m.
Chargers (1-1) at Eagles (1-1)
Both teams got their first wins last week. Philadelphia coach Ray Rhodes did a great job stopping the Chargers in last year’s Super Bowl, but that was when he worked for San Francisco. Eagles FB Kevin Turner (knee) is out for the year and RT Lester Holmes (knee) is out at least six weeks, two reasons enigmatic QB Randall Cunningham thinks he might like being a backup. Noon.
Browns (1-1) at Oilers (1-1)
Browns WR Andre Rison claims unconcern over four catches for 32 yards. “If I want to see some stats, I’ll just look at the back of one of my bubble-gum cards,” he said. Oilers lost LB Al Smith (foot) and S Marcus Robertson (knee) for the season, two huge blows to coach Jeff Fisher’s hopes. Replacement LB Micheal Barrow suffered a partially torn knee ligament. QB Chris Chandler has a sore shoulder. Browns should romp. Noon.
Giants (0-2) at Packers (1-1)
Suddenly desperate, the Giants must travel to Lambeau Field, where they have not played in 10 years. The Packers are rejuvenated after their Monday night conquest of the Bears. “We do have a go-to guy. He’s our quarterback,” Packers GM Ron Wolf said. Noon.
Redskins (1-1) at Broncos (1-1)
At home, the Broncos are huge favorites over the Redskins in a matchup of former Super Bowl offensive coordinators–Washington’s Norv Turner of the Cowboys and Denver’s Mike Shanahan of the 49ers. This is rookie WR Michael Westbrook’s return to college glory, but the Redskins are hurting at cornerback, playing right into QB John Elway’s arm. 3 p.m.
Games of the weak
Falcons (1-1) at Saints (0-2)
This is Morten Andersen’s homecoming in the Superdome and the last thing the Saints want is to have him line up for a winning kick against them. He used to beat the Falcons regularly. Atlanta QB Jeff George (arch) is questionable, which means Saints would have to put up with ex-teammate Bobby Hebert, too. Noon.
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Jaguars (0-2) at Jets (0-2)
If you didn’t get your tickets early, you are probably glad. Jaguars QB Steve Beuerlein (knee) is out, so ex-Packer Mark Brunell gets his first start. The desperate Jets are also injury-riddled. QB Boomer Esiason sounded discouraged already. 3 p.m.
Cardinals (0-2) at Lions (0-2)
Desperation game of the week. Will Arizona QB David Krieg get to face old teammates for more than a quarter or will he get stuck in Buddy Ryan’s doghouse? How will Ryan coach his No. 30-ranked defense against the run to stop Barry Sanders? How will QB Scott Mitchell hold up against Cardinal blitzes? Noon.