Ben Maller's NFL rumors
by FOXSports.com
Panthers have tried to re-sign Julius Peppers?
Carolina Panthers DT Damione Lewis expects DE Julius Peppers to have a big season, and thinks the team should "break their neck to keep him here" even though Peppers had only 21/2 sacks last season. Peppers is in the final year of his contract. The Panthers have tried to re-sign him, but no agreement has been reached. -- Charlotte Observer
Bears QB Orton claims to taking job more seriously
Bears QB Kyle Orton looks older, wiser. The way a leader looks. "He's 100 percent professional, which is what you want in your quarterback, all about the X's and O's," wide receiver Brandon Lloyd said. Lloyd and Orton have the same agent. "I've gotten to know him off the field, and he's not that dry. He's fun," Lloyd said. "But you don't want your quarterback out there in the media making a big splash. He's all football, and that's what he expects from us." Before Orton could expect that approach from teammates, he had to demand it from himself. So he got serious about his profession last year and got married in March. Both developments have played no small part in Orton getting his game together enough to win the starting job over Rex Grossman. "I've learned a lot of stuff, and obviously I'm a different guy from '05 in all aspects of my life," Orton said. "I'm different just like everybody else is three or four years down the road." -- Chicago Tribune
Pacman could start at corner in place of Newman for Dallas Cowboys
Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman is still bothered by the groin injury he suffered in training camp, and it's unclear whether he will start Sunday in Cleveland. Coach Wade Phillips said the team has limited Newman's activities in practice the last two days as a precaution. If Newman isn't ready, Adam Jones will start at left corner despite missing the entire 2007 season. -- Dallas Morning News
Al Michaels: Los Angeles could get two NFL teams
Should a team or two ever ram its way back to this LA region, Al Michaels, who'll turn 64 in November, and John Madden, who's already 72, have declared they want to witness it firsthand. "Please, God," said Michaels, prior to doing the Giants-Redskins season opener for NBC on Thursday night. "We may be coming in with our walkers, but we'll be there." Michaels, born in Brooklyn but an L.A. resident for the past 50 years, admits he "thinks about that a lot," this idea that the NFL could pull a U-turn. He perks up when he hears what he terms "a movement afoot to maybe get something done sooner rather than later" - that being the latest media reports about all sorts of scenarios that involve a new stadium in the City of Industry that real estate tycoon Ed Roski is trying to angle for (including an ownership slice). Michaels is even "of a mind that L.A. will not only get one team if there's a new stadium that could host a Super Bowl every three years, but get two teams here. That's my prediction." -- LA Daily News
Steelers quiet about Mendenhall's role
The Steelers and Rashard Mendenhall are not saying much about what role the rookie running back will play Sunday against the visiting Houston Texans. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians did say Thursday that he expects Mendenhall to get "10 to 15 plays" while spelling starting running back Willie Parker in the 1 p.m. game at Heinz Field. "If Willie gets tired, he'll be in there," Arians said of Mendenhall. "No special roles." Arians said the Steelers have not settled on who will be the team's short-yardage back. Parker, who had 11 rushing touchdowns in 2006 but just two last season, could be used in that capacity, Arians said. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hinted earlier in the week that Mendenhall would be the short-yardage back if he does a better job of holding onto the football. Mendenhall fumbled three times in a span of 21 carries in the Steelers' final two preseason games. "I don't worry about that at all," Arians said when asked if Mendenhall's fumbles are a concern. -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pats QB Brady's dad denies report about sons cracked bone
Pats QB Tom Brady was in the locker room but declined to speak with reporters. Although his father Wednesday shot down a report that his son had a cracked bone in his foot, Brady didn't give anyone a chance to ask about the injury. Brady did practice and was removed from the Patriots' injury/practice report. On Wednesday, he was listed as a full participant at practice with right shoulder and foot injuries. -- Boston Herald
Time to expect more from Colts Manning?
