THE OTHER NFL GAMES / WEEK 4

GAME OF THE DAY

Cleveland (2-1) at Cincinnati (3-0), 10 a.m.

The Browns, picked by many to win it all, hope third-string quarterback Mike Pagel can keep them close to the Bengals in the AFC Central until Bernie Kosar returns. Pagel was sharp in leading Cleveland to a win over Indianapolis Monday night. Boomer Esiason and the Bengal offense are getting most of the credit for Cincinnati’s hot start, but the defense has made game-saving stands in the final minute 3 consecutive weeks.

INTERCONFERENCE GAMES

San Francisco (2-1) at Seattle (2-1), 1 p.m.

The quarterback controversy is alive in San Francisco after a loss to Atlanta, with Joe Montana saying he can’t play looking over his shoulder, wondering if Coach Bill Walsh might replace him with Steve Young. Walsh said Montana, who went all the way against the Falcons, will start again. Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright are healthy and are expected back in the 49er secondary. The Seahawks, coming off a loss to the Chargers, will start ex-49er quarterback Jeff Kemp in place of Dave Krieg, who is out 6 weeks with a separated shoulder.

New York Jets (2-1) at Detroit (1-2), 10 a.m.

The surprising Jets, who allowed 27 touchdown passes last season, have been getting aggressive play from rookies James Hasty and Erik McMillan in the secondary, and a rejuvenated pass rush led by Mark Gastineau. With Chuck Long coming along at quarterback, the Lions played well in losses to the Rams and New Orleans the last two weeks. A fake punt that backfired probably cost Detroit a win over the Saints.

AFC GAMES

Miami (1-2) at Indianapolis (0-3), 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 4.

The Colts’ title aspirations have rapidly turned to desperation. Quarterback Jack Trudeau was injured last week, and Coach Ron Meyer will start rookie Chris Chandler ahead of veteran Gary Hogeboom today. Dan Marino has had some big games against the Colts, but Indianapolis ended a 14-game losing streak against Miami last season on the running of Eric Dickerson, who has had a key fumble in each Colt loss this season.

Pittsburgh (1-2) at Buffalo (3-0), 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 2

The Bills hope this is the week that Jim Kelly and the offense get going after winning 3 games on the kicking of Scott Norwood and a stingy defense, which has allowed just 30 points. Buffalo has scored just 2 touchdowns. The Steelers have played well in defeats to Washington and Cincinnati. Scrambling Bubby Brister may have to run more than usual, with two starting linemen--including John Rienstra, Pittsburgh’s best--out with injuries.

San Diego (1-2) at Kansas City (1-2), 1 p.m.

This figured to a be a battle of 0-3 teams until the Chargers upset Seattle and the Chiefs surprised Denver last week. The Chargers’ pass rush registered only 2 sacks but had 19 legal hits on Seattle quarterbacks. Gary Anderson rushed for 120 yards, the first Charger over 100 in 2 seasons. The Chargers have been hopeless on the road, and Kansas City is very good at Arrowhead Stadium. Steve DeBerg took over at quarterback and led the Chiefs’ win over Denver.

New England (1-2) at Houston (2-1), 10 a.m.

The Oilers were riding high until the Jets brought them down by 42 points last week. Houston, playing aggressively, has been called for 25 penalties in its last 2 games. Rookie quarterback Cody Carlson struggled in New York after playing well in the win over the Raiders. The Oilers have won 11 of their last 12 games in the Astrodome. The Patriots have lost 2 in a row after handling the Jets in the opener. Steve Grogan had New England ahead of Buffalo early last week, but the Patriots’ offense sputtered and they lost on a field goal with 11 seconds left.

NFC GAMES

Philadelphia (1-2) at Minnesota (2-1), 10 a.m.

The Eagles were so frustrated on offense against Washington that they tried 3 fake kicks. Philadelphia seems close to being a contender, with 10 of its last 13 defeats by 7 points or fewer. The Eagles’ Reggie White, who led the NFL with 20 1/2 sacks last season, is being frustrated by double-teams, and has only 1 1/2 in 3 games. The Vikings will have to come down to earth quickly after a big win over Chicago. Tommy Kramer has re-established himself as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.

Atlanta (1-2) at Dallas (1-2), 10 a.m.

The Falcons, coming off a victory over 49ers, have not won 2 consecutive games since September, 1986. However, Atlanta, which leads the NFL in rushing, upset the Cowboys at Dallas last season, 21-10. The Falcons are getting strong play from rookie linebackers Aundray Bruce and Marcus Cotton. Steve Pelluer has thrown key interceptions in both Dallas defeats, but Coach Tom Landry says he’s sticking with his young quarterback.

Chicago (2-1) at Green Bay (0-3)

TV: Channel 2, 10 a.m.

The Bears are smarting after taking a beating from the Vikings, only their third NFC Central loss in their last 32 division games. Jim McMahon is expected to be back after leaving that game with a bruised knee. Packer quarterback Randy Wright is expected to start despite bruised ribs. Green Bay has lost 6 consecutive games to the Bears and has not won at Lambeau Field since Dec. 1, 1985.

Tampa Bay (1-2) at New Orleans (2-1), 10 a.m.

The Saints’ potent offense could have its way against a Tampa Bay defense that allowed 24 first downs and 475 yards last week to Phoenix. Vinny Testaverde played one of his better games against the Cardinals but couldn’t get as much as the Buccaneer defense allowed. Tampa Bay has been outscored, 44-0, in the first quarter this season. Testaverde will have to keep his eye on Saint linebacker Rickey Jackson, who had 6 sacks last week against Detroit.

Washington (2-1) at Phoenix (1-2), 1 p.m.

Third-year man Mark Rypien will take his first NFL regular-season snap for the Redskins because Doug Williams is out for at least a month after an appendectomy. The Redskins’ request to reschedule this game because of the desert heat was denied by NFL. Cardinal quarterback Neil Lomax leads the most productive offense in the league, and the Redskins are No. 2. However, Lomax has been bothered by an arthritic left hip. Last week, backup Cliff Stoudt replaced Lomax and threw the game-winning touchdown pass against Tampa Bay.

NOTE: All times PDT.