It’s a Real Test for 49ers

GAME OF THE WEEK

SAN FRANCISCO AT KANSAS CITY

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Channel 11

*

The 49ers’ free ride is over--finally, a game against an opponent with a winning record, even though the Chiefs aren’t the same team without quarterback Elvis Grbac. Grbac, still a week or two away from recovering from a broken collarbone, has been replaced by Rich Gannon, who has been less than effective so far.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer, however, continues to demonstrate his skills, still winning without an offense.

His defense has not allowed a touchdown in the second half of the last seven games, but can it keep Steve Young & Co. off the board in the first half?

San Francisco ranks No. 1 in fewest yards given up on defense, fewest rushing yards allowed, interceptions, fewest first downs allowed and fewest points allowed. So how does Kansas City score?

The Line: San Francisco by 3 1/2.

5 Things to Look For

1. The Saints’ leading rusher to be sitting on the bench. Coach Mike Ditka, who began the season with the slogan, “Find a way or make a way,” has taken that to new limits by showing no faith in his players and wondering why they won’t play hard for him. He has gone through three halfbacks and is now on his fourth starting quarterback. Last week he didn’t allow the team’s leading rusher, Mario Bates, to dress for the game and there’s talk now Bates won’t play for the rest of the season.

2. Billy Joe Hobert to struggle like everyone else in New Orleans. Hobert just joined the Saints a week ago Wednesday after being cut by Buffalo for not doing his homework. Do you think he has picked up the Saints’ offense already? And why is he starting? “He kept [Jacksonville quarterback] Mark Brunell on the bench [at the University of Washington], so he must be doing something right,” Ditka said. “Either that or he was the coach’s son, either one of the two. So Billy Joe has some talent.” Saint quarterbacks have thrown six touchdown passes and been intercepted 26 times.

3. Jake Delhomme to get his chance as Saints’ quarterback. The Saints have started five different quarterbacks in their last 14 games, which should be encouraging news for Delhomme, who is on the team’s practice squad.

4. More frustration for Ditka. It has been two years--Nov. 26, 1995--since the Saints won a game over an NFC West opponent, and Sunday they can run their winless total to 16 straight against Carolina.

5. Giant punter Brad Maynard looking like someone who should be playing for the Saints. Maynard has punted 86 times this season, putting him on pace for 115. The NFL record is 114, surprisingly not by someone playing for the Saints, but close--the Bears: Bob Parsons in 1981.

ON TV

* New York Jets (8-4) at Buffalo (5-7), 10 a.m. PDT, Channel 4: Bill Parcells continues to make people in New England very unhappy, positioning his team for a first-place finish in the AFC East, while the Patriots, his former team, struggle. The Bills rank No. 27 in the league scoring points, seemingly lacking the firepower to stick with the Jets, who are sixth in scoring.

The Line: Jets by 2

* Miami (7-5) at Oakland (4-8), 1 p.m., Channel 11: Have the Raiders quit or do they seek to regain their dignity after being humbled on Monday night? The Dolphins are 0-9 in Oakland, and while ranking No. 29 in running the ball, they are playing against the NFL’s worst overall defense.

The Line: Miami by 2

* Denver (10-2) at San Diego (4-8), ESPN, 5 p.m.: If Kansas City wins earlier in the day, Denver cannot afford to pace itself in a game that would ordinarily not demand much attention. The Chiefs have the most favorable schedule after this week, and if they can win out and Denver slips, Kansas City actually wins the division because of a better record in the AFC West.

The Line: Denver by 8 1/2

Sunday’s Other Games

* Baltimore at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

The Line: Jacksonville by 8

* Indianapolis at New England, 10 a.m.

The Line: New England by 11

* New Orleans at Carolina, 10 a.m.

The Line: Carolina by 9

* St Louis at Washington, 10 a.m.

The Line: Washington by 8 1/2

* Cincinnati at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

The Line: Philadelphia by 5

* Pittsburgh at Arizona, 1 p.m.

The Line: Pittsburgh by 5 1/2

* Atlanta at Seattle, 1 p.m.