The only thing Peyton Manning hasn't done yet is put this team on his back in the postseason and lead it to a Super Bowl title. He hasn't done what Tom Brady has done in New England, consistently playing his best football in the playoffs and willing his teams to victories in the biggest playoff games. Is that asking too much? No, it's not. He has a $98 million contract and is the league's most visible player, by his choice. It comes with the territory. "I've really prepared every single season, every single week as if I was vying for a job,'' Manning said this week as the Colts prepared for Sunday night's season-opening game against the Chicago Bears. "As if I was competing (for the job), as if I had to be sure I was doing my part to go out there and win the job or keep the job. "As soon as you lose that, things are going to change. Maybe your play isn't going to be as high, maybe it's time to do something else. "I still have a desire and a hunger to prepare. I look forward to driving over here every day and practicing and working hard and trying to get better. Hopefully I can be a better player this year than I was the year before. I feel like I have in the years past.'' Six to eight years from now -- and yes, I could see him being productive until age 40 -- he will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. And yet, unless the Colts have an unprecedented Super Bowl run of titles in the next few years, he will only be known as the second-best quarterback of his generation. -- Indy Star
Briggs wants Bears fans to understand his controversial contract stance
Lance Briggs says he hopes Bears fans understand the controversial stance he took last year when he rejected a one-year franchise tag offer of $7.2 million from the Bears before agreeing to a six-year, $36 million deal. "The business side is not the prettiest side," Briggs said. "You are not going to win the popularity vote. ... You're going to be called selfish. But, ultimately, no one is going to look after you like yourself. If you keep ignoring what's going on and the fact that you either outplayed your contract or there are other guys around you who are getting better contracts than you, then you are the only one who is going to get hurt." -- Chicago Tribune
Agent: Jaguars tackle is showing signs of recovery, but "it's still precarious."
The agent for Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier told the Times-Union on Thursday that his client is making gradual improvement from his gunshot wounds but remains in intensive care at Shands Jacksonville Hospital and is "not out of the woods yet." Jeff Jankovich has been in Jacksonville since Tuesday after learning that Collier was the victim of multiple gunshots while waiting for a female acquaintance in a vehicle in Riverside at 2:45 a.m. Shortly before flying back home to Virginia on Thursday, Jankovich says he's encouraged by what limited knowledge he has of Collier's condition. "[The family] seems pretty upbeat he's going to make it," Jankovich said. "He's awake at times. He's still in intensive care, but he's stable. Every time they've talked to the doctors, it seems like it's a little bit better. It's still precarious. There may be more surgery needed, but it seems encouraging at this point." -- Florida Times-Union
Mathias Kiwanuka's injury nothing more than a scare for New York Giants
In the locker room following the Giants' season opener against the Redskins last night, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo stopped by Mathias Kiwanuka's locker, anxious to check on the health of his starting right defensive end. As time expired on the Giants' 16-7 victory against their NFC East opponents, Washington tackle Chris Samuels fell on Kiwanuka, who lingered on the ground with pain in his left ankle. But afterward, Kiwanuka said the X-rays were negative and he was ably walking around the locker room -- encouraging news for a defense that lost defensive end Osi Umenyiora for the season less than two weeks ago. "When he went down, I know you were just like me: 'Aw, get out of here. Not again,'" defensive end Justin Tuck said to Spagnuolo. Kiwanuka repeatedly said that he was fine in postgame interviews, and that he would have to watch the game tape to see what happened on the play, on which Samuels was called for holding. But Tuck questioned Samuels' motives. "I did see it, and he was pulled down," Tuck said. "... You never think a guy's out there trying to hurt another guy, but it happened and we move on from it. ... Obviously it ruffled some feathers." -- Newark Star-Ledger
Ex-Bengals standout offensive tackle, 33, agrees to three-year, $11 million deal with Ravens
Four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Willie Anderson confirmed last night that he will fly to Baltimore today to sign a three-year contract with the Ravens. "I'm looking forward to coming in and fitting in and doing whatever I can to help this team," Anderson said from his home in Atlanta. "I'm not trying to come in with an ego or anything, just coming in and trying to work hard and do my part. It's definitely exciting for me. It's a new challenge." The deal, first reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer, is worth $11million over the length of the contract. -- Baltimore Sun
Colts Saturday offers no timetable for return
