NFL: The matchups
Cardinals at Ravens
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Ravens by 7 1/2.
Records: Cardinals (1-1), Ravens (1-1)
Last meeting: Ravens won 26-18 at Arizona on Oct. 12, 2003.
Key stat: Ravens have won eight of last nine at home.
Fantasy factor: Larry Fitzgerald, with 10 catches in first two weeks, will be key for Cardinals. Willis McGahee needs to get more than 3.9 yards per carry this week for Ravens.
The buzz: Cards’ Edgerrin James off to a fast start, but Ravens’ defense may force Matt Leinart and his receivers to come through in upset bid. They won’t be able to do enough.
Chargers at Packers
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Chargers by 5 1/2.
Records: Chargers (1-1), Packers (2-0)
Last meeting: Packers won 38-21 at San Diego on Dec. 14, 2003.
Key stat: Packers have won six in a row in the last two seasons.
Fantasy factor: LaDainian Tomlinson can’t be held to 1.9 yards per carry all season. Packers’ Donald Driver off to good start with 14 catches, one TD.
The buzz: Packers are improved, but Chargers should be able to open up their attack after a tough opening schedule (Bears, Patriots). Packers will have emotion on their side as they go for first 3-0 start since ‘01.
Colts at Texans
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Colts by 6.
Records: Colts (2-0), Texans (2-0)
Last meeting: Texans won 27-24 at Houston on Dec. 24, 2006.
Key stat: Colts have won 16 of last 18 September games.
Fantasy factor: Peyton Manning has thrown 25 TD passes in 10 career games vs. Texans. Ahman Green averaging 4.6 yards per carry for Texans.
The buzz: Colts haven’t lost since their last visit to Houston, which is one reason they won’t be ambushed in this one. Joseph Addai can match Green yard for yard.
Vikings at Chiefs
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Chiefs by 3.
Records: Vikings (1-1), Chiefs (0-2)
Last meeting: Vikings won 45-20 at Minnesota on Dec. 20, 2003.
Key stat: Chiefs have been outscored 40-13 (both on road).
Fantasy factor: Vikings’ offense has rookie Adrian Peterson’s 4.3 yards per carry, and little else. Chiefs waiting for Larry Johnson to get warmed up – he has only 98 rushing yards in the first two weeks.
The buzz: Both teams have major problems on offense, especially in the passing game. A big play or two by Peterson could lead to an upset, but it is Chiefs’ home opener.
Bills at Patriots
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Patriots by 16 1/2.
Records: Bills (0-2), Patriots (2-0)
Last meeting: Pats won 28-6 at Buffalo on Oct. 22, 2006.
Key stat: Pats have won 12 of last 13 meetings.
Fantasy factor: Rookie RB Marshawn Lynch has quickly become a key Bill, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Pats’ Randy Moss, who leads NFL with 17 catches, trying to become the first receiver to have 100-yard games in first three games with a new team.
The buzz: Hard to see this one being competitive as Pats have brushed off distraction of Spygate. They’ve won their first two games (Jets, Chargers) by same score – 38-14.
Dolphins at Jets
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Jets by 3.
Records: Dolphins (0-2), Jets (0-2)
Last meeting: Jets won 13-10 at Miami on Dec. 25, 2006.
Key stat: Jets have won five of last six meetings.
Fantasy factor: Ronnie Brown is off to a slow start, but he ran for 127 yards and 110 against Jets last season. Jets’ Laveranues Coles, who has nine career TDs vs. Dolphins, could have big day against troubled secondary.
The buzz: These teams expected to be better, but tough early schedules have helped to drag them down. Jets have plenty of experience at beating the Dolphins.
Lions at Eagles
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Eagles by 5 1/2.
Records: Lions (2-0), Eagles (0-2)
Last meeting: Eagles won 30-13 at Detroit on Sept. 26, 2004.
Key stat: Lions are going for first 3-0 start since 1980.
Fantasy factor: Lions’ Jon Kitna has been solid with four TDs vs. three INTs in first two weeks. Eagles’ Donovan McNabb has thrown only one TD pass (and one INT) in first two weeks.
The buzz: Eagles have issues, plenty of issues. Lions are improved, but many teams would be 2-0 vs. Raiders and Vikings. Eagles find a way at home.
49ers at Steelers
Time: 10 a.m. TV: Fox 28
Line: Steelers by 9.
Records: 49ers (2-0), Steelers (2-0)
Last meeting: 49ers won 30-14 at San Francisco on Nov. 17, 2003.
Key stat: Steelers have outscored opponents 60-10.
