GAME OF THE WEEK

Tennessee (6-1) at Miami (6-1). Jacksonville, Indianapolis and New England will still have some say in the AFC race for home-field advantage through the playoffs, but this one will determine the tiebreaking edge between the Dolphins and Titans, should they prevail. Their last four meetings were decided by four points or less. The line: Miami by 3.

UPSET OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh (4-3) at San Francisco (3-4). As a rule, Steeler quarterback Kordell Stewart should not be allowed to throw, but against the 49ers’ secondary he could look like Terry Bradshaw throwing to Lynn Swann. Stewart even had a 42-yard touchdown catch in the Steelers’ last meeting against the 49ers. The line: San Francisco by 2 1/2.

POTENTIAL STAR OF THE WEEK

Baltimore’s defense. Cleveland has been talking about the return of Art Modell ever since he took his team to Baltimore. But Modell isn’t going to Cleveland, and the Browns have their win for the season. The Ravens bring a three-game losing streak into Cleveland partly because of an inability to produce the big play in a tight game.

POTENTIAL STIFF OF THE WEEK

Buffalo quarterback Doug Flutie. Tough to suggest anyone playing poorly against the Redskin defense, but cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Darrell Green are as fast as the little guy, who will have to be flinging the ball in an effort to come back. Making matters worse, Flutie has been intercepted eight times in the past three games.

THIS WEEK’S TREND

Halfway through and the best way Commissioner Paul Tagliabue can explain this upside-down season? “Unusual,” Tagliabue said. Unusually close too. There are 14 teams in first place or within a game of the top. Thirty-seven percent of all games have been decided by three points or less, compared to 21% last season.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

NFL owners haven’t formally discussed the realignment to four eight-team divisions when Houston rejoins the league in 2002, but a number of them have spoken out for keeping teams tightly bunched. Tagliabue doesn’t necessarily agree. “There are enough national teams spread around the league that rivalries don’t have to be with the team down the road,” he said.

AND FINALLY

Soldier Field will host a memorial service for Walter Payton on Saturday. The stadium seats 66,944 and the Bears have planned for an auxiliary viewing area should more fans attend. “We don’t know what the response will be,” team President Ted Phillips said. “With the weather cooperating, it could fill the stadium.” Organ donor cards will be distributed throughout the stands.

ON TV

* Kansas City at Indianapolis, 10 a.m., Ch. 2

Chiefs must contend with the Colts’ dangerous trio of Manning, James and Harrison.

Line: Indianapolis by 3 1/2

* St. Louis at Detroit, 10 a.m., Ch. 11

After first loss, Rams figure to get another test from surprising Lions.

Line: St. Louis by 3 1/2

* Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 1:15 p.m., Ch. 2

This would have been a great matchup in the ‘70s or ‘80s, but not now.

Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2

* Tennessee at Miami, 5:15 p.m., ESPN

Of course, you figured at start of season this was a potential preview of AFC championship.

Line: Miami by 3

* Dallas at Minnesota, Monday, 6 p.m., Ch. 7

Between plays, Deion Sanders can talk to Randy Moss about playing two sports.

Line: Minnesota by 6 1/2

THE REST

Arizona at New York Jets, 10 a.m.

Line: New York by 7

Baltimore at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Line: Baltimore by 3 1/2

Buffalo at Washington, 10 a.m.

Line: Washington by 4

Chicago at Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Line: Green Bay by 9

Jacksonville at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Line: Jacksonville by 6

Philadelphia at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Line: Carolina by 4 1/2

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Line: Tampa Bay by 3 1/2

Cincinnati at Seattle, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Seattle by 13 1/2

Denver at San Diego, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Pick ‘em.