There is no surgery in Jeff Saturday's immediate future, but the Indianapolis Colts' Pro Bowl center isn't certain when he'll be able to return to the lineup. "All you can do is your rehab and progress the way they want you to progress and when it's time to go, I'll be ready to go,'' Saturday said Thursday, the first time he has discussed the right knee injury that will keep him out of Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears. "I'm not going to go get surgery unless something else happened to it. I'm going to stay with the way it is now.'' -- Indy Star
Packers let Al Harris play with freedom
The Packers have given Al Harris an unusual gift in the NFL: the freedom to think for himself and play instinctually. If he thinks his receiver's release pattern indicates he will turn around after 15 yards and come back toward the quarterback, he has permission to play accordingly. If he sees a telltale tick or twitch in his receiver's hand that indicates he may be preparing to run deep, he'll back off. And if he thinks he has enough time to break from coverage and try to intercept a pass, he'll go for it. "There's not too many guys out there who play the way I play," he says. "It's almost a lost art." Al Harris didn't have a sterling college career. Coming out of Texas A&M Kingsville, he showed a knack for the old-fashioned "bump and run" style of coverage, which involves blocking receivers at the line of scrimmage to interrupt their routes. He was taken in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL draft. His first team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, put him on the practice squad. The following season he struggled with then-coach Tony Dungy's rigid defensive scheme, which emphasized covering zones rather than people. He was released. It could have been the end of his career, but salvation came in the form of the injury-plagued Philadelphia Eagles, who wanted a backup cornerback to handle man-to-man coverage. "They took a chance on me," he says. -- Wall Street Journal
Skins Samuels Plays Through Pain of Friend's Fatal Accident
Despite the recent death of a friend at his home, Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels started in last night's 16-7 loss to the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. "It's been hard, it's been really hard, but God is seeing me through," Samuels said in the locker room after the game. "I'm just praying for the family." Lashana Nicole Wilson, a lifelong friend of Samuels's girlfriend, was fatally injured Saturday when she lost control of an all-terrain vehicle and struck a tree on his Southern Maryland property. Samuels, according to police, was at the house at the time. Wilson, 24, was visiting the residence and was not wearing a helmet, according to Charles County Sheriff's officers, who responded to the scene. -- Washington Post
Bills could add LB Spragan?
The Bills might consider re-signing veteran Donnie Spragan, though most street free agents won't be signed until next week when teams won't have to guarantee their contracts. Spragan's agent, Angelo Wright, said Thursday evening he had not heard from the Bills. Although Spragan was cut by the Bills last Saturday, Wright indicated that Spragan would entertain the possibly of rejoining the team. -- Buffalo News
DE Clemons expected to play for Eagles
Jim Johnson says he is not sure how much defensive end Chris Clemons is going to play Sunday when the Eagles open the season against St. Louis at Lincoln Financial Field. "We're going to roll those defensive linemen. . . . He'll be on the field," the Eagles' defensive coordinator said yesterday. "I'm not sure how much he'll be on the field because he hasn't practiced a lot." Clemons, a former Oakland Raider who signed a five-year, $12 million contract as a free agent in the off-season, played just one preseason game because of a nagging calf injury. The coaching staff says he has much catching up to do. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Pace completes Rams offensive line
With tackle Orlando Pace back after tweaking his shoulder Aug. 16 vs. San Diego, the starting offensive linemen have been working together for more than a week in preparation for Sunday's opener in Philadelphia. "It's nice to be settled in," guard Richie Incognito said. "We'll see what happens in the season, but for right now, there's some good continuity between the front five. And no injuries." The line was wracked by injuries last year, a significant factor in the Rams' tumble to 3-13 and last place in the NFC West. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Packers LB Hawk returns but status still in air
Convinced that he was as ready as he kept telling them he was, the Green Bay Packers medical staff cleared linebacker A.J. Hawk to practice Thursday, leaving open the possibility he will be in the starting lineup Monday night against Minnesota. Hawk, who has been sidelined three weeks with a chest muscle strain, took part in a limited portion of practice inside the Don Hutson Center, according to coach Mike McCarthy. During the segment open to reporters, Hawk didn't do much but McCarthy said he was allowed to bang around without any restrictions. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Boss ready for Broncos opener
Broncos outside linebacker Boss Bailey pronounced himself sufficiently healed from his high ankle sprain Thursday, adding he'll be ready for the season opener Monday night at Oakland. "I'll be there," Bailey said. "The last few days, it felt good. And I feel like there's no going backward now." -- Denver Post
Ravens not sure McGahee will play in opener?
