Week 14 Primer

Game of the week

Kansas City (5-7) at Denver (12-0). “We’re going to have to play error free and not turn the ball over,” said Kansas City Coach Marty Schottenheimer, thereby eliminating his team’s chance. The Chiefs lost their poise in defeat against the Broncos at home Nov. 16. They’ll probably keep their poise on the road, and lose more gracefully.

Upset of the Week

Cincinnati (2-10) over Buffalo (7-5). Two seconds to go, Neil O’Donnell throws the ball into the stands, the officials penalize the Bills for upsetting him, giving the Bengals one more chance to score. They fail, but wait, another flag. “Let’s give them another try,” an official is overheard to say, “so that guy in L.A. can have a better record in picking upsets.” Record: 3-10

Potential Star of the Week

Detroit wide receiver Herman Moore. He had gone nine consecutive games without a 100-yard game and without a touchdown, but Moore resurfaced for Detroit last week with eight catches for 148 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh beat Jacksonville earlier this year so the Lions beat the Jaguars too, with Moore starring.

Potential Stiff of the Week

Raider running back Napoleon Kaufman. Kaufman needs 105 yards to become the third Raider with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, joining Mark van Eeghen (1976-78) and Marcus Allen (1983-85). He will have to wait until next week after getting shut down by the Dolphins, who give up only 93.4 yards a game on the ground.

THIS WEEK’S TREND

Detroit running back Barry Sanders has gained only 99 yards in 41 carries the last two games. “It is a long season,” Detroit Coach Bobby Ross said. “When he runs the ball 25 times a game, he’s the only guy that 11 other people want. So they get after him.”

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

The Rams just can’t get it right. Rich Brooks, fired as coach of the Rams two years ago, moved on to Atlanta and is now 4-0 against his former team as a defensive coordinator

AND FINALLY

“The Missile” has been a dud. The Saints gave wide receiver Qadry Ismail a four-year deal for $6 million with a $150,000 signing bonus; he hasn’t caught a pass since 1996. He had no receptions for Miami last year and has none for New Orleans this year. Ismail’s contract called for him to get bonus payments of $50,000 when he reached 30, 40, 50 and 60 catches. They should have provided an incentive clause for just one.

ON TV

* New England at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m., Ch. 2

You can Bettis the referees will get the coin flip right.

Line: Pittsburgh by 4.

* San Francisco at Carolina, 10 a.m., Ch. 11

Jerry Rice knows it’s better to receive this time of year.

Line: San Francisco by 9 1/2.

* Kansas City at Denver, 1:15 p.m., Ch. 2

Santa’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.

Line: Denver by 13 1/2.

* Chicago at Minnesota, 5:15 p.m., ESPN

Who needs Moses when Moss can part defenses?

Line: Minnesota by 16.

THE REST

* Buffalo at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Line: Buffalo by 4 1/2.

* Dallas at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Line: Dallas by 6 1/2.

* Detroit at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Line: Jacksonville by 7.

* Indianapolis at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Line: Atlanta by 12 1/2.

* San Diego at Washington, 10 a.m.

Line: Washington by 3.

* Seattle at New York Jets, 10 a.m.

Line: New York Jets by 7.

* New York Giants at Arizona, 1 p.m.

Line: Arizona by 4 1/2.

* Miami at Oakland, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Miami by 2 1/2.

* Baltimore at Tennessee, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Tennessee by 6.

* Green Bay at Tampa Bay, Mon., 5:15 p.m.

Line: Green Bay by 4.

*

TV game comments from Times staff

Simer’s Rankings / Top 5

1. DENVER: Broncos face revenge-minded Chiefs. Bet they’re really scared.

2. MINNESOTA: Updated version of “It’s a Wonderful Life”: What if Randall Cunningham had never been born?

3. ATLANTA: Steve DeBerg was just a child when Sherman torched Atlanta.

4. SAN FRANCISCO: Next two opponents have combined record of 7-17. Tough tests for 49ers.

5. JACKSONVILLE: What’s it like knowing your season will last only as long as you don’t have to play Denver?

BOTTOM FIVE

26. PHILADELPHIA: The Liberty Bell is cracked. The Eagles have crumbled.

27. St. LOUIS: Newspaper in St. Louis has called for housecleaning. Georgia reportedly does not do windows.

28. CHICAGO: Two things we now know about Moses Moreno. He’s no savior, and no Marino.

29. CINCINNATI: Bruce Coslet causes ruckus by suggesting his team no longer cares. He apologizes, but who cares?

30. CAROLINA: Slater and Diaz star in “Very Bad Things,” the life and times of the Panthers. Kerry Collins had the chance, but he quit.