San Francisco 49ers (4-1) vs. Chicago Bears (4-1)
This is your classic battle of a good offense against a good defense. The 49ers (seventh in NFL offense) will attack the Bears (first in NFL defense) all day long with quarterback Jeff Garcia throwing to wide receiver Terrell Owens and handing off to running back Garrison Hearst. The Bears will counter with middle linebacker Brian Urlacher running all over the field tackling everyone in sight. Don't count out the fact that the Bears could win this game on the other side of the ball, as quarterback Jim Miller is getting comfortable as the starter, and has a budding running back in rookie Anthony Thomas to whom he can hand the ball.New Orleans Saints (3-2) vs. St. Louis Rams (6-0)
This is the first time these two teams have faced each other since the Saints upset the Rams in the playoffs last season. When the Saints won that game, they did so without running back Ricky Williams, who is back in the lineup and having his best season as a pro. However, the rest of the Saints offense has been a little inconsistent, as quarterback Aaron Brooks hasn't been as impressive as he was in a backup role last season. The Rams offense needs no introduction - it's the best in the league. However, the Giants were able to shut it down two weeks ago, and the Saints might have the personnel to mimic the Giants' game plan. This game will also be a good test for the Rams defense, which has improved. Has it improved enough to stop a talented Saints team? We'll find out.Oakland Raiders (4-1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
The Eagles lost in the final seconds to the Arizona Cardinals three weeks ago, and last week they won in similar fashion. They're a team on the edge, while the Raiders are a team off the bye. Oakland appears to be the top team in the AFC, due in large part to the play of its offense (fourth in the NFL), led by quarterback Rich Gannon. He has a nice supporting cast, which includes All-Pro receivers Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, and running back Charlie Garner. The Eagles have the seventh best defense in the league, but cornerbacks Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent won't have fun chasing Rice and Brown around the field. Philly's run defense, which held the Giants pair of running backs to 87 yards could be the difference in the game.