While Willis McGahee sounded hopeful about playing against the Bengals on Sunday, his Ravens coaches did not sound as optimistic about the running back's availability. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said the status of McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug.11, could be a game-time decision for the season opener. "You can see that he's getting close," Cameron said yesterday. "Whether that'll mean this week or not, I don't know." McGahee, who missed all four preseason games, was limited in practice for the second consecutive day but said he is aiming to start against the Bengals. -- Baltimore Sun
Eagles' Johnson eager for answers
In some ways, Jim Johnson is no different from the average Eagles fan who will be at Lincoln Financial Field for Sunday's season opener against the St. Louis Rams. "I think I'm anxious," the Eagles' defensive coordinator said yesterday before practice. "I think everyone is anxious. We don't get a chance to play too much in the preseason. Now, all of a sudden, you get 60 or 70 snaps and a lot of things can happen. "We want to find out what kind of pass rush we have. We want to find out what kind of turnover team we are. I think we are going to be a good cover team." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Dallas Baker outplays Limas Sweed for Steelers
The rise of Dallas Baker continues. After beating out former third-round choice Willie Reid for the final receiving spot on the 53-man roster, Baker has moved past rookie Limas Sweed and will be the No. 4 wide receiver for the regular-season opener Sunday against the Houston Texans. It has been quite a surge for Baker, a seventh-round pick in 2007 who spent last season on the practice squad. "There's really no secret formula -- we acknowledge guys who have been productive," coach Mike Tomlin said. "He's produced this year." Baker had eight catches and a 14.3-yard average in the preseason -- second to Reid -- but the coaches like his size (6-3, 208) and ability to make big plays. He has shown more consistency and production than Sweed, who has been plagued by drops, and also has proven he can play in the slot in passing situations. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers workout Big Ben's buddy
The Steelers worked out wide receiver Martin Nance yesterday at their South Side practice facility. Nance, a teammate of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's at Miami (Ohio), was cut last weekend by the Vikings. The 6-foot-3, 212-pounder has played in one NFL game during his career, and that came in 2006. The Steelers have five wide receivers on their roster and one on their practice squad. -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pats Thomas ready to step in at TE
Starting tight end Benjamin Watson missed the final exhibition game with a knee injury and his availability for Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs looks bleak. He's been held out of practice this week. That would likely thrust third-year player David Thomas into a more prominent role. The 6-foot-3-inch, 248-pound Thomas is coming off a season in which he was limited to two games because of a foot injury. That cost him a chance to build on a 2006 rookie campaign that ended with him playing some of his best football at the end of the season. "Any time you miss games, it's frustrating, but I'm excited to move forward and put that in the past and get this season started on Sunday," he said. -- Boston Globe
Chiefs LJ like a rookie
The Chiefs' many rookies are understandably excited about playing their first NFL game Sunday. Nobody appears more eager to play again than running back Larry Johnson, who missed the last half of last season because of a broken bone in his foot. The Chiefs, not coincidentally, didn't win a game in his absence. "I know everybody else is excited, but I've been waiting to play since week nine of last year," Johnson said. "I'm doing pretty well with it." -- KC Star
NBC's Kremer to blog during NFL games
Andrea Kremer, starting her third season on the sidelines for NBC after 17 years with ESPN, will become a roaming blogger, sending the information she can't get on camera to online audiences via NBCSports.com and NFL.com, adding another element to the live streaming of the games by both outlets. Kremer will dictate her comments to someone stationed in one of the network's trucks, who will, in turn, dispatch it onto the Internet. It's further recognition that many fans are no longer content with just watching a game on television. Their computers sit side by side with the TV, enabling them to make the experience interactive. -- LA Times
Billick part of FOX's No.4 team?
