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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 12:06 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2008

NFL: Capsules for this week's games

By Terry Bannon
Chicago Tribune

Below are capsule looks at each game. All games are listed by Hawaii time and are on Sunday unless noted.

Bears (1-0) at Panthers (1-0)

Time: 7 a.m. Hawaii time

Line: Panthers by 3.

Weather: 92 degrees, chance of rain.

Bears: Can they start the season with two straight road upsets? After shocking Colts, they'll need more than 150 passing yards from QB Kyle Orton to complement rookie RB Matt Forte.

Panthers: Carolina comes in with momentum after pulling upset of its own at San Diego. Panthers were only 2-6 at home last year, but beating Chargers sent them home with confidence.

Fantasy outlook: Forte rushed for 123 yards and 5.3-yard average in opener, showing great vision and feel for the game that should help him get extra yards. Panthers' Jake Delhomme showed he's back from elbow surgery, passing for 247 yards and winning TD to tight end Dante Rosario on final play.

Injuries: Carolina's Rosario (foot) expected to play.

Prediction: Panthers 21, Bears 17.

Titans (1-0) at Bengals (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Bengals by 1.

Weather: 75 degrees, 40 percent chance of rain.

Titans: Kerry Collins moves into starting QB role with Vince Young out and will try to control the tempo with short passes and the running game. Defense will keep Titans in many games.

Bengals: Offense looked terrible in loss to Ravens. Was it the Ravens or the Bengals? Carson Palmer due for a big game, and home opener would be a good time.

Fantasy outlook: Titans rookie RB Chris Johnson has become an immediate weapon with 127 total yards in opener (93 rushing, 6.2 average). Bengals' Chad Ocho Cinco loves facing Titans, goes for third straight 100-yard game against them (135, 103). In last meeting, he caught 12 passes, 3 for TDs.

Injuries: Young out a few weeks with knee injury. ... Titans DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion) may be out.

Prediction: Titans 21, Bengals 17.

Packers (1-0) at Lions (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Packers by 3.

Weather: Dome.

Packers: Aaron Rodgers did a reasonable Brett Favre imitation in the opener. Can he keep a trend going? Packers have beaten Lions 7 of 8, 13 of 15, including both meetings last season.

Lions: Detroit didn't play run defense in opening loss to Falcons. Now it faces Ryan Grant, no superstar but a guy who picked up 101 yards and 1 TD against the Lions in December. No defense, no Lions win.

Fantasy outlook: Packers' Donald Driver had 10 catches for 147 yards vs. Lions in last meeting. Lions' Calvin Johnson had 7 catches in opener, matching his career high vs. Pack in December.

Injuries: Packers C Scott Wells (back), Lions LB Ernie Sims (ankle) questionable. Lions TE Dan Campbell (hamstring) out for year.

Prediction: Packers 23, Lions 17.

Bills (1-0) at Jaguars (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Jaguars by 5 ›.

Weather: Partly cloudy, 94 degrees.

Bills: Second-year QB Trent Edwards looked solid in opening win over Seahawks, but now Bills hit the road against a defense that will pressure him and stuff the running game.

Jaguars: With injury problems, Jaguars will have to get creative on offense. Fred Taylor needs to find some running room.

Fantasy outlook: Bills WR Lee Evans, who had 4 catches for 102 yards in opener, will be a key target. Jaguars QB David Garrard will have to do more in the passing game than his 215 yards in opener.

Injuries: Offensive line is not a place where it's easy to deal with injuries, and Jaguars have lost both starting guards, Vince Manuwai (knee) and Maurice Williams (biceps). They join center Brad Meester (biceps) on the sidelines.

Prediction: Jaguars 20, Bills 17.

Raiders (0-1) at Chiefs (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Chiefs by 3 ›.

Weather: 66 degrees, 30 percent chance of rain.

Raiders: Looked like same old Raiders in opening blowout loss at home to Broncos. QB JaMarcus Russell will have to make a handful of big plays in the passing game to win.

Chiefs: Damon Huard, who has won 8 of 12 as a starter at home, takes over at QB from Brodie Croyle. Chiefs started 6 rookies last week, which is not a good sign.

Fantasy outlook: Raiders' Justin Fargas gashed Chiefs for 139 yards in November win. Chiefs' Larry Johnson goes for his fifth straight 100-yard game vs. Raiders.

Injuries: Coyle (throwing shoulder) is out. ... Raiders RB Darren McFadden (shoulder) and DE Derrick Burgess (shoulder) questionable.

Prediction: Chiefs 17, Raiders 16.

Colts (0-1) at Vikings (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Colts by 2.

Weather: Dome.

Colts: Loss to Bears showed Colts they'll have to find a new formula to compensate for injuries on offensive line. Confidence may become an issue after such a surprising loss.

