Game Day

Today’s Games

ON TV

San Francisco at Buffalo

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* TV: Channel 11.

* Records: 49ers 3-0; Bills 0-3.

* Story line: The league’s most potent offense could pile up a lot of points against the Bills’ struggling defense. Steve Young has passed for more than 300 yards in each game this season, and the 49ers’ receiving corps of Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes could be too much for the Bills to handle. One potential problem for the 49ers: Offensive tackle Dave Fiore will be sidelined for the next two months because of a knee injury. His replacement, either Jamie Brown or rookie Chris Ruhman, will line up against perennial All-Pro Bruce Smith.

* Line: San Francisco by 10

*

Oakland at Arizona

* Kickoff: 1 p.m.

* TV: Channel 2.

* Records: Raiders 2-2; Cardinals 2-2.

* Story line: The improving Cardinals not only would move above .500 with their third consecutive victory but also could jump into sole possession of first place in the NFC East as both the Cowboys and Giants play on the road today. The Cardinals, though, are not eager to face the Raiders’ speedy skill position players, including wide receiver James Jett, whose 75-yard reception last week gave the Raiders their only touchdown in a 13-12 victory over the Cowboys. “If they get the ball in their hands,” Cardinal linebacker Jamir Miller said of the Raiders’ skill players, “I don’t think we’ve got anybody that can catch them.”

* Line: Arizona by 2 1/2

*

Philadelphia at Denver

* Kickoff: 1:15 p.m.

* TV: Channel 11.

* Records: Eagles 0-4; Broncos 4-0.

* Story line: The Broncos continued to operate at a high level with Bubby Brister at the controls last week, and probably will have to again because John Elway has an aching lower back. Bronco Coach Mike Shanahan says Elway’s status won’t be known until game time. The Eagles, meanwhile, will go with Bobby Hoying at quarterback, even though Rodney Peete passed for 260 yards last week against the Chiefs.

* Line: Denver by 15 1/2

*

Seattle at Kansas City

* Kickoff: 5:15 p.m.

* TV: ESPN.

* Records: Seahawks 3-1; Chiefs 3-1.

* Story line: Only two players--Brian Blades and Cortez Kennedy--remain from the 1990 Seahawk team, which was the last to win at Arrowhead Stadium. But the Seahawks, despite losing last week to the Steelers, might be in a good position to end their seven-game drought at Arrowhead. The banged-up Chiefs are still without quarterback Elvis Grbac, who is sidelined because of a separated shoulder.

* Line: Kansas City by 4

THE REST

Miami at New York Jets

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Dolphins 3-0; Jets 1-2.

* Story line: With Glenn Foley still recovering from a rib injury, the Jets will go with Vinny Testaverde at quarterback for the second game in a row. The Jets could turn their season around with a victory over the Dolphins, who continue to win without a major contribution from Dan Marino. “If we can win this one we can be 2-0 in our division and 2-2 overall,” Jets Coach Bill Parcells said. “It will be like starting the season over.”

* Line: New York by 2 1/2

*

Carolina at Atlanta

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Panthers 0-3; Falcons 2-1.

* Story line: In a rematch of the opener, the Falcons probably have enough to win again against a team they beat last month, 19-14, at Charlotte, N.C. If Falcon running back Jamal Anderson can have another big day after rushing for 123 yards last week against the 49ers, he could keep the pressure off quarterback Chris Chandler. The Panthers have 14 sacks, seven by league leader Kevin Greene.

* Line: Atlanta by 3

*

Dallas at Washington

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Cowboys 2-2; Redskins 0-4.

* Story line: Jason Garrett, subbing for injured starter Troy Aikman, goes up against one of the league’s worst defenses as the Cowboys try to bounce back from last week’s loss to the Raiders. The Redskins, routed by the 49ers and Broncos in two of their last three games, have given up almost 35 points a game. The defensive shortcomings have overshadowed productive performances by quarterback Trent Green, running back Terry Allen and wide receiver Michael Westbrook.

* Line: Dallas by 1 1/2

*

Detroit at Chicago

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Lions 1-3; Bears 0-4.

* Story line: Despite their struggles, both teams are coming off strong performances. The Lions rolled over the Buccaneers, 27-6, Monday night as NFC rushing leader Barry Sanders ran for 131 yards. Last Sunday, Bear quarterback Erik Kramer passed for a career-high 372 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-28 loss to the unbeaten Vikings. The Bears, who squandered a 21-10 halftime lead last week, have led at the half in each of their games.

* Line: Chicago by 1

*

New England at New Orleans

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Patriots 2-1; Saints 3-0.

* Story line: The Saints’ record is difficult to assess because the three teams they’ve defeated are 1-10. They needed overtime last week to defeat the winless Colts, winning on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Danny Wuerffel to rookie tight end Cam Cleeland. Patriot rookie Robert Edwards has rushed for a touchdown in each game. Last week, he rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in a 27-16 victory over the Oilers.

* Line: New England by 7

*

San Diego at Indianapolis

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* Records: Chargers 2-2; Colts 0-4.

* Story line: During his first month in the league, the Chargers’ Ryan Leaf completed 43.3% of his passes for 568 yards and one touchdown, with eight interceptions, for a quarterback rating of 32.1. Meanwhile, the Colts’ Peyton Manning completed 55.5% for 992 yards and three touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, for a rating of 52.1. Welcome to the NFL, guys.

* Line: Indianapolis by 1

*

N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay

* Kickoff: 1:15 p.m.

* Records: Giants 2-2; Buccaneers 1-3.

* Story line: After a rough start, the Buccaneers play four of their next five games at home as they attempt to show that they’re as good as everybody thought they were before the season started. The Giants had four interceptions last week in a 34-16 victory at San Diego.

* Line: Tampa Bay by 3 1/2