The scramble for the bye week and home field in the playoffs goes down to the wire, with neither conference completely decided. The 49ers, Cowboys and Eagles are still in the NFC hunt for the coveted off weeks. The Chiefs and Steelers have clinched AFC byes, but the home field remains at stake.
Games of the week
Steelers (11-4) at Packers (10-5)
For Wisconsin and western Pennsylvania dreamers, this is the Super Bowl preview. The Steelers are the best-balanced team in the league, the only team ranked in the top 10 in total offense and defense as well as running and passing offense and defense. A nice matchup is Green Bay’s No. 2 passing offense, featuring QB Brett Favre and his league-leading 36 TD passes, against Pittsburgh’s No. 3 passing defense and its 22 interceptions, third highest in the league. But Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher plans to rest veterans regardless of the stakes. Noon.
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Eagles (10-5) at Bears (8-7)
The Eagles have an outside shot at home field and could win the NFC East with some help from old pal Buddy Ryan and the Cardinals Monday night. The Bears need to win or else, so are more desperate. The Eagles haven’t passed nearly as well as the Bears, but they run and play defense a lot better. An intriguing matchup between two former Lions quarterbacks, Erik Kramer and Rodney Peete. Noon.
Seahawks (8-7) at Chiefs (12-3)
The Chiefs need a win to stay ahead of Pittsburgh in the race for AFC home-field advantage. The Seahawks have won six of their last seven games in what Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer terms “as dramatic a change as I’ve ever seen in my coaching career.” Sub QB John Friesz has rejuvenated career in last two weeks. Chiefs looking for first 13-win season in team history. Noon.
49ers (11-4) at Falcons (8-7)
The 49ers need a win to stay ahead of Dallas in the race for NFC home-field advantage. The Bears also need the 49ers to keep the Falcons off their backs. The 49ers have defeated Atlanta six of the last seven games by a grand total of 267-77. Atlanta is ranked 29th in total defense 30th in pass defense. Noon.
Games worth a peek
Vikings (8-7) at Bengals (6-9)
Vikings make playoffs if they beat Bengals and if Eagles and 49ers win. This would disappoint Bears, who beat them twice. QB Warren Moon needs two touchdown passes to match his all-time season high of 33. He and WR Cris Carter will team up to try to keep Carter ahead of NFC receiving pack. Bengals have 30th-ranked defense, but QB Jeff Blake and WR Carl Pickens have some individual incentive too. Noon.
Panthers (7-8) at Redskins (5-10)
The Panthers are trying to become the first expansion team in any sport to avoid a losing season in their first year. It would be a phenomenal accomplishment for coach Dom Capers and a franchise that vowed to make the Super Bowl within 10 years. Maybe they were selling themselves short. QB Gus Frerotte to start for Redskins. 3 p.m.
Broncos (7-8) at Raiders (8-7)
Another chance for Denver coach Mike Shanahan to stick it to his old team, the floundering Raiders. He shut them out 27-0 in Denver and can now knock them out of the playoffs. Raiders had great start under Mike White, but folded with injuries to QB Jeff Hostetler. Broncos have awful history against Raiders (21-49-2). This season Broncos have been 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7. You pick it. 3 p.m.
Dolphins (8-7) at Rams (7-8)
Hanging on to playoff hopes is not the way the Dolphins envisioned this season, which appears doomed to failure whether they make it or not. Rams blew a 4-0 start and are now resigned to rebuilding. Maybe they can start with Dolphin MLB Bryan Cox, who is playing his first game near hometown East St. Louis and may have worn out his welcome in Miami. 3 p.m.
Cowboys (11-4) at Cardinals (4-11)
Cowboys need win badly to stay in chase for home field and regain confidence. A loss to Cards would signal early exit from playoffs. Cards will try to run Garrison Hearst up the depleted gut of Cowboy defense that has dropped to 19th against run. Monday, 8 p.m.
Games of the weak
Oilers (6-9) at Bills (10-5)
Bills have nothing to gain by winning, so QB Jim Kelly and others will rest while watching Oilers rookie Steve McNair in second start. He will oppose Bills rookie QB Todd Collins. Noon.
Browns (5-10) at Jaguars (3-12)
Browns just want nightmare season to end. Jaguars haven’t won since beating Browns in Cleveland Oct. 22. Both teams are ranked in the bottom half of the league in every major offensive and defensive category. Noon.
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Saints (6-9) at Jets (3-12)
Another game with nothing at stake except pride and few individual stats. Jets are in battle with Jaguars for first pick in draft. Jets have 30th offense and No. 1 defense against the pass. Noon.