Oakland Raiders (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-0), Sunday 1 p.m.
Two of the AFC's strongest division title contenders will meet this weekend in Miami. Miami's defense faces a tough task in stopping Oakland's Rich Gannon and Jerry Rice. After his performance against Tennessee in its last game, quaterback Jay Fiedler proved that Miami's offense will provide a legitimate battle as well. In his second season opener at the helm, Fiedler resumed a role similar to that of Denver's Brian Griese - playing on a team with big shoes to fill at quarterback. And just as Griese has responded well to his situation and blossomed into a leader in Denver, Miami expects the same from Feilder. Although he continues to come into his own, Fiedler and the Dolphins may not have enough to overcome Oakland this soon in the season.New York Giants (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-1), Sunday 1 p.m.
The Giants have had a tough week trying to keep their focus on football in the wake of the World Trade Center tragedy. After a tough loss to the Broncos on Monday night, the team needs to refocus on its offense, specifically its passing game. Kerry Collins must regain his Super Bowl poise from last year, which was noticeably absent against Denver. If he is unable to do so, the Giants won't have a chance this weekend. With home field advantage on their side, the Chiefs are more likely to rebound from an opening day loss than the Giants.St. Louis Rams (1-0) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0), Sunday 4:15 p.m.
Though the 49ers are in a rebuilding stage this season, quarterback Jeff Garcia showed last Sunday that his team will not be an easy win for anyone in the league. The Niners used a late rally to topple division rally Altanta, 16-13 in OT. This week, however, is a different story. While San Fransisco should put up a fight, its defense simply isn't good enough to contain the explosive St. Louis offense. Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner will give the 49ers a lot to handle this weekend, but the true test will be to see if St. Louis accomplished its off-season goal of improving its defense. In its overtime win against the Eagles this weekend, the Rams defense looked good. But there are no guarantees of an encore performance. San Francisco will make it interesting this weekend, but the Rams should be able to secure the win without going into overtime again.Buffalo Bills (0-1) at Indianapolis Colts (1-0), Sunday 1 p.m.
Indianapolis may be this year's version of last year's Rams, entering every game with the intention of outscoring its opponents. With Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James, the Colts should be able to accomplish this goal for most of the season. The Bills defense doesn't have enough tools to contain the Colts' offensive weapons, and outscoring Indy isn't an option either. And in each of its last 19 wins, Buffalo has committed at least one turnover. So as long as Indianapolis sticks to its game plan, this weekend should be an easy win.New York Jets (0-1) at New England Patriots (0-1), Sunday 4:05 p.m.
Just like the Giants, the Jets are another team entering this weekend while trying to overcome the destruction in their hometown. The Jets will not have to concentrate too hard at getting their offense together, though, especially since they are playing against the ill-fated New England Patriots. After voicing his reluctance to travel to the West Coast last week, Jets QB Vinny Testaverde is ready to begin his offensive attack. On the other side, Patriots' signal caller Drew Bledsoe's biggest challenge lies in trusting his offensive line to protect him. If the offensive line is able to give Bledsoe more time in the pocket this weekend, the Patriots have a chance of staying in the game. But don't bet on it.@edits:nm,bg