Fox has paired play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman with newcomer Brian Billick and lists that team fourth among seven broadcast teams. Former Brewers television voice Matt Vasgersian is again paired with analyst JC Pearson on Fox's NFL telecasts. That team is listed sixth on the depth chart. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Division II LB Brown to play for Browns
Last year, Alex Hall was playing defensive end at Division II Saint Augustine's College and getting ready for the season opener against Mars Hill. On Sunday, the Browns' rookie linebacker will be going after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in sold-out Cleveland Browns Stadium. Making his NFL debut in front of a national television audience could be daunting for Hall, especially when his North Carolina college was smaller than his Springdale, Md., high school. When it was suggested that some people prefer to dive into the pool rather than think about it, Hall said: ''That's true. I did a cannonball, though.'' Hall's role this season became dramatically more important Wednesday afternoon. Five-year veteran linebacker Antwan Peek blew out his right knee in practice. -- Akron Beacon Journal
DT Clemons out of NFL for 2 years makes Broncos roster
The biggest nonrookie surprise to make the Broncos' 53-man roster? Not even close. It's defensive tackle Nic Clemons. Undrafted in 2003, Clemons had spent just one of his previous five seasons on an active roster. He was out of football the previous two years, as he was among the final preseason cuts by Washington in 2006 and Atlanta last year. So how does a player who couldn't make it anywhere suddenly make it with the Broncos? Clemons, 28, had always been a defensive end until Broncos coach Bill Johnson took a look at him. Johnson decided the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Clemons would make a nice fit as a 3-technique defensive tackle, which means lining up in the 3-gap off the offensive guard's outside shoulder. "I was thinking I should have been playing 3-technique my whole career," Clemons said when asked about his reaction to making the 53-man roster. "It's a new world, taking on bigger guys and double teams three out of five plays on the inside. It's different, but I know I have to come out and play with my pads lower." -- Denver Post
Leno jokes about Cowboys QB's girl
Noting that Jessica Simpson reportedly snoops through boyfriend Tony Romo's text messages, Jay Leno says the Dallas Cowboys quarterback doesn't mind, adding, "In fact, he thinks it's really cute when she tries to read." -- LA Times
Giants fans boo co-owner Steve Tisch
Giants Chairman and co-owner Steve Tisch got booed at halftime, presumably for the unpopular Personal Seat Licenses. A huge ovation for supermodel Christie Brinkley immediately followed. -- Newark Star-Ledger
Did You Know?
Seattle has 136 sacks over the last three years, including a league-high 50 during its 2005 Super Bowl campaign. Only San Diego has more sacks (149) since 2005. -- Buffalo News
How About That?
This could be a milestone season for Jason Taylor, who's attempting to become the fifth running back in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards at age 32. The other four were John Henry Johnson (1,141 in 1962), Walter Payton (1,333 in 1986), Ottis Anderson (1,023 in 1989) and Emmitt Smith (1,021 in 2001). -- Florida Times-Union
Steelers to honor Myron Cope and others
The Steelers will honor three members of their football family who died this year -- Dwight White, Ernie Holmes and broadcaster Myron Cope -- in a pregame ceremony featuring an organized Terrible Towel hold. Fans are being asked to get to their seats early to participate in the ceremony. There will be a video tribute to each, followed by a moment of silence and a holding of the Terrible Towel. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Bears QB McMahon takes coaching job
Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon has been added to the coaching staff of the Professional Indoor Football team, the Chicago Slaughter, which plays all home games at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. --Chicago Tribune
Boston Herald NFL Picks
The Bolts are 9-point favorites over the visiting Carolina Panthers, and get our call. Lay the points.
In other games:
SUNDAY Cincinnati (-1 十 ) over BALTIMORE - Rookie Joe Flacco is the Ravens' starting QB and he'll engineer enough three-and-outs to keep Baltimore's quality defense on the field a long time. Cincy appears to be in decline, but Carson Palmer gives it a huge edge at QB. Lay the points.
MIAMI (+3) over New York Jets [team stats] - Chad Pennington [stats] has the incentive to burn his old mates, and an intimate knowledge of New York's defensive soft spots. With the Pats and Chargers up next, the Jets could be looking at an 0-3 start if they wilt in Miami.
PATRIOTS (-15 十 ) over Kansas City - The Patriots had an 0-4 preseason, Tom Brady [stats] didn't take a single snap and they are still double-digit favorites. The oddsmaker must figure you go against Bill Belichick and Brady at your own peril, especially at home vs. one of the league's weak sisters.
PITTSBURGH (-6 十 ) over Houston - The Texans could make the jump from pretender to contender in the AFC South, but playing Pittsburgh on the road is a tough way to open. The Steelers are odds-on to win the AFC North and rookie runner Rashard Mendenhall will provide needed help for QB Ben Roethlisberger.
TENNESSEE (+3) over Jacksonville - Given the arrest of Fred Taylor [stats] on Saturday and Tuesday's shooting of Richard Collier, it's hard to imagine the Jags being ready to play here. The young Titans made the playoffs last year and look like a dangerous dog.
ATLANTA (+3) over Detroit - Shedding themselves of loathsome coach Bobby Petrino and the vile Michael Vick qualify the Falcons as one of the NFL's most improved teams. With the perpetually rebuilding Lions in town, another home dog howls. Take the points.
BUFFALO (-1) over Seattle - Matt Hasselbeck is back, but key receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram aren't, so points don't figure to come easy for the Seahawks. The much-improved Bills, who always play hard for embattled coach Dick Jauron, get our call.