Fantasy factor: Frank Gore tied for NFL lead with three rushing TDs. Steelers’ Willie Parker averaging a hefty 4.7 yards per carry.
The buzz: These teams have gotten off to fast starts against soft schedules, but the Steelers have been doing it in grand style. An upset here would be a major step forward for 49ers.
Rams at Buccaneers
Time: 10 a.m.
Line: Bucs by 3 1/2.
Records: Rams (0-2), Buccaneers (1-1)
Last meeting: Rams won 28-21 at St. Louis on Oct. 18, 2004.
Key stat: Rams have scored only two TDs.
Fantasy factor: Rams’ Torry Holt has had at least 100 yards receiving in all four career games vs. Bucs. Bucs’ Jeff Garcia, off to a good start, could find room to throw against a defense giving up 22 points per game.
The buzz: Rams are struggling on offense without OT Orlando Pace, managing just 29 points in two games. Bucs will be tough at home.
Jaguars at Broncos
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Line: Broncos by 3.
Records: Jaguars (1-1), Broncos (2-0)
Last meeting: Broncos won 20-7 at Jacksonville on Oct. 2, 2005.
Key stat: Undefeated Broncos have outscored foes by just 38-34.
Fantasy factor: Dennis Northcutt leads Jaguars with nine catches for 14.7-yard average but no TDs. Broncos’ Travis Henry leads NFL with 267 yards rushing, and is getting 5.4 yards per carry.
The buzz: Broncos haven’t exactly dominated against a soft schedule (Bills, Raiders), so Henry may be challenged to stay hot vs. Jags’ defense. But Jaguars haven’t proved they can score with David Garrard at QB.
Browns at Raiders
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Line: Raiders by 3.
Records: Browns (1-1), Raiders (0-2)
Last meeting: Browns won 24-21 at Oakland on Oct. 1, 2006.
Key stat: Browns have allowed 79 points, Raiders 59.
Fantasy factor: It’s a day to watch the receivers: Browns’ Braylon Edwards has 11 catches, two for TDs. Raiders’ Ronald Curry has 12 catches, one TD.
The buzz: If Derek Anderson’s five TD passes Sunday is any indication, this could be a high-scoring affair. Raiders’ defense capable of putting up good fight.
Panthers at Falcons
Time: 1:15 p.m.
Line: Panthers by 4.
Records: Panthers (1-1), Falcons (0-2)
Last meeting: Panthers won 10-3 at Atlanta on Dec. 24, 2006.
Key stat: Panthers won three of last four meetings.
Fantasy factor: Jake Delhomme playing well with six TD passes in first two games. Falcons’ biggest threat is Warrick Dunn, but he’s averaging only 3.0 yards per carry.
The buzz: Until Falcons prove they can beat somebody, they’re not going to get the benefit of the doubt. They’ve scored only 10 points in their first two games.
Giants at Redskins
Time: 1:15 p.m. TV: Fox 28
Line: Redskins by 3 1/2.
Records: Giants (0-2), Redskins (2-0)
Last meeting: Giants won 34-28 at Washington on Dec. 30, 2006.
Key stat: Giants have won three of last four meetings.
Fantasy factor: Derrick Ward, trying to solve Giants’ running problems, is getting 6.4 yards per carry. Antwaan Randle El leads Redskins with nine catches for 22.9-yard average.
The buzz: The Giants are surrendering 40 points per game, and the Redskins’ offense is improving under QB Jason Campbell. Giants have to show something quickly.
Cowboys at Bears
Time: 5:15 p.m. TV: NBC
Line: Bears by 3.
Records: Cowboys (2-0), Bears (1-1)
Last meeting: Cowboys won 21-7 at Dallas on Nov. 25, 2004.
Key stat: Bears have won 15 of last 18 home games.
Fantasy factor: Tony Romo off to a great start with six TD passes and one INT. Rex Grossman isn’t; his only TD pass went to a tackle. He has been picked off three times.
The buzz: Bears haven’t shown they can move the ball with any consistency, and that doesn’t get it done against a playoff-caliber team like Dallas. WR Terrell Owens already has three TD receptions, so Dallas will score enough.
Titans at Saints
Time: 5:30 p.m. Monday. TV: ESPN
Line: Saints by 4.
Records: Titans (1-1), Saints (0-2)
Last meeting: Titans won 27-12 at Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2003.
Key stat: Saints have been outscored 72-24.
Fantasy factor: Titans should be able to do something through the air, and Brandon Jones leads them with a modest six receptions. Marques Colston has led Saints’ offense with 14 catches, one for TD.
The buzz: The Superdome is looking good to the Saints after two straight road losses. Titans lack the offensive punch to pull off an upset.