Vikings: Stud DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams should dominate inside, but will high-priced new DE Jared Allen show up this week? If defense can't dominate, Vikes are in trouble.

Fantasy outlook: With OL problems, Peyton Manning will have to look even more at Reggie Wayne, who had 10 catches in opener. Vikings will try to control the ball with RB Adrian Peterson.

Injuries: Colts may have to go without TE Dallas Clark (knee) and are still missing C Jeff Saturday (knee). ... Vikings tackle Art Hicks (elbow) may not play.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Colts 20.

Giants (1-0) at Rams (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Giants by 8 ›.

Weather: Dome.

Giants: Giants putting that maybe-they're-not-that-good talk to rest. Super Bowl champs have won 10 straight road games and should be able to run and throw in this one.

Rams: Rams, 1-7 at home last season, didn't show much life in blowout loss at Philly. RB Steven Jackson still fighting holdout rust. Receiver corps banged up. Problems abound.

Fantasy outlook: Giants' Brandon Jacobs could be in for his second straight 100-yard game against a rushing defense that isn't putting up much of a fight. Rams' Marc Bulger threw for only 158 yards in opener, and it'll be tough to get much more this week.

Injuries: Rams have lost WR Drew Bennett to a broken foot. ... Rams G Jacob Bell (hamstring) and DE Leonard Little (hamstring) may not play.

Prediction: Giants 27, Rams 14.

Saints (1-0) at Redskins (0-1)

Time: 7 a.m.

Line: Pick 'em.

Weather: 90 degrees,30 percent chance of rain.

Saints: If Reggie Bush can come up with 163 total yards every week, Saints will be in the playoffs. Drew Brees will have to spread the ball around with Marques Colston out.

Redskins: Redskins need to find a trigger on offense after scoring only one TD in opening loss to Giants. Will it be QB Jason Campbell or WR Antwaan Randle El — or who?

Fantasy outlook: New Saints TE Jeremy Shockey is playing a role quickly with 6 catches in opener. Redskins RB Clinton Portis should find running room against Saints if passing game can help just a little.

Injuries: Colston, Saints' top WR, out 4-6 weeks with a thumb injury. ... Saints RB Deuce McAllister (knee) may not play.

Prediction: Redskins 24, Saints 20.

49ers (0-1) at Seahawks (0-1)

Time: 10:05 a.m.

Line: Seahawks by 7.

Weather: 75 degrees, sunny.

49ers: All signs point to another long season for 49ers after opening with home loss to Cardinals. They're still in search of a downfield passing game to take pressure off RB Frank Gore.

Seahawks: QB Matt Hasselbeck's sore back one of many ailments Seahawks have to deal with. Seattle needs this game to build momentum while many key players heal.

Fantasy outlook: Gore has averaged 154 yards from scrimmage in last 4 games vs. Seahawks. RB Julius Jones should get plenty of work for Seahawks.

Injuries: The injuries are piling up for Seahawks. G Rob Sims (pectoral muscle) and WR Nate Burleson (knee) out for the season; RB Maurice Morris (knee) will miss this game. 49ers backup QB Alex Smith (broken shoulder) is out for the year.

Prediction: Seahawks 27, 49ers 17.

Falcons (1-0) at Bucs (0-1)

Time: 10:05 a.m.

Line: Bucs by 7.

Weather: 77 degrees, cloudy.

Falcons: Big off-season changes — rookie QB Matt Ryan, new RB Michael Turner — paid off big in opening win. Was it just the opponent (Lions), or will they be playoff contenders? Road NFC South game will help answer the question.

Bucs: Bucs staring at 0-2 start in division if they drop this one. They'll have to find a way to stop the run and hope for a big game from QB Brian Griese, who replaces injured Jeff Garcia.

Fantasy outlook: Turner's 220-yard Atlanta debut means he's the Falcon to stop until further notice. Bucs may try to control the ball with RB Earnest Graham, who averaged 9.1 yards per carry last week and averaged 114.5 yards from scrimmage in two wins over Falcons in '07.

Injuries: The years have taken a toll on 38-year-old Garcia (ankle). ... Bucs LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring) also iffy.

Prediction: Bucs 27, Falcons 23.

Dolphins (0-1) at Cardinals (1-0)

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Line: Cardinals by 6 ›.

Weather: Dome.

Dolphins: Dolphins must find a way to run the ball if they're to pull upset. Cardinals can score, so keeping the ball away from them is the key.

Cardinals: Old-timers Kurt Warner and Edgerrin James got off to good starts and should be able to keep it going against a suspect Miami defense. Cards have scored at least 20 points in each of last nine games.