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Tampa Bay - With some key personnel moves, the Saints positioned themselves as top dog in the NFC South. They can get the jump on a key division rival with a win. Give the points.
St. Louis (+7 十 ) over PHILADELPHIA - When the Rams are healthy, they have been very competitive. The TD-plus head start seems overly generous for a Philly team picked by many to finish last in the NFC East.
Dallas (-5 十 ) over CLEVELAND - The Browns turned the corner last season, just missing the playoffs. They could do a lot of damage in the weak AFC North, but they are in for a long afternoon against the Pokes, who seem poised for a real shot at the NFC title.
SAN FRANCISCO (+2 十 ) over Arizona - After a solid 2006, the 49ers were supposed to rip up the NFC West last year. A rash of injuries did them in, but they should bounce back strong this season. They get the call over a Cards team with an unhappy star receiver, Anquan Boldin, and a still festering QB controversy.
INDIANAPOLIS (-9 十 ) over Chicago - Manning missed the entire preseason, but his presence in the opener will give the Bears defense nightmares. Unfortunately, the Bears' lack of talent on offense will scare nobody. Lay the points with Indy.
MONDAY
GREEN BAY (-2 十 ) over Minnesota - The Packers need a quick start to put all the Brett Favre nonsense behind them, and an opening game win over NFC North rival Minnesota is just the ticket. Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is playing hurt. Go Pack.
OAKLAND (+3) over Denver - Despite all the turmoil generated by the Lane Kiffin/Al Davis feud, the Raiders appear a team that's much improved. They'll get a nationally televised chance to strut their stuff against the Broncos who, as usual, will be in the thick of the AFC West chase. -- Boston Herald
Boston Globe NFL Picks
Kansas City at New England (-15 1/2) - Proving the foot's OK, Tom Brady booms the opening kickoff. Pick: Patriots.
Seattle at Buffalo (-1 ) - Mike Holmgren announced this is his final year as a coach in the NFL. Actually, he won't even spend it coaching; that's because he's switching to wide receiver with the Seahawks likely missing Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, and Ben Obomanu. Pick: Bills.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3) - The Bucs' Joey Galloway wants to play, but isn't sure coach Jon Gruden is going to let him. "The zookeeper posts the times the white tiger gets to eat," said Galloway. Darned if I was just saying that to a friend the other day. Pick: Saints.
Houston at Pittsburgh (-6 1/2) - Sad news with the Texans. Offensive lineman Ephraim Salaam has lost his starting job. Reminds me of the day "F.B.I." was canceled and Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was out of work. Pick: Texans.
NY Jets (-3) at Miami - Big news with the Jets. Brett Favre was elected captain "by his peers," said coach Eric Mangini. Of course, in Green Bay he was an emperor, so it's actually a big demotion. Probably because the apples, oranges, nectarines, and kiwi abstained, and the prunes, miserable as always, went with Don Maynard. Pick: Dolphins.
Detroit (-3) at Atlanta - Tatum Bell is waived by the Lions to make room for Rudi Johnson. Johnson then accuses Bell of taking his two Gucci bags from the locker room. Johnson is outraged. Lions coaches are somewhat impressed that Bell didn't fumble the bags going out the door. Pick: Lions.
Chicago at Indianapolis (-9 1/2) - Johnny Mathis is scheduled to sing the national anthem in the Colts' new digs, Lucas Oil Stadium. But first he'll get the place rockin' by singing "Chances Are." Pick: Colts.
Cincinnati (-1 1/2) at Baltimore - With Kyle Boller out for the season and Troy Smith ill, Joe Flacco gets the call at quarterback. Sounds desperate, but the Ravens' new coach, John Harbaugh, isn't at all nervous about his quarterback situation. After all, he has brother Jim on speed dial. Pick: Bengals.
Jacksonville (-3) at Tennessee - We have a team named Jackson, but it has come to my attention there isn't one player in this matchup with the surname Jackson. Shocking. So, with a visit to Nashville on tap, let's fill that Jackson void, fittingly with some Johnny Cash and June Carter: "We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout. We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out . . ." Pick: Titans.
St. Louis at Philadelphia (-7 1/2) - The Rams have re-signed Steven Jackson? Let the music continue . . . "Yeah, go to Jackson. Go comb your hair! Honey, I'm gonna snowball Jackson. See if I care." Pick: Eagles.
Arizona (-2 1/2) at San Francisco - The 49ers will go with J.T. O'Sullivan at quarterback. Wings and pints for everyone and the Eire Pub gets next week's start. Pick: 49ers.
