Quarterbacks are starting to fall by the wayside. Heath Shuler will get his first start in Washington this week, supplanting John Friesz, who wasn't bad. Could Trent Dilfer be far behind in Tampa?
Jay Schroeder is Buddy Ryan's man of the hour in Arizona, even though Ryan used to look forward to playing against him when Ryan coached Philadelphia and Schroeder played for Washington.Games of the week
Dolphins (3-1) at Bengals (0-4)
This Shula father-son matchup is really a mismatch. It's bad enough Dave's Bengals are winless and griping; Don's Dolphins are coming off a disappointing loss and won't be ripe for an upset. Miami brings Dan Marino and the No. 1 offense in the league against Cincinnati's 23rd defense. The Dolphins have the 28th-ranked defense, but the Bengals' 27th offense is too weak to take advantage. David's best chance is to get his team pumped up about something other than their own problems.
Bills (3-1) at Bears (2-2)
Bills are big-play team and Bears are not, so QB Jim Kelly and DE Bruce Smith have big edge even without ailing RB Thurman Thomas. Bills' second-string halfback Kenny Davis might be best runner on field. Bills have problems on offensive line if Bears' defensive line can put together two good games in a row.
Cowboys (2-1) at Redskins (1-3)
Former Cowboys' offensive coordinator Norv Turner makes his first appearance against his old team as head man. Heath Shuler becomes first rookie QB to start for Redskins since Norm Snead in 1961. Cowboys are coming off a bye and Monday night loss to Detroit in which QB Troy Aikman was ordinary.
Vikings (3-1) at Cardinals (0-3)
Eventually, Buddy Ryan must get his team in sync with his mouth. When he took over, he didn't mention patience to the good people of Phoenix. Jay Schroeder is his third QB in four games, with more on the line. Minnesota looks good enough to heap dirt into the hole Ryan has dug for himself.
Eagles (2-1) at 49ers (3-1)
Deion Sanders twisted an ankle in practice Wednesday, so the Eagles may be catching San Francisco at a most vulnerable time. The 49ers are so beat up on the offensive line that QB Steve Young must run for his life, something he does particularly well. The Eagles and QB Randall Cunningham always are carping about a lack of respect. This is a perfect opportunity to earn some.
Games worth a peek
Falcons (2-2) at Rams (2-2)
Just when Rams QB Chris Miller gets his first shot at his old team, he turns up lame, which is why the Falcons let him go, come to think of it. This now becomes the battle of ex-Colt QBs, the Rams' Chris Chandler and Atlanta's Jeff George. Rams are coming off huge victory in Kansas City, first shutout of Joe Montana's career. Yet they have the 16th-ranked defense.
Packers (2-2) at Patriots (2-2)
The Patriots and QB Drew Bledsoe have the league's second-ranked offense. The Packers have the league's second-ranked defense. That leaves it up to Packer QB Brett Favre and his 9th-ranked passing offense to exploit the Patriots' 27th-ranked defense. Shootouts against Bledsoe appear dangerous, as Dan Marino and Jim Kelly barely beat him.
Giants (3-0) at Saints (1-3)
New York is 1-5 coming off bye weeks, a trend the desperate Saints hope to keep alive. The mismatch is New Orleans' 28th-ranked running offense against the Giants' second-ranked running defense. The Giants also run much better than the Saints stop the run, so QB Dave Brown has support.
Jets (2-2) at Browns (3-1)
Trouble for new coach Pete Carroll after a 2-0 start. He must travel to rejuvenated Cleveland without QB Boomer Esiason. Backup Jack Trudeau beat the Browns last year when he was playing for the Colts. Browns' QB Vinny Testaverde had a good game last week. Can he put two in a row together?
Games of the weak
Lions (2-2) at Buccaneers (1-3)
Detroi admitted letdown against the Patriots after its upset against Dallas, so maybe it's back up again. Tampa Bay usually plays Lions tough, but it is without LB Hardy Nickerson to slow down RB Barry Sanders. Will Sam Wyche turn to rookie QB Trent Dilfer, who saw first action against Packers last week? Bucs' defense ranks higher (10th) than Lions (19th).
Seahawks (3-1) at Colts (1-3)
Colts' decimated 26th-ranked defense must face Seahawks 22nd-ranked offense. Seattle QB Rick Mirer and RB Chris Warren make big plays. Last week, Colts' QB Jim Harbaugh outrushed RB Marshall Faulk, not a good sign.
Oilers (1-3) at Steelers (2-2)
Monday night matchup loses its appeal even this early. Houston is floundering on offense and Pittsburgh QB Neil O'Donnell threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter last week in Seattle. Look for RB Barry Foster and the No. 3 rushing offense to take it to Houston's 26th run defense.