SPORTS WEEKEND : Week 3 Primer

Game of the Week

Minnesota (1-1) at Green Bay (1-1). We’re not talking powerhouses here, like Detroit, of course, but once upon a time these teams were OK. Randy Moss made a wild-card team out of Packers last season with 13 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns. The Packer cornerbacks are no better this season, but the Vikings’ offense has been AWOL. The line: pick ‘em.

Upset of the Week

Arizona (1-1) over San Francisco (1-1). The Cardinals’ last Monday night victory was Nov. 4, 1985, against Dallas--when the Cardinals still resided in St. Louis. As a goodwill gesture to the people of Arizona, the league has given them a pushover so they can finally witness a Monday night triumph. The line: San Francisco by 2.

Potential Star of the Week

Arizona quarterback Jake Plummer. He’s playing with a sore thumb, he threw four interceptions a week ago, and of the 32 quarterbacks rated, he’s last. But he’s playing against the 49ers’ secondary. Record to date: two gold stars. Last week Patriot quarterback Drew Bledsoe threw four touchdown passes without an interception.

Potential Stiff of the Week

San Francisco quarterback Steve Young. If they had a quality running back, the 49ers could run against the Cardinals and keep Young in one piece. But they don’t. Record to date: two gold stars. Bear quarterbacks engineered only one touchdown drive, and failed to throw a TD pass in one-point loss.

THIS WEEK’S TREND

The Steelers, under new offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, are the only team in the league that has not committed a turnover. Gilbride has shortened the Steelers’ passing game, taking the heat off quarterback Kordell Stewart. Too bad he didn’t do the same with Ryan Leaf a year ago. He still might be the Chargers’ coach.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

If Denver running back Terrell Davis gets 100 yards against Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers figure to lose. Since Tony Dungy took over as coach, they have allowed a 100-yard rusher 12 times--going 1-11 in those games.

AND FINALLY

The Bengals stink. They haven’t won a home game since last Oct. 11. They are 0-2, after opening ’98 1-3; ’97 1-7; ’96 1-6; ’95 2-4; ’94 0-8; ’93 0-10; ’92 2-5; and ’91 0-9.

ON TV

* Washington at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m., Ch. 11

Redskins return to the field where they scored 50 points a week ago against Giants.

Line: Washington by 1

* Indianapolis at San Diego, 1 p.m., Ch. 2

Chargers only unbeaten team in AFC West. Enjoy it while you can, Bolt fans.

Line: Indianapolis by 1

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

Packers beat Raiders, Vikings lost to Raiders, so go with Favre and Co. at home.

Line: Pick ‘em

* N.Y. Giants at New England, 5:15 p.m., ESPN

Jason Sehorn will play for first time in 13 months. We’re guessing no kickoff returns.

Line: New England by 6

* San Francisco at Arizona, 6 p.m. Monday, Ch. 7

49ers will seek revenge for city after Diamondbacks eliminate Giants this weekend.

Line: San Francisco by 1

THE REST

* Denver at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Line: Tampa Bay by 2 1/2

* Detroit at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Line: Kansas City by 3 1/2

* Seattle at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Line: Pittsburgh by 4

* Atlanta at St. Louis, 10 a.m.

Line: None

* Philadelphia at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Line: Buffalo by 11 1/2

* Cincinnati at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Line: Carolina by 7

* Cleveland at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Line: Baltimore by 12

* Tennessee at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Line: Jacksonville by 9 1/2

* Chicago at Oakland, 1:15 p.m.

Line: Oakland by 6 1/2

Simers’ Rankings

Top 5

1. JACKSONVILLE: The Jaguars versus the Lions. Might be the first Super Bowl no one watches.

2. MIAMI: The Dolphins have so much speed. Relax, there’s no need to call in Miami Vice.

3. PITTSBURGH: Kordell Stewart has yet to make a mistake. That must be a mistake.

4. NEW ENGLAND: Drew Bledsoe rallies the Patriots. Tom Arnold was funny in a movie once.

5. DETROIT: Just imagine how Barry Sanders must feel when he hears the Lions’ results each week.

Bottom 5

27. DENVER Brian Griese versus Trent Dilfer. And Dilfer’s team is favored to win.

28. SAN DIEGO Holy mirage. Chargers opened the season 2-0 a year ago with Ryan Leaf looking as good as Peyton Manning.

29. PHILADELPHIA Why is the league expanding when it needs to get rid of a few of these dog teams (and cities)?

30. CINCINNATI Ditto.

31. CLEVELAND It took the Browns more than 100 minutes to score, and the NFL wants someone to pay $1 billion for such agony.