Today’s matchups
Lions at Bears
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Bears by 8 1/2
Last meeting: Bears won 19-13 in overtime at Detroit on Oct. 30, 2005.
Fantasy factor: WR Roy Williams, who has guaranteed a win, may be Lions’ only hope against tough defense. Bears WR Muhsin Muhammad off to fast start with 102-yard game in opener.
The buzz: Defense may keep Lions in game, but Jon Kitna and friends will find Bears defense too much to handle.
Bucs at Falcons
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Falcons by 5 1/2
Last meeting: Bucs won 27-24 in overtime at Tampa on Dec. 24, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Bucs’ Cadillac Williams rushed for 116 and 150 yards last season vs. Falcons. QB Michael Vick tossed 4 TDs vs. Bucs in ‘05 and is off to fast start.
The buzz: Bucs, shut out in home opener by Ravens, may have trouble generating offense with O-line problems. Vick and Warrick Dunn can control game.
Raiders at Ravens
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Ravens by 12
Last meeting: Raiders won 20-12 at Oakland on Dec. 14, 2003.
Fantasy factor: Raiders’ only hope may be to get ball to Randy Moss, who had 4 catches in opener. Ravens RB Jamal Lewis showing signs of bouncing back.
The buzz: Raiders early leader for title of NFL’s worst team. With Ray Lewis healthy, Ravens defense has old bite back.
Browns at Bengals
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Bengals by 10
Last meeting: Bengals won 23-20 at Cincinnati on Dec. 11, 2005.
Fantasy factor: TE Kellen Winslow (8 catches in opener) is healthy and Browns may have to stick to short passing game. Bengals’ Rudi Johnson could pile up yards.
The buzz: Bengals offense looks like it’s in good shape with Carson Palmer’s recovery. Browns lack pop.
Saints at Packers
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Saints by 2 1/2
Last meeting: Packers won 52-3 at Green Bay on Oct. 9, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Saints rookie Reggie Bush looks like all-purpose threat after 119 total yards in opener. Packers RB Ahman Green making good comeback.
The buzz: Drew Brees-Reggie Bush combination has injected new life into struggling franchise. Packers among NFL’s worst until they show otherwise.
Texans at Colts
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Colts by 13
Last meeting: Colts won 31-17 at Indianapolis on Nov. 13, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Texans offense must revolve around WR Andre Johnson. Colts’ Reggie Wayne has at least 7 receptions in last 3 vs. Texans.
The buzz: Colts scored 69 points in 2 wins vs. Texans last season and shouldn’t be challenged. Texans still can’t protect QB David Carr.
Bills at Dolphins
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Dolphins by 6
Last meeting: Dolphins won 24-23 at Miami on Dec. 4, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Bills’ Lee Evans had 3 TD catches in last meeting. Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown should find room to run vs. soft defense.
The buzz: After tough opening loss at Pittsburgh, Dolphins can prevail by sticking to basics. Bills defense banged up.
Panthers at Vikings
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Vikings by 1 1/2
Last meeting: Panthers won 38-13 at Carolina on Oct. 30, 2005.
Key stat: Panthers have won 6 of 7 on road.
Fantasy factor: Jake Delhomme threw for 341 yards and 3 TDs vs. Vikes in ‘05. Chester Taylor accounted for 131 yards (88 rushing, 43 receiving) and TD in debut as Vikes’ main runner.
The buzz: Panthers are juggling offensive line but can get must-needed win if WR Steve Smith has recovered from hamstring injury. No Smith, no win.
Giants at Eagles
Time: 10 a.m. today
Line: Eagles by 3
Last meeting: Giants won 26-23 in overtime at Philadelphia on Dec. 11, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Tiki Barber has rushed for at least 100 yards in each of last 5 meetings. Brian Westbrook has accounted for 100 total yards in each of last 4 vs. Giants.
The Buzz: Giants defense showed a lot in close opening loss to Colts. Eagles look improved, but beating Texans in opener doesn’t prove much.
Rams at 49ers
Time: 1:05 p.m. today
Line: Rams by 3
Last meeting: 49ers won 24-20 at St. Louis on Dec. 24, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Rams’ Torry Holt has caught 10 passes in each of last 3 vs. 49ers. QB Alex Smith looks improved after throwing for 288 yards in opener.
The buzz: Frank Gore’s running and receiving and improved Smith could be difference. Rams’ Steven Jackson could change everything though.
Chiefs at Broncos
Time: 1:15 p.m. today
Line: Broncos by 10 1/2
Last meeting: Chiefs won 31-27 at Kansas City on Dec. 4, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Larry Johnson will have to carry Chiefs’ load, but he’ll be target. With 103 yards in opener, Tatum Bell may emerge as Broncos’ top rusher.
The buzz: Damon Huard gets start at QB for K.C. as Trent Green recovers from concussion, so Broncos can concentrate on shutting down Johnson and TE Tony Gonzalez.
Patriots at Jets
Time: 1:15 p.m. today
Line: Patriots by 6
Last meeting: Patriots won 31-21 at New York on Dec. 26, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Rookie Laurence Maroney becoming part of Patriots’ attack with 86 yards in opener. Jets’ Laveranues Coles had 2 TD catches in last game vs. Pats.
The Buzz: With shaky receiving corps, Patriots are vulnerable. But running game should prevail against Chad Pennington & Co.
Titans at Chargers
Time: 1:15 p.m. today
Line: Chargers by 11 1/2
Last meeting: Chargers won 38-17 at San Diego on Oct. 3, 2004.
Fantasy factor: Kerry Collins getting chance to lead Titans, but against this defense? Chargers QB Philip Rivers gaining confidence after opening win.
The buzz: Shawne Merriman and Chargers defense will set tone for this one. Titans offense in trouble.
Redskins at Cowboys
Time: 5:15 p.m. today
Line: Cowboys by 6 1/2
Last meeting: Redskins won 35-7 at Washington on Dec. 18, 2005.
Fantasy factor: Redskins will have to make due without injured RB Clinton Portis. Cowboys’ Julius Jones had 160 yards in 2 games vs. Washington in ‘05.
The Buzz: Redskins couldn’t handle Vikings in opener. Cowboys are playoff-caliber team and hungry after losing opener at Jacksonville.
Steelers at Jaguars
Time: 5:30 p.m. Monday
Line: Steelers by 2 1/2
Last meeting: Jaguars won 23-17 (OT) at Pittsburgh on Oct. 16, 2005.
Fantasy factor: TE Heath Miller likely to play larger role as Steelers battle QB health issues. Jaguars’ Byron Leftwich threw for 237 yards and TD in opener.
The Buzz: Steelers showed grit in winning opener without Ben Roethlisberger, who may return after missing opener because of appendectomy. Jaguars confident at home.
–Terry Bannon, Chicago Tribune