GAME OF THE WEEK

Kansas City (9-5) at Seattle (8-6). The Seahawks had a three-game lead on the division, but now a Kansas City win secures the AFC West Division title for the Chiefs. The Seahawks have collapsed down the stretch because Jon Kitna has been playing like the World League quarterback he was. The line: Seattle by 3.

UPSET OF THE WEEK

Buffalo (9-5) at New England (7-7). It doesn’t make much sense to pick a team to win that’s already quit, but the Patriots are at home, Buffalo quarterback Doug Flutie has been erratic and Drew Bledsoe is due for a big game. Patriots have won four in a row in Foxboro against the Bills. The line: Buffalo by 3.

POTENTIAL STAR OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis. The Steelers have collapsed and the Panthers are playing the best football in the league in recent weeks, but Carolina’s defense remains suspect. Bill Cowher, rumored to be leaving the Steelers, will be in permanent grudge mode after getting blasted the last few weeks, so that means Steeler football, lots of hard-nosed running.

POTENTIAL STIFF OF THE WEEK

Baltimore quarterback Tony Banks. He’s been the star of the league the last few weeks, but the law of averages and a week off for Cincinnati to get ready for the Raven attack should allow Banks to revert to previous form. That means a couple of fumbles and a couple of interceptions against a Bengal defense ranked No. 29 against the pass.

THIS WEEK’S TREND

Look for MVP candidate Marshall Faulk of St. Louis to continue piling up yardage. Faulk has 2,065 yards from scrimmage--1,248 rushing, 817 receiving--and needs 294 in the last two games to finish with the No. 1 season total in league history, which would break the record of 2,358 set by Barry Sanders in 1997.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers is weary about questions regarding his job status. “I’m tired of it and I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” he said. “And I’m not going to talk about it anymore.”

AND FINALLY

‘Tis the season. “It’s Christmas, and I’ve got a wish list,” said tight end Wesley Walls of the Carolina Panthers. “I hope everybody loses, so we can get in the playoffs.”

ON TV

* Dallas at New Orleans, today, noon, Ch. 11

Cowboys have lost six in a row on road, but this one is against the Saints. Enough said.

Line: Dallas by 9.

* Denver at Detroit, Saturday, 1:15 p.m., Ch. 2

Thumbnail sketch: Despite broken digit, Batch returns for Lions--and they need him.

Line: Detroit by 4 1/2.

* Minnesota at N.Y. Giants, Sun., 10 a.m., Ch. 11

If Moss feels OK when he awakens Sunday, Giants could be draped in a world of hurt.

Line: Minnesota by 2 1/2.

* Kansas City at Seattle, Sunday, 1 p.m., Ch. 2

If Seahawks can end slide, they’ll control division race, but Chiefs are surging.

Line: Seattle by 3.

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

The Raiders embarrassed the Buccaneers, who will be looking to vent their anger.

Line: Tampa Bay by 3 1/2.

* Wash. at San Francisco, Sun., 5:15 p.m., ESPN

Redskins need victory to retain division lead; 49ers playing out the string on lost season.

Line: Washington by 7.

* N.Y. Jets at Miami, Monday, 6 p.m., Ch. 7

This may be Monday night finale for Marino, who could be the odd man out in Miami.

Line: Miami by 3 1/2.

THE REST

Arizona at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Line: Atlanta by 2.

Buffalo at New England, 10 a.m.

Line: Buffalo by 3.

Carolina at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Line: Carolina by 3 1/2.

Chicago at St. Louis, 10 a.m.

Line: St. Louis by 10.

Cincinnati at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Line: Baltimore by 7.

Indianapolis at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Line: Indianapolis by 13 1/2.

Jacksonville at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Line: Jacksonville by 3.

Oakland at San Diego, 1 p.m.

Line: Oakland by 3.