RATING THE GAMES

**** Makings of a classic

*** No remote needed

** Good to keep checking

* Strictly fantasy fodder

*** Cincinnati (7-5) at Baltimore (7-5), 10 a.m. Quarterback Jon Kitna and the Bengals have four consecutive victories, but the Ravens’ Anthony Wright has more help on defense. LINE: Ravens by 3 1/2.

* San Diego (2-10) at Detroit (4-8), Channel 8 (San Diego), KFMB (760 San Diego), KMPC (1540), XEXX (1420, Spanish), 10 a.m. The Lions are seeking their fourth consecutive win at home. LINE: Lions by 3.

** Chicago (5-7) at Green Bay (6-6), 10 a.m. The Bears have won two games in a row since quarterback Kordell Stewart returned to lineup. LINE: Packers by 7.

* Houston (5-7) at Jacksonville (3-9), 10 a.m. The Texans have quietly put together a respectable season and will be looking to complete a two-game sweep of the Jaguars. LINE: Off.

*** Seattle (8-4) at Minnesota (7-5), 10 a.m. The Seahawks’ Matt Hasselbeck is the hottest quarterback in the league. The Vikings are trying to hang on to their lead in the NFC North. LINE: Vikings by 1 1/2.

** Tampa Bay (5-7) at New Orleans (6-6), 10 a.m. The Buccaneers are on the verge of being officially knocked out of the playoff race. LINE: Saints by 2.

* Washington (4-8) at N.Y. Giants (4-8), 10 a.m. Critics of both coaches should hold a “Who will get fired first?” party before the game. LINE: Giants by 3.

*** Dallas (8-4) at Philadelphia (9-3), Channel 11, Channel 6, KFWB (980), KAVL (610 Lancaster), 10 a.m. The Eagles can all but lock up the NFC East title with a victory. LINE: Eagles by 5 1/2.

* Oakland (3-9) at Pittsburgh (4-8), XTRA (690/1150), 10 a.m. The Steelers’ disappointing season pales in comparison to the stinker the Raiders have had. LINE: Steelers by 5.

**** Indianapolis (9-3) at Tennessee (9-3), Channel 2, KLSX-FM (97.1), 10 a.m. Peyton Manning vs. Steve McNair. This could be a preview of the AFC championship game. LINE: Titans by 3 1/2.

* Arizona (3-9) at San Francisco (5-7), 1 p.m. The 49ers are making a statement by starting quarterback Jeff Garcia. LINE: 49ers by 10.

** N.Y. Jets (5-7) at Buffalo (5-7), 1:15 p.m. The Jets still believe they can qualify for the playoffs. LINE: Bills by 3.

*** Kansas City (11-1) at Denver (7-5), Channel 2, Channel 8, KLSX-FM (97.1), 1:15 p.m. The Chiefs can deliver a blow to the Broncos’ playoff hopes. LINE: Broncos by 3.

*** Miami (8-4) at New England (10-2), KFWB (980), KAVL (610), 1:15 p.m. The Dolphins can earn respect if they are able to defeat Dallas and New England on the road in consecutive games. LINE: Patriots by 3.

** Carolina (8-4) at Atlanta (2-10), ESPN, ESPN Deportes, KLSX-FM (97.1), 5:30 p.m. Quarterback Michael Vick will make his first start of the season for the Falcons. LINE: Panthers by 1.

** St. Louis (9-3) at Cleveland (4-8), Channel 7, Monday, 6 p.m. The Rams are starting to make their push for the playoffs. LINE: Rams by 4 1/2.

-- Lonnie White