TONIGHT’S GAME

DENVER at MIAMI

* Kickoff: 5:15 p.m.

* TV: Channel 7.

* Records: Broncos 13-1; Dolphins 9-5

* Story line: This game lost much of its luster when the Broncos’ bid for an unbeaten season was spoiled last week by the New York Giants. Still, it should be worth staying home from the mall to watch. Dan Marino and John Elway, the NFL’s most prolific passers, meet for only the second time in Elway’s first game in Florida. Their careers have been a constant source of comparison since both entered the league as part of the vaunted quarterback class of 1983, with Marino amassing most of the individual records but Elway winning the only championship among the two. Winning the title last year, Elway said, gave him greater appreciation for the weight Marino still bears despite rewriting the NFL record book. “To remove that asterisk behind my name--not being on a team that won a Super Bowl--was bigger than I thought,” said Elway, who waited 15 years to finally win a championship. “I have a great deal of empathy [for Marino], especially with the career he’s had and for what he has done for the NFL. As unfair as it is, that is the way of life.” While the Broncos have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, the Dolphins are still battling for a playoff berth, which could give them an edge against a team that seems to have lost its momentum.

* Line: Broncos by 4