TV schedule
PANTHERS (0-0) AT GIANTS (0-0)
11 a.m., Ch. 13
Carolina destroyed the Giants in their final game in Giants Stadium. Can the Panthers pull off the same feat in the first real game in the new stadium? It's doubtful.
Prediction: Giants, 20-13.
BRONCOS (0-0) AT JAGUARS (0-0)
11 a.m., Ch. 2
Denver started fast last season and faded. The same could be said of the career of Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard. He has to prove he belongs as an NFL starter.
Prediction: Jags, 20-17
PACKERS (0-0) AT EAGLES (0-0)
2:15 p.m., Ch. 13
Aaron Rodgers is supposed to be an MVP candidate. The Packers are supposed to be Super Bowl contenders. Donovan McNabb is gone. This is a game Green Bay should win.
Prediction: Pack, 37-30
COWBOYS (0-0) AT REDSKINS (0-0)
6:30 p.m., Ch. 5
Speaking of McNabb, he makes his debut with his new team on national TV. He'll make the Redskins better, but can his offensive line keep him upright? Probably not in this game.
Prediction: 'Boys, 21-17
RAVENS (0-0) AT JETS (0-0)
5 p.m., ESPN
The first game of a MNF doubleheader (Chargers-Chiefs follows) was spiced up when the Ravens' Ray Lewis complained about the Jets' confidence level. Someone will be quieted.
Prediction: Jets, 16-13
Game of the week
Colts at Texans: No team has more pressure on it to win in Week 1 than Houston. The Texans have made this game bigger than life. Houston, 1-15 all-time against Indianapolis, must win to show that it is a legitimate playoff contender.
Team on the rise
49ers: A weak division, a healthy Alex Smith, a solid run game, good defense, two new offensive line starters. It adds up to a breakthrough season.
Team on the decline
Cardinals: No Kurt Warner, a wasted high draft pick in Matt Leinart, Anquan Boldin is gone, Derek Anderson is the new QB. It adds up to disappointment.
Fantasy tips
CAN'T MISS: Andre Johnson vs. Colts
SLEEPER: Dennis Dixon vs. Falcons
NOT THIS WEEK: Matt Ryan vs. Steelers
FREE AGENT PICK UP: Patrick Crayton
Local watch
Making the team: Former Ute linebacker Stevenson Sylvester closed the Steelers' preseason with a solid performance. He had five tackles and a sack against Carolina.
NFL rankings
1. Saints: Had to grind out win over the Vikings after an explosive start in opener.2. Colts: Peyton Manning and friends will have to fight off Super Bowl hangover.3. Packers: Trendy Super Bowl pick now has to get it done in games that count.4. Ravens: Do they finally have a Super Bowl offense to go along with defense?5. Jets: Time for talking is over — now it's time to see what they're made of.6. Chargers: Leaving two starters unsigned could lead to another slow start.7. Cowboys: Offense had little firepower in the preseason, but it was the preseason.8. Vikings: Passing game was out of sync, but run game and defense were solid in opener.9. Falcons: Was last year an aberration for Matt Ryan? Or was the 2008 season?10. Patriots: Tom Brady will put up points, but young defense is a huge concern.