Coming Up

FROM THE SUBLIME...
Through Sunday there were nine unbeaten teams in the NFL; eight of them (all hut the Bills) will square off in a quartet of divisional matchups this week

...TO THE RIDICULOUS
Meanwhile, the six 0-3 clubs engage each other in a trio of games that will whittle down the number of contestants in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

49ERS at PANTHERS
The range of Carolina kicker John Kasay, who booted five field goals in each of the Panthers' first two wins, may spell the difference. San Francisco's top-rated defense has allowed opponents inside the red zone just twice this season.

PACKERS at VIKINGS
The Vikes have outscored foes 29-3 in the fourth quarter in their three wins. Will they be able to stay with Brett Favre & Co. until then? No, especially if the Packers' D adds to its league-leading nine interceptions.

BRONCOS at CHIEFS
The Chiefs, with the AFC's most tenacious defense, held Seattle's Chris Warren, a three-time Pro Bowler, to six yards on 14 carries. Broncos back Terrell Davis will have to have a big day for Denver to have a shot.

DOLPHINS at COLTS
The Dolphins get their first big road test under Jimmy Johnson against a Colts team that outgunned them twice last season and will have running back Marshall Faulk back at full strength.