TODAY’S GAMES

ON TV

New York Giants at Dallas

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* TV: Channel 11.

* Records: Giants 9-5-1, Cowboys 6-9.

* Storyline: The Cowboys aren’t accustomed to playing out the string. The fact that they aren’t playing for anything is very evident in their performances. Kevin Mathis is showing how valuable Deion Sanders is. The time for Danny Kanell to improve his consistency is now. The Giants would like to go without a loss in the NFC East.

* The Line: Cowboys by 3 1/2.

* The Pick: Giants.

Indianapolis at Minnesota

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* TV: Channel 4.

* Records: Colts 3-12, Vikings 8-7.

* Storyline: The Colts have played better and better in recent weeks, while the Vikings keep playing worse and worse. However, the Colts have no incentive to win this game and the Vikings are fighting for their playoff lives. Jim Harbaugh doesn’t have the most pleasant of memories from the Metrodome, and the Viking defense could remind him why. Randall Cunningham has to put together two halves for the first time this year.

* The Line: Vikings by 6 1/2.

* The Pick: Vikings.

New York Jets at Detroit

* Kickoff: 1 p.m.

* TV: Channel 4.

* Records: Jets 9-6, Lions 8-7.

* Storyline: This is a must win for both teams. The Lions seem to always play over their heads when their season is on the line. The Jets came on strong against the Buccaneers, but it won’t be so easy for the Jets to dominate defensively against Barry Sanders (who needs 131 yards for 2,000), Herman Moore and Co.

* The Line: Lions by 6 1/2.

* The Pick: Lions.

San Francisco at Seattle

* Kickoff: 5 p.m.

* TV: ESPN.

* Records: 49ers 13-3, Seahawks 7-8.

* Storyline: Warren Moon returns for the Seahawks, who are simply trying to make it out of the season without any more casualties. The 49ers, who have home field clinched through the playoffs, could have a letdown after their emotional victory over the Broncos. But they’d have to come way down to lose to the Seahawks.

* The Line: Seahawks by 2 1/2.

* The Pick: 49ers.

THE REST

Pittsburgh at Tennessee

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Steelers 11-4, Oilers 7-8.

* Storyline: The Steelers appear to be peaking at the right time. There isn’t much they aren’t doing very well. Quarterback Kordell Stewart is playing his best ball. The Oilers will be playing some greenhorns in an attempt to sort out 1998.

* The Line: Oilers by 3.

* The Pick: Steelers.

Baltimore at Cincinnati

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Ravens 6-8-1, Bengals 6-9.

* Storyline: The Ravens have found new life with Eric Zeier at quarterback as the Bengals have found new life with Boomer Esiason at quarterback. With another strong performance, Esiason could convince Bengal management to give him a raise for next year. Bam Morris could have a big day against the Bengals’ shoddy run defense.

* The Line: Bengals by 6 1/2.

* The Pick: Bengals.

Chicago at Tampa Bay

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Bears 4-11, Buccaneers 9-6.

* Storyline: The Buccaneers need a healthy Trent Dilfer and Mike Alstott in this game. They would like to pay back the Bears for upsetting them in November and need to win to secure a home game in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The Bear defense has improved. Look for the Bears to put some points up when Erik Kramer is in, but to be shut out if he is replaced by Rick Mirer.

* The Line: Buccaneers by 7 1/2.

* The Pick: Buccaneers.

New Orleans at Kansas City

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Saints 6-9, Chiefs 12-3.

* Storyline: The return of Elvis Grbac could have a positive impact on the Chiefs. Former Saint cornerback Mark McMillian would like to show his old team it made a mistake. Billy Joe Hobert is in a groove for the Saints, who have made strides in recent weeks.

* The Line: Chiefs by 8.

* The Pick: Chiefs.

Philadelphia at Washington

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Eagles 6-8-1, Redskins 7-7-1.

* Storyline: The Eagles would like to play spoiler, but the Redskins have too much on the line not to play their best game. Bobby Hoying has slumped in his last two games, and his slump could continue against Redskin cornerbacks. The Eagles’ defense also is deteriorating. The Redskins really need Terry Allen back in this game, especially because their offensive line is hurting.

* The Line: Redskins by 5 1/2.

* The Pick: Redskins.

San Diego at Denver

* Kickoff: 1 p.m.

* Records: Chargers 4-11, Broncos 11-4.

* Storyline: The Broncos could use a confidence builder heading into the playoffs. They need their receivers to start catching the ball and their beat-up defense to get well. The Chargers, with their pathetic offensive line and overmatched quarterback, could be just the medicine for the Bronco defense.

* The Line: Broncos by 14 1/2.

* The Pick: Broncos.

Atlanta at Arizona

* Kickoff: 1 p.m.

* Records: Falcons 7-8, Cardinals 3-12.

* Storyline: The Falcons have won seven of eight and might be one of the top 10 teams in football at the moment. Chris Chandler is playing as well as he has ever played at quarterback. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are trying to figure out what players should stay and which should go, and they want to give playing time to younger players. The Falcon defensive line versus the Cardinal offensive line could be a gory mismatch.

* The Line: Falcons by 3.

* The Pick: Falcons.

Jacksonville at Oakland

* Kickoff: 1 p.m.

* Records: Jaguars 10-5, Raiders 4-11.

* Storyline: The Jaguars could rest some starters in an attempt to get ready for the playoffs, but they still have a shot at home-field advantage for a first-round game. The Raiders should give it a rest. They may be the worst team in football at the moment, as Coach Joe Bugel has lost control over a bunch of dogs.

* The Line: Jaguars by 3 1/2.

* The Pick: Jaguars.