The Line: Seattle by 7

* Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

The Line: Giants by 1 1/2

The Times’ Rankings By T.J. Simers / NFL Top to Bottom

1. Denver (10-2): An exhibition game of sorts in San Diego to prep for the Super Bowl there.

2. San Francisco (11-1): 49ers don’t think it’s fair they have to play a team with a winning record.

3. Green Bay (9-3): Minnesota and Tampa Bay next two weeks on the road.

4. Kansas City (9-3): Chiefs 5-0 at home, but underdogs against 49ers.

5. Pittsburgh (8-4): Loses, but still gains advantage on Jaguars because of tiebreakers.

6. Jacksonville (8-4): Loss to Cincinnati might have cost them division title.

7. Minnesota (8-4): Two losses in a row, and a chance to go in the dumper against the Packers, 49ers.

8. Tampa Bay (8-4): Playoff-like test in New York against the Giants.

9. New York Jets (8-4): Looking good even with O’Donnell at quarterback.

10. Dallas (6-7): Leon Lett’s going to be back, but too late?

11. Miami (7-5): Jimmy Johnson versus Joe Bugel--maybe if they were wrestling Bugel wins.

12. New England (7-5): Still in contention, and still looking for an excuse to call it quits.

13. Seattle (6-6): Lost opportunities, and the search for a new head coach.

14. Washington (6-5-1): Norv Turner should not be allowed to coach in big games.

15. New York Giants (7-4-1): A constant reminder that anybody can win in this game?

16. Detroit (7-6): The only reason to buy a PSL: To watch Barry Sanders.

17. Tennessee (7-6): Won’t know what kind of coach Jeff Fisher really is until team settles in Nashville.

18. Carolina (6-6): Thanks for the memories.

19. Buffalo (5-7): No more jokes about Buffalo making it to the Super Bowl and losing. Now they just lose.

20. Philadelphia (5-6-1): If only they had started Bobby Hoying at the beginning of the season.

21. Cincinnati (4-8): Boomer’s the toast of the town--again.

22. Baltimore (4-7-1): Bam Morris plays for a team that’s just criminal in the way it blows leads.

23. Atlanta (4-8): Falcons don’t play a team with a winning record; still have chance to go .500.

24. Oakland (4-8): The Raiders have no chance.

25. San Diego (4-8): Chargers cut starting guard. . . . Why stop there?

26. New Orleans (4-8): The only thing worth watching is Ditka’s postgame news conference.

27. Arizona (3-9): Plummer drives Cardinals to a win, city officials contemplate declaring a holiday.

28. St. Louis (2-10): Are you sure the Rams weren’t on drugs when they picked Lawrence Phillips?

29. Chicago (2-11): Rick Mirer pulling for one more win, so Bears don’t get Manning or Leaf.

30. Indianapolis (1-11): Accepts bowl bid to play Notre Dame.

AROUND THE AFC

WEST

Chargers Seek Perfection

The Chargers, known for overreacting in the past, have done it again. The team announced that it was cutting starting left guard Isaac Davis because of his penchant for making too many mistakes. A few years ago they cut running back Natrone Means and announced they were not re-signing Leslie O’Neal. “This game takes a commitment,” said Charger General Manager Bobby Beathard. “I’m not going to get into everything, but we need a commitment if we’re going to get where we want to go. And there are a lot of players on this team who are making that commitment, but there are also a few who haven’t made the commitment.” Said Davis, claimed by New Orleans: “That’s his opinion.” The Chargers refused to be specific in their reasoning for cutting Davis. . . . Last year after the Chargers jumped out to a 17-0 lead on the Broncos, linebacker Junior Seau yelled at John Elway: “You don’t have it no more, old man!” In preparation for this game, Seau said, “I love that guy. He’s a great player. When Elway comes on the field, you don’t think about the age. You think about the arm and where the ball’s going.” . . . Green Bay defensive lineman Santana Dotson thinks the Chiefs have a great chance of beating the 49ers because his former teammate, Wayne Simmons, has joined Kansas City. “Wayne Simmons gives the Chiefs the ability to take Brent Jones completely out of his routes,” Dotson said. . . . Denver Coach Mike Shanahan said it with a straight face, “They’re playing well. . . . San Diego is a dangerous team.” San Diego has lost four games in a row.

Damage update: San Diego linebacker Junior Seau, asked what can turn the Chargers around, said, “Training camp.”

CENTRAL

Boomer’s Fans Are Fickle

Cincinnati has fallen in love again with quarterback Boomer Esiason, but Esiason, who remembers being booed before being forced to move elsewhere, understands how fickle people can be. “The backup quarterback always has it easier,” Esiason said. “If we were 4-8 and I was the starting quarterback, you’d all be saying ‘He’s washed up, he’s over the hill.’ ” Team owner Mike Brown said “it’s possible,” Esiason could start for the Bengals next year, but in reality this is still Jeff Blake’s team. . . . Pittsburgh Coach Bill Cowher can become only the second coach in NFL history, joining Paul Brown, to take a team to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons. The Steelers, however, have won only two of their last four games with quarterback Kordell Stewart completing less than 50% of his passes. . . . Jaguar running back Natrone Means, who has been splitting time with James Stewart, will now be the team’s primary ballcarrier, motivated by the prospect of becoming a free agent at season’s end. . . . The Steelers will be without linebacker Greg Lloyd (ankle), but haven’t gotten much good play out of him anyway this season and will start Donta Jones. “This is his opportunity,” said Mike Archer, who coaches the Steeler linebackers. “We expect him to come in and not miss a beat.” . . . Baltimore running back Bam Morris will not go to jail immediately, but instead will be allowed to play while awaiting another court hearing in January. It shouldn’t impact the Ravens’ playoff hopes, since they have none.

Damage update: The Bengals, who failed to meet expectations this season, now have lost their best offensive player, wide receiver Carl Pickens, for the season with a groin injury. “You take your best guy out of the mix and the trickle-down effect hurts you,” said Coach Bruce Coslet.

