PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : 49ers Will Test Oilers’ Streak

Backups have played a front-line role in Houston’s run of success, and the Oilers will be counting on them again in today’s confrontation with the San Francisco 49ers (10-4).

Houston (10-4), which secured the AFC Central title by beating Pittsburgh, 26-17, last week for its ninth straight win, has seen Gary Brown rush for more than 100 yards in four of six starts for the injured Lorenzo White.

But the Oilers face another challenge this week in trying to replace the lost production of wide receiver Webster Slaughter, the team’s leader with 77 receptions for 904 yards and five touchdowns when he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Pittsburgh.

Gary Wellman and Pat Coleman will fill in for Slaughter.

Houston’s defense will also have to maintain its productivity against a dynamic San Francisco offense that tops the league in scoring (30.9) and yards (401.5).

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Thirty-seven players on the Washington Redskins face suspension for the regular-season final for not paying their union dues or a $5,000 service fee.

Redskin management has refused to suspend the players for the Dec. 31 home game against Minnesota. The matter is to be settled Tuesday by binding arbitration at a hearing in Washington.