This is like the greatest homecoming weekend ever. SEA at GB, Dungy in TB, Emmitt back in Dallas and maybe none more fun than Mooch back by the bay. Considering how the two teams are doing, this game needs to be watched just for the sideline shots. If just once Mariucci could call out to Terrell Owens - "hey Chuckles, how's your new boss?" we could stop watching the NFL having already seen the ultimate in entertainment.

The Lions come off their latest road loss but they actually made a game of it in Denver. For the Lions to lose on the road by only four points to an undefeated team, it should count like half a win. With 18 consecutive road losses, the Lions are only five games away from tying the all-time NFL record for futility involving air transportation. If they can remain winless on the road, they can set the new record in week 16 when they visit the Panthers - mark your calendars!

Joey Harrington opened the game with a 33 yard score to Charles Rogers and later battled back to regain the lead with a 43 yard strike to Scotty Anderson. Just as important - Harrington had no interceptions after tossing three in both the previous games.

Charles Rogers ended with four catches for 62 yards and the score, but was targeted an incredible 14 times by Harrington in the game. Other than Rogers, there was little else that mattered in the passing game outside of the one catch by Anderson. Bill Schroeder had one pass that went incomplete. Long baller Az-Zahir Hakim had two catches for nine yards.

The Lions have settled on Shawn Bryson as the most effective running back. Bryson gained 73 yards on 13 carries and had four catches for seven yards while Olandis Gary only received seven totes for 42 yards. The previous week Bryson had 49 yards against Gary's eight yards. Facing a tougher rush defense, likely neither will be fantasy gems this week.

I'll say it now - if the Mariucci Lions could win on the road in San Francisco, they are a lock for being the game of the week. As much fun as that would be, it is highly unlikely for many reasons.

The 49ers are in much disarray after getting waxed in Minnesota and are now tied with Arizona for the cellar of the NFC West. Jeff Garcia threw for only 108 yards and three interceptions last week before being yanked from the game. Terrell Owens, who by this point is publicly talking smack about all things not Terrell, had 12 passes but only caught five of them for 55 yards last week. Several were thrown poorly though Owens contributes a drop or two each game now.

Tim Rattay was allowed to enter the massacre and looked impressive with his 12 of 18 completions for 146 yards and one touchdown but in reality - the Vikings already had won the game by halftime and everyone was watching Owens blow up instead of the game.

Kevan Barlow (11-72) and Garrison Hearst (13-56) ran well in the game that San Francisco needed to be throwing anyway.

Jeff Garcia is still nursing a strained groin but should be fine for the game. Kevan Barlow sprained his neck but is also expected to play.

San Francisco is trying to avoid a meltdown right now as Owens rants unchecked, HC Dennis Erickson dreams of being a college big wig again and Jeff Garcia disassociates himself from everyone. A win is sorely needed and a win over their old coach would be a bonus. A loss in this game is unthinkable.

While ex-coaches often have critical information on how to scheme against their former team (witness Gruden in the Superbowl), the difference here is that Mariucci does not have the personnel to do much about it anyway. The Detroit secondary will be seeing plenty of Owens all game while both Hearst and Barlow should turn in a nice afternoon. In what should have been a nearly meaningless game, it is put up or shut up time for San Francisco. If they lose - Owens may, finally and for the first time, be speechless.