PRO FOOTBALL / Week 4 : THE OTHER GAMES

GAME OF THE DAY Seattle (3-0) at Washington (3-0), 10 a.m. The Redskins have come from behind in every game, but it might be difficult against the Seahawks, who have a solid defense and a balanced offense that has committed only three turnovers. Seattle quarterback Dave Krieg has been uncharacteristically consistent so far, and Washington counterpart Jay Schroeder is rapidly maturing in his first full season. Still, it may be premature to call this a Super Bowl preview.

OTHER INTERCONFERENCE GAMES Chicago (3-0) at Cincinnati (2-1), 10 a.m. Despite their record, the Bears have not made believers of anybody this season by rolling over three teams with a combined record of 1-8. Their defense appears passive compared to 1985’s high intensity. Jim McMahon, always one hit away from the infirmary, returns as quarterback after missing two games with a shoulder injury, but wide receiver Dennis Gentry (ankle) is doubtful. The Bears have never played in Cincinnati. When the Dallas Cowboys made their first appearance there last year, the Bengals defeated them, 50-24. Cincinnati’s versatile offense continues to produce points behind Boomer Esiason.

Detroit (1-2) at Cleveland (1-2), 10 a.m. This one, matching the Lions’ James Jones and the Browns’ Kevin Mack, could put the stadium to sleep. See James run. See Kevin run. Against these permissive ground defenses, that’s all they figure to do. Mack returns after missing two games with a shoulder injury, but Cleveland tight end Ozzie Newsome (shoulder) is questionable.

San Francisco (2-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-2), 10 a.m. The 49ers, with Jeff Kemp, still are moving the ball between the 20s but are having trouble getting into the end zone, although that may be no problem here. The Dolphins are the first team since the 1967 Denver Broncos to be burned for 50 points twice in one season and now are without outside linebacker Hugh Green (broken kneecap). San Francisco running back Joe Cribbs has a pulled calf muscle. The 49ers can get along without him but, facing Dan Marino, may miss cornerback Eric Wright, who is still a week away from his first 1986 appearance.

AFC GAMES New England (2-1) at Denver (3-0), 1 p.m. TV: Channel 4.

This is the Broncos’ first chance to prove they’re legitimate Super Bowl contenders. So far they haven’t beaten anybody who has beaten anybody else. The Patriots would be perfect if Seattle hadn’t blocked two punts last week. Quarterback Tony Eason has not thrown an interception, but neither has Denver’s John Elway.

Kansas City (2-1) at Buffalo (1-2), 10 a.m. The Chiefs struggle away from Arrowhead, but their strong pass rush--seven sacks plus nine hits on Houston’s Warren Moon--could neutralize Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly, which is all it takes to beat the Bills. However, blitzing linebacker Ken McAlister is out for the season (knee).

New York Jets (2-1) at Indianapolis (0-3), 1 p.m. This apparent mismatch could be close if the Jets fail to get their heads turned around from last week’s 51-45 win over Miami. The Colts, with rookie Jack Trudeau at quarterback at least until Ed Luther learns the offense, pose little offensive threat but can play tough defensively. The Jets are hurting at running back, with Freeman McNeil already on injured reserve and Johnny Hector and Dennis Bligen questionable. Wide receiver Michael Harper, a tailback at USC in 1983, is relearning the position, just in case.

Pittsburgh (0-3) at Houston (1-2), 10 a.m. The Steelers solved all their problems this week by sacking backup quarterback Scott Campbell. Why blame starter Mark Malone, who has thrown only eight interceptions? Against the NFL’s top-ranked defense today, John Stallworth and Louis Lipps have a better chance of receiving something via UPS. Kent Hill, acquired in the Jim Everett deal, will start at right guard for the Oilers, switching from the left guard spot he manned as a Ram for seven years.

NFC GAMES

Atlanta (3-0) at Tampa Bay (1-2), 1 p.m. What had loomed as a clinker became an interesting match of highly mobile quarterbacks when the surprising Falcons and their amazing David Archer upset Dallas, while Steve Young directed the Buccaneers to their first victory of the season. Returning home, the Falcons were greeted by 2,000 fans at the airport, but this time they weren’t there to block the runway. Now they need only win this one to equal their total of 1985, when they were 4-12. The Buccaneers, incidentally, could do the same, since they were 2-14 last season. Their victory at Detroit was their first on the road in the last 20 tries. Because James Wilder (bruised sternum) couldn’t play at Detroit, the Buccaneers also discovered a new running back in rookie free agent Nathan Wonsley, who is a better breakaway threat than Wilder. The Falcons have scored on all 13 trips inside the oponents’ 20 this season, scoring 9 touchdowns and 4 field goals.

Green Bay (0-3) at Minnesota (2-1), 10 a.m. Although the Packers played the Bears tough for a while, they still have scored only one touchdown this season. The Vikings’ offense isn’t to be totally trusted, either, but former Ram kicker Chuck Nelson is 10 for 10 on field goals.

New Orleans (1-2) at New York Giants (2-1), 10 a.m. The Saints have lost quarterback Bobby Hebert with a broken foot, but they weren’t going anywhere with him, anyway. One-time starter Dave Wilson takes over. The Giants are playing with real inspiration but may be without lead runner Joe Morris, who became ill late in the week with a possible blood disorder.

MONDAY NIGHT Dallas (2-1) at St. Louis Cardinals (0-3), 6 p.m. Tony Dorsett is doubtful with a sprained knee, but the Cowboys are in wonderful shape compared to their opponents. They still have Herschel Walker. On the other side, the Cardinals’ team doctor says the players are a bunch of wimps for not playing hurt, and All-Pro wide receiver Roy Green was just put on injured reserve following ankle surgery. As for the two top running backs, Stump Mitchell is doubtful and Ottis Anderson is unhappy. This is rookie Cardinal Coach Gene Stallings’ first effort against former boss Tom Landry. Think Tom will be sympathetic?