NFL WEEK 1 PREVIEW

Falcons at Panthers

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Panthers by 5.

Last meeting: Panthers won 44-11 at Atlanta on Jan. 1, 2006.

Key stat: Panthers have won 2 straight vs. Falcons by combined 68-17 score.

Fantasy factor: Falcons need help from newly acquired WR Ashley Lelie. Panthers’ DeShaun Foster rushed for 296 yards in 2 games vs. Falcons last year.

The buzz: Panthers defense smells Super Bowl and will be tough for its biggest rival to handle.

Saints at Browns

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Browns by 3.

Last meeting: Browns won 24-15 at New Orleans on Nov. 24, 2002.

Key stat: Saints out to improve on minus-24 turnover differential in ‘05.

Fantasy factor: Can Saints’ Drew Brees, who threw 24 TD passes for Chargers last year, do it again with rebuilding team? Browns’ Charlie Frye completed 60.5 percent in 5 starts as rookie.

The buzz: Saints start over with new coach Sean Payton, Brees and RB Reggie Bush, who averaged 5.4 per carry in exhibitions. Browns a year ahead in rebuilding.

Eagles at Texans

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Eagles by 5 1/2.

Last meeting: Eagles won 35-17 at Philadelphia on Sept. 29, 2002.

Key stat: Eagles 15-9 vs. AFC since 2000.

Fantasy factor: Eagles need instant impact from newly acquired WR Donte’ Stallworth. Injuries leave Texans to start rookie Wali Lundy at RB.

The buzz: Texans look like expansion team all over again, and Eagles will contend for playoffs. Should be simple tuneup for Donovan McNabb, et al.

Bengals at Chiefs

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Chiefs by 1 1/2.

Last meeting: Chiefs won 37-3 at Kansas City on Jan. 1, 2006.

Key stat: Bengals have won 7 of last 9 on road.

Fantasy factor: Chiefs’ Larry Johnson goes for 10th straight 100-yard rushing game.

The buzz: Bengals hungry after watching division rival Steelers win Super Bowl, and Carson Palmer appears healthy. Chiefs can win Herm Edwards’ opener if they can run the ball.

Bills at Patriots

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Patriots by 10.

Last meeting: Patriots won 35-7 at Buffalo on Dec. 11, 2005.

Key stat: Pats have won 5 straight vs. Bills.

Fantasy factor: Bills WR Lee Evans ready to improve on 7 TDs of last season if J.P. Losman can get him the ball.

The buzz: Tough opener for new Bills coach Dick Jauron, a New England prep legend. Patriots running back corps could pile up big yardage.

Broncos at Rams

Time: 10 a.m. (CBS)

Line: Broncos by 3 1/2.

Last meeting: Broncos won 23-16 at Denver on Sept. 8, 2002.

Key stat: Broncos 8-3 in openers under Mike Shanahan.

Fantasy factor: Ex-Packer Javon Walker gives Broncos solid receiving threat against a weak defense. Rams’ return to the run means big workload for RB Steven Jackson.

The buzz: Rams have to find way to improve their defense quickly. In the meantime, Broncos will expose weaknesses by land and by air.

Ravens at Bucs

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Bucs by 3.

Last meeting: Bucs won 25-0 at Baltimore on Sept. 15, 2002.

Key stat: Bucs 6-0 when Cadillac Williams rushes for 100 yards.

Fantasy factor: Does Ravens’ Steve McNair have much left; is Bucs’ Chris Simms ready to put up big numbers?

The buzz: These are 2 teams that will bank on their defenses to make playoff run. Big play here or there will decide it.

Jets at Titans

Time: 10 a.m. Line: Titans by 3.

Last meeting: Jets won 24-17 at New York on Dec. 1, 2003.

Key stat: Titans 7-4 in openers under Jeff Fisher.

Fantasy factor: Can new Jets RB Kevan Barlow provide a spark? Can Titans’ Chris Brown stay healthy?

The buzz: Two rebuilding teams with more questions than answers.

Bears at Packers

Time: 1:15 p.m. Line: Bears by 3 1/2.

Last meeting: Bears won 24-17 at Green Bay on Dec. 25, 2005.

Key stat: Bears 3-1 vs. Packers under Lovie Smith.

Fantasy factor: Bears’ Thomas Jones should carry running load early after gaining 1,335 yards in ‘05. Packers’ best hope is to get ball to Donald Driver (5 TD catches in ‘05).

The buzz: Bears should be able to grind out opening win. Can Brett Favre bounce back against dominant defense?

49ers at Cardinals

Time: 1:15 p.m. Line: Cardinals by 7 1/2.

Last meeting: Cardinals won 17-10 at San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2005.

Key stat: Cards were only team in top 10 in both offense (8) and defense (8) in ‘05.

Fantasy factor: Cards expect big things from ex-Colt Edgerrin James.

The buzz: Now safely under a dome, Cards play opener at home for first time in Arizona. A sellout crowd and festive atmosphere will help.

Cowboys at Jaguars

Time: 1:15 p.m. (Fox 28)

Line: Pick ‘em.

Last meeting: Cowboys won 21-19 at Dallas on Nov. 24, 2002.

Key stat: Cowboys are NFL-best 29-17 (.630) in road openers.

Fantasy factor: How often will new Dallas WR Terrell Owens touch the ball? The buzz: Jags out to prove last year’s 12-4 record wasn’t fluke. One game won’t prove anything, but loaded defensive line might control this one.

Colts at Giants

Time: 5:15 p.m. (NBC)

Line: Colts by 3.

Last meeting: Giants won 44-27 at Indianapolis on Dec. 22, 2002.

Key stat: Giants coach Tom Coughlin 7-3 in openers.

Fantasy factor: Which Manning brother will prevail?

The buzz: It’s the first time brothers have met as starting QBs, but running games may decide it. Colts will miss Edgerrin James, now with Cards.

Vikings at Redskins

Time: 4 p.m. Monday. (ESPN)

Line: Redskins by 4 1/2.

Last meeting: Redskins won 21-18 at Washington on Jan. 2, 2005.

Key stat: Redskins have won 4 straight openers.

Fantasy factor: Redskins need another 9-TD season from WR Santana Moss.

The buzz: After making playoffs last season and spending in free agency again, Redskins look for quick start. Vikings offense may make it tough, though.

Chargers at Raiders

Time: 7:15 p.m. Monday. (ESPN)

Line: Chargers by 3.

Last meeting: Chargers won 34-10 at San Diego on Dec. 4, 2005.

Key stat: Chargers have won 5 straight vs. Raiders.

Fantasy factor: Philip Rivers, taking over as Chargers QB, appears ready for solid season.

The buzz: Art Shell returns as Raiders coach, but he doesn’t have way to contain LaDainian Tomlinson or Antonio Gates.