BEST OF THE WEEKENDKansas City (4-1) at...
BEST OF THE WEEKEND
Kansas City (4-1) at New England (3-1), 1 p.m.
It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Elvis Grbac has in his return to the Chiefs’ offense. Rich Gannon did a nice job in Grbac’s absence. . Drew Bledsoe and Terry Glenn have been clicking for the Patriots, but they could have a rough time against the top-ranked defense in the NFL. The Chiefs have won 11 of 15 against the Patriots.
Edge: Chiefs.
San Francisco (3-1) at New Orleans (3-1), 1 p.m.
The Saints showed they could hang with the Patriots, but the 49ers might be another story. Then again if the 49ers commit 22 penalties and turn the ball over repeatedly, the Saints likely will embarrass them as the Bills did. San Francisco quarterback Steve Young will be trying to take advantage of former 49er cornerback Tyrone Drakeford. The Saints, meanwhile, would like to exploit slumping 49ers cornerback Antonio Langham.
Edge: 49ers.
Denver (5-0) at Seattle (3-2), 4:15 p.m.
Just when it appeared the Broncos might be invincible, they will get perhaps their toughest test of the season to date. But for the Seahawks to be hitting on all cylinders, they’ll need injured Warren Moon to play. Another key for the Seahawks will be establishing the running game with Ricky Watters. If the Broncos are vulnerable anywhere, it could be run defense. The Seahawks need a statement game. They failed in opportunities against the Steelers and Chiefs, but those games were on the road. This one is at home.
Edge: Broncos.
Miami (3-1) at Jacksonville (4-0), Monday, 8:20 p.m.
The Dolphins’ loss to the Jets last week raised serious questions about their offense. If a defense can bottle up the Dolphins’ running game (the Jaguars should be able to), the Dolphins appear ill-equipped to rely on the pass. It isn’t Dan Marino’s fault so much as it is the fault of his receivers. The Jaguars’ offense could meet its match in the Dolphins’ defense, but if Fred Taylor keeps running like he’s run, the Jaguars will get in the end zone a few times.
Edge: Jaguars.
RELOCATION BOWL
Tennessee (1-3) at Baltimore (2-2), 1 p.m.
Two teams that have struggled to hit their stride. The Oilers have yet to take advantage of their new flock of receivers, and their once-reliable running game has gone south. The Ravens, meanwhile, have switched quarterbacks and tailbacks in an attempt to get the offense going. It’s hard to believe Priest Holmes will outrun Eddie George. The Oilers have led their opponent late in every game they’ve played, so you can count on a close game. But the Oilers are 0-3 after bye weeks.
Edge: Ravens.
THE FIRING LINE
Washington (0-5) at Philadelphia (0-5), 1 p.m.
Someone has to win, don’t they? There is serious pressure on Ray Rhodes and Norv Turner, and whomever loses this game may be the first to go. The Redskins’ defense has been a major disappointment, as has the Eagles’ offense. Duce Staley and Charlie Garner have to be salivating looking at the Redskins’ rush defense. Rhodes played his final trump card this week, benching quarterback Bobby Hoying for the more consistent Rodney Peete.
Edge: Redskins.
OF PASSING INTEREST
New York Jets (2-2) at St. Louis (1-3), 4:15 p.m.
While Vinny Testaverde showed he could still win in the NFL, guiding the Jets to two straight wins, Glenn Foley will get the start against the Rams. The Rams need Isaac Bruce back. Rookie running back Robert Holcombe should be able to pile up some yards against the Jets’ defense, but running back Curtis Martin should be able to pile up some yards against the Rams. Could the Jets be caught looking ahead to their Monday night game against the Patriots? The Rams are rested, coming off a bye.
Edge: Rams.
San Diego (2-3) at Oakland (3-2), 4:15 p.m.
The Raiders have been coming on, but their momentum could be squashed with Jeff George on the sidelines. Donald Hollas has never started a game, and the drop-off could be precipitous. Harvey Williams also is a step down from Napoleon Kaufman, if Kaufman can’t play. Look for the Chargers to try to take the pressure off rookie quarterback Ryan Leaf by running Natrone Means early and often against an aggressive Raider defense.
Edge: Raiders.
Atlanta (3-1) at New York (2-3). 8:20 p.m.
Dan Reeves gets a chance to beat up on his former team while the Falcons are going strong. This is one of the most prolific offenses in the league (Falcons) against one of the least prolific offenses (Giants). The Giants’ best hope to move the ball appears to be in the air, unless Gary Brown surprises. The Giants’ pass rush could spell trouble for the Falcons’ offensive line.
Edge: Giants.
THE REST
Buffalo (1-3) at Indianapolis (1-4), 1 p.m.
After pulling off the biggest upset of the season, the Bills could be in for a letdown. But their personnel is superior to the Colts, especially since Bruce Smith is back and playing well. Both teams have new quarterbacks, but Rob Johnson has outplayed Peyton Manning. Former Bill cornerback Jeff Burris gets a chance to show up his old team. Here’s an ugly matchup: the Colts’ beat-up front four against the Bills’ inferior offensive line. Cover your eyes for that one.
Edge: Bills.
Carolina (0-4) at Dallas (3-2), 1 p.m.
Kerry Collins has stepped aside and that leaves the Panther offense in the hands of Steve Beuerlein. This may not be a bad thing for the Panthers. The Panthers’ defense could make the Cowboys’ offense look like the Cowboys’ offense of old, even without Troy Aikman. Look for Emmitt Smith to run wild against the Panthers’ soft defense, and for Jason Garrett to light it up. Flozell Adams gets his first start for the Cowboys at guard. Another ugly matchup is the Cowboys’ defensive line against the Panthers’ offensive line.
Edge: Cowboys.
Pittsburgh (3-1) at Cincinnati (1-3), 1 p.m.
A couple of Bengals could have revenge on their minds, as Neil O’Donnell and Myron Bell are former Steelers. But the Bengals may need more than revenge to overcome the Steelers, who have beaten the Bengals in 12 of their last 14 games. Jerome Bettis has rushed for 100 yards in each of his five tries against the Bengals. This time should be no different. A bye week may have helped the Steelers figure out how to get Kordell Stewart back on track.
Edge: Steelers.
Chicago (1-4) at Arizona (2-3), 4:05 p.m.
The Bears believe they are on the verge of turning their season around, and a road win against the Cardinals would give this team a confidence boost. The Bears could get a big game out of receiver Curtis Conway in his expected return from a groin pull, especially considering Cardinal cornerback Tom Knight probably won’t play because of a knee injury. The Bears rank first in the NFL in sacks allowed per play, but the Cardinals’ defensive front really has been coming on.
Edge: Cardinals.
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