EAST

He’d Rather Stay Home

The Dolphins are 10-20 in franchise history in games played on the West Coast, and 0-9 in Oakland. Miami has been advised not to travel two days early, but rather the day before the game to be best prepared. “They’ve [East Coast teams] had a bigger negative when they’ve done it on a two-day deal,” said Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson. “When you do and try to adjust to [Pacific] time, it’s worse that what it is when you go out there and stay on your own time, because there’s so much dead time when you go out a day early. I don’t think you really adjust to their time in a short period of time.” . . . Despite being $1.1 million under the salary cap, Johnson says the team is not interested in Lawrence Phillips although Rams’ Coach Dick Vermeil called trying to get Phillips a job. . . . The Jets haven’t been alone in first place this late in the season since 1986.

Damage update: Jet tight Fred Baxter almost disappeared under Coach Rich Kotite, but with Bill Parcells, Baxter has a career-high 19 receptions and three touchdowns. “Rich Kotite didn’t like me,” Baxter said. “I don’t know why, but that’s the whole story.”

AROUND THE NFC

WEST

Saints Need a Reality Check

After quitting on his team and basically telling the world his players weren’t worth keeping him in the game, New Orleans Coach Mike Ditka now has to regain their attention after changing his mind. “I get the feeling that some guys have given up or want the season over with,” return man Eric Guliford said. “It’s not my job to question or point this out, but certainly if it’s happening, it needs to be addressed.” . . . St. Louis Coach Dick Vermeil has presented his team with a list of nightclubs considered off limits in the wake of Lawrence Phillips’ release. Quarterback Tony Banks was not all that pleased at Vermeil’s action. “There are not too many jobs where you get policed outside of your job. . . . I do feel that we don’t have to be baby-sat.” . . . The Falcons are 4-3 since starting 0-5 and are now talking about going 8-8, which is like making the Super Bowl for this team. “As bad as we started, we’re making a conscious effort to play as well as we can,” said quarterback Chris Chandler. “Some years 8-8 will get you in the playoffs and we’re going to try to see what 8-8 can get us.” . . . Jerry Rice, who suffered a serious knee injury less than three months ago, intends to play again Dec. 15. He picked Dec. 15 because the 49ers will retire Joe Montana’s number that night. “Joe and I had such chemistry, I wanted to be in uniform for that,” he said. “I don’t want to take any of the spotlight away from that, but it would be incredible if I could be back for that.”

How hurtful: When Chandler starts and finishes the game, the Falcons are 4-2; when not, they are 0-6.

CENTRAL

He Wants to Be Wanted

Bear quarterback Erik Kramer becomes a free agent at season’s end, and while Chicago will probably want him back, who else wants him? “If we didn’t feel Erik could line up and get us into the playoffs and get us on the road to the Super Bowl, he wouldn’t be playing right now,” said Coach Dave Wannstedt in one of the most ridiculous quotes of the season. What’s his alternative? Start Rick Mirer again? “I mean that,” Wannstedt said. “Erik can do the things we expect a quarterback to do in our system.” . . . The Packers have lost five straight in the Metrodome and last season Brett Favre was sacked a career-high seven times. The Vikings presently rank No. 29 in the league in defense, but the Packers are still motivated to improve their reputation. “That was an embarrassment to our group,” offensive line coach Tom Lovat said. “It served as a wakeup call.” Rookie Ross Verbra is credited with shoring up the Packers’ offensive line this year and making up for John Michaels’ inability to make an impact. . . . The Lions, not known for playing defense, are pushing defensive lineman Robert Porcher for Pro Bowl attention. Porcher, a free agent last year, got no calls, and was forced to sign a one-year contract to rejoin the Lions. “I went from a guy I thought might be one of the top free agents to a guy who didn’t get any phone calls the first four or five days,” said Porcher, who has emerged as one of the NFC’s top sackers. . . . In the last six games, Tampa Bay running back Warrick Dunn has been limited to 181 yards in 64 carries. Get him the ball.

Damage update: Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson, facing the team’s biggest game of the year, has not practiced much of the week because of an ankle injury. The Vikings say he will play against Green Bay, although Randall Cunningham has been practicing with the first team.

EAST

The Headbangers Ball

Gus Frerotte, fresh off banging his head against the wall and injuring his neck, will start for the Redskins, most likely still with a red face. “There were no apologies,” Frerotte said. “Guys understand what it was all about. It was excitement. It was emotion. They all joked with me. . . . But you look at the ceiling laying flat on your back and you just hope you’re OK. I’ve been through it before, it’s not fun.” . . . Philadelphia quarterback Bobby Hoying has completed 59% of his passes, thrown three touchdown passes and has not been intercepted after taking over for Ty Detmer and Rodney Peete. Hoying’s impressive two-game performance has the Eagles touting him as their long-range quarterback. Detmer and Peete will both be free agents with the Eagles probably trying to keep Detmer. . . . Giant center Brian Williams, poked in the eye on the third day of training camp, has now been officially lost for the season and might not play gain.

Damage update: Ricky Watters, in pursuit of a new contract, has 415 yards in 125 carries in the past seven games for an average gain of 3.3 yards.