Fantasy outlook: New Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano off to a fast start with 8 catches. Cards' Anquan Boldin also opened with 8 catches.

Injuries: Dolphins rookie guard Donald Thomas is out with an ankle injury.

Prediction: Cardinals 28, Dolphins 17.

Chargers (0-1) at Broncos (1-0)

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Line: Chargers by 1 ›.

Weather: Partly cloudy, 68 degrees.

Chargers: Last-play loss to Carolina leaves Chargers in a tough spot. They must go to inhospitable venue to avoid 0-2 start that would dent Super Bowl hopes. But Chargers have won last 4 vs. Broncos by combined score of 147-53.

Broncos: Broncos have won 8 straight home openers and are confident after easy opening win, though it was over Raiders. Defense must do something it rarely does — contain LaDainian Tomlinson.

Fantasy outlook: Tomlinson has rushed for 7 TDs in last four vs. Broncos, gaining 100 yards three times. Broncos' top WR, Brandon Marshall, returns after one-game suspension. He has caught 13 passes combined in last two vs. Chargers.

Injuries: Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman finally agreed to have season-ending knee surgery after trying to play through injury last week.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Broncos 20.

Patriots (1-0) at Jets (1-0)

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Line: Jets by 1 ›.

Weather: 84 degrees, 30 percent chance of rain.

Patriots: Matt Cassel will make his first start since high school, but he has been hanging out in fast company, backing up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC and Tom Brady in the NFL. Pats can't ask him to do too much.

Jets: Brett Favre and his new teammates smell a major opportunity, though Pats' defense can't be taken lightly. Favre will have to move the ball through the air to open up the running game.

Fantasy outlook: RB Laurence Maroney rushed for 104 yards in last game vs. Jets. WR Jerricho Cotchery has six catches in last 4 games vs. Pats and caught TD pass in opener.

Injuries: Brady out for season (knee). ... Jets kicker Mike Nugent (kicking leg) out, replaced by Jay Feely.

Prediction: Jets 24, Patriots 20.

Steelers (1-0) at Browns (0-1)

Time: 2:15 p.m.

Line: Steelers by 6.

Weather: 70 degrees, 40 percent chance of rain.

Steelers: Steelers have won last 9 meetings with their AFC North rivals and take the road confident after easy opening win over Texans. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 10 TD passes in last 5 games vs. Browns.

Browns: Browns were embarrassed by Cowboys at home in opener, and this won't be much easier. This is the time for Browns to unwrap the offense, if they can.

Fantasy outlook: Willie Parker averaging 122.6 rushing yards vs. Browns, including 223-yard effort in '06. Browns' Braylon Edwards has 186 receiving yards in 2 games vs. Steelers.

Injuries: Roethlisberger has sore shoulder but is expected to play. ... Browns have lost starting strong safety Sean Jones (knee surgery). ... Browns receiver Donte Stallworth (quad) may not play.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 20.

Ravens (1-0) at Texans (0-1)

Time: 2:30 p.m. Monday

Line: Texans by 4 ›.

Weather: Dome.

Ravens: Rookie QB Joe Flacco takes a step up in competition after an opening win over the Bengals. He'll need to play turnover-free football as Ravens continue their seemingly endless quest for offensive punch. It would help if RB Willis McGahee can make it back from knee injury.

Texans: Texans struggling for answers on offense while relying on a defense led by DE Mario Williams, who had 2 sacks in opener.

Fantasy outlook: Ravens WR Derrick Mason needs to make plays for Baltimore to score. Texans struggling with running game, so Andre Johnson may need to repeat opening-day effort of 10 catches.

Injuries: Ravens TE Todd Heap (back) and Texans RB Ahman Green (ankle) are questionable.

Prediction: Texans 17, Ravens 13.

Eagles (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0)

Time: 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Line: Cowboys by 7.

Weather: 70 degrees, 20 percent chance of rain.

Eagles: Donovan McNabb is healthy and the Eagles are a happy, confident bunch. Eagles have won on their last two visits to Dallas, but they'll have to score a bunch to make it three in a row. After one week, they lead the NFL in total offense with 522 yards vs. Rams.

Cowboys: Dallas had little trouble in opening win over Browns, and its defense will have to come up with another big outing. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware has had a sack a game in last four vs. Eagles.

Fantasy outlook: Eagles rookie WR DeSean Jackson off to fast start with 6 catches for 106 yards. Cowboys rookie RB Felix Jones may see more action this week after gaining 62 yards, averaging 6.9 yards, with one TD.

Injuries: Cowboys RB Marion Barber (ribs) is iffy. ... Cowboys CB Terence Newman (groin) and Eagles receiver Reggie Brown (hamstring) questionable.

Prediction: Cowboys 30, Eagles 27.