Game of the Week

Denver (13-1) at Miami (9-5): Only the second meeting--and possibly the last--between Dan Marino and John Elway. Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson will try to ruin it by running the ball. The Broncos have done their best to take away the drama, making Giant quarterback Kent Graham a hero while losing their undefeated streak.

Upset of the Week

New England (8-6) over San Francisco (11-3). The Patriots are starting Scott Zolak, which should have the 49er defenders doubled over in laughter, allowing Shawn Jefferson to get behind them deep for a tipped touchdown pass. It’s about time, anyway, for the 49ers to prepare themselves for a quick exit from the playoffs. Record: 4-11.

Potential Star of the Week

Atlanta running back Jamal Anderson. The Lions have given up 429 yards rushing the last two weeks. Anderson just has to stumble forward against these tackling dummies to gain 150 yards.

Potential Stiff of the Week

Washington’s run defense. Led by run-stuffer Dan Wilkinson, left, the Redskins have enjoyed success recently, but it’s a fluke. The Buccaneers have beaten them four consecutive times and will pound them with Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn.

THIS WEEK’S TREND

In seven games against the Bills, Jet running back Curtis Martin has 665 yards rushing, scoring a touchdown a game in the last four. . . . Redskin quarterback Trent Green has 14 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in his last seven games.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

The Saints have no business being in the hunt for a playoff position. Their defense has outscored their offense four times.

AND FINALLY

Minnesota kicker Gary Anderson has a chance to become the only kicker in NFL history to have a perfect season. He is 53 for 53 on extra points and 29 for 29 on field goals.

ON TV

SATURDAY

* New York Jets at Buffalo, 9:30 a.m., Ch. 2

The Jets can clinch their first division title since 1969, but Flutie is unbeaten at home.

Line: Bills by 2 1/2

* Tampa Bay at Washington, 1:15 p.m., Ch. 11

The Buccaneers need to beat the resurgent Redskins to keep playoff hopes alive.

Line: Buccaneers by 3

SUNDAY

* San Fran. at New England, 10 a.m., Ch. 11

The Patriots will be without Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn and Ted Johnson.

Line: 49ers by 7

* Oakland at San Diego, 1 p.m., Ch. 2

Raiders playing themselves out of playoffs. Chargers playing for lame-duck coach.

Line: Chargers by 3

* Philadelphia at Dallas, 1:15 p.m., Ch. 11

The Cowboys have lost three in a row, but still lead the NFL’s worst division.

Line: Cowboys by 10 1/2

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

The Jaguars’ third-string quarterback will have to be the Mighty Quinn to beat Vikings.

Line: Vikings by 13 1/2

THE REST

* Baltimore at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Line: Even

* Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Line: Steelers by 10 1/2

* Kansas City at New York Giants, 10 a.m.

Line: Giants by 1

* St. Louis at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Line: Panthers by 3

* Tennessee at Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Line: Packers by 6 1/2

* Indianapolis at Seattle, 1 p.m.

Line: Seahawks by 7

* New Orleans at Arizona, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Cardinals by 3 1/2

* Atlanta at Detroit, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Falcons by 6 1/2

TV game comments from Times staff

Simers’ Rankings / Top 5

1. Minnesota--Randy Moss makes the Pro Bowl. Former criminals around the world are now taking up football.

2. Denver--Three poor games in a row. This didn’t happen when Bubby Brister was playing quarterback.

3. Atlanta--Rich Brooks, former Ram head coach, directs Falcons while Reeves heals. That should speed up Reeves’ recovery.

4. New York Jets--If Bill Parcells is that good, let’s see him go to St. Louis and make the Rams winners.

5. San Francisco--Rice makes it to Pro Bowl on reputation. No one wanted to hear his bellyaching if he didn’t.

Bottom 5

26. San Diego--Memo to Ryan Leaf: Peyton Manning is only quarterback this season to take every snap to date.

27. Detroit--Bobby Ross blamed his players for poor play this week. In future, it’s news when he doesn’t.

28. Chicago--The Bears signed Ron Powlus. Beano Cook said he would win NFL MVP honors three times in coming years.

29. Philadelphia--Two weeks before Ray Rhodes resumes his career as Mike Holmgren’s defensive coordinator.

30. Carolina--Greene goes after coach. Remains consistent . . . unable to bring him down.