Carolina at San Diego (-9) - Shawne Merriman will play, despite having two torn ligaments in his left knee. The only NFL spot that's more sore is quarterback with the Bears. Pick: Chargers.
Dallas (-5 1/2) at Cleveland - Adding Corey Williams (6 feet 4 inches, 320 pounds) and Shaun Rogers (6-4, 350) should help the Browns' defensive front. It will do wonders for shielding fans from the winds off Lake Erie, too. Pick: Browns.
Minnesota at Green Bay (-2 1/2) - Yeah, yeah, we know. Aaron Rodgers replaces "what's his name" for the Packers. But with defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila out, who fills in for those nine vowels? Pick: Vikings.
Denver (-3) at Oakland - Brandon Marshall won't play for the Broncos. He's been suspended for violating the league's "personal conduct code." That's quite a feat, because the three most difficult things in the world to do are: Buy gas for $1.75 a gallon, find a valid birth certificate for a Chinese gymnast, and fail the NFL's "personal conduct code." Pick: Broncos. -- Boston Globe
Vegas Vic's NFL Locks from Philly Daily News
Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Usually, we try not to let injuries influence us too much, but in San Diego's case, it's impossible to look the other way. LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates are all coming off injuries, and while all profess to be 100 percent, we doubt if that's the case. Then you have the best defensive player, Shawne Merriman, who plans to play on two torn ligaments in his left knee. We make the over/under on Merriman's 2008 season three games, and we'll take the under. There's still a bundle of talent out there in Southern California, but at plus-9 big fat points, Carolina has to be the side. Since John Fox took over in 2002, the Panthers have been tickling the cash register as a road team with great success. They have an outstanding 35-15 record away from home the last 6 years, and are a even better as a road 'dog, with a sweet 26-10 mark.
SAINTS (-3) over Buccaneers
After a superb 11-7 record in his first year as the head coach in New Orleans, Sean Payton's club slipped to 7-9 last season. Look for a big bounce back here in 2008. Especially in the opener. The Saints started last season with four straight losses and were virtually eliminated from playoff contention. The offense found its footing after that, averaging 27-plus points per game the last 12 times out, and now, they're healthy. And healthy means Drew Brees, a 4,000-yard passer in his first two seasons with New Orleans. It means the electric Reggie Bush attacking on all cylinders. It means the bone-crunching north-south running of Deuce McAllister. It also means the addition of four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey. And since Tampa Bay has won only four of its last 16 games on the road, this should be a money-making home opener for the Saints, and those of us with a ticket.
Bears (+10) over COLTS
Speaking of injuries, the great Peyton Manning is coming off knee surgery and should be ready, but there could be a wee bit of rust. Of more concern is Manning's All-Pro center Jeff Saturday, who will miss the game Sunday. Big problem. Anyone remember the last time these teams met? It was Super Bowl XLI, and Indy posted a 29-17 victory. A little revenge, a few nagging injuries, and a 10-point spread adds up to one live underdog.
Jets (-3) over DOLPHINS
Bill Parcells has displayed a magical touch for reviving stumbling teams, but unless he changed his middle name to Copperfield, it's not gonna happen here. If you wanna talk revival, how about Brett Favre going to the Jets? After a dismal 4-12 campaign in 2007, Favre should be able to get the New Yorkers to at least eight wins, starting with an easy W in South Florida.
TITANS (+3) over Jaguars
The last 2 years, with Vince Young leading the way, the Titans have a ridiculous 10-2 record against the spread vs. the AFC South. Any time we can find a trend that's hitting at 83 percent, it's worth a trip to the betting window.
EAGLES (-7) over Rams
As everyone in town knows, the last two home openers have been embarrassing. However, with a healthy Donovan McNabb and a spruced-up defense, these Birds should be flying into the winner's circle at the Linc.
PACKERS (-2) over Vikings
It ain't the Frozen Tundra quite yet, but Green Bay should find a way to shine as Aaron Rodgers takes the ball from Brett Favre and tries to lead the Pack back to the playoffs. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Ben Maller can be heard weeknights on "The Third Shift on Fox" via the vast Fox Sports Radio Network. The show is broadcast live Monday-Friday from 2am till 6am (est). Check your local radio listenings for the FSR affiliate in your town, listen to XM Satellite Radio Channel No. 142 or via live streaming audio online at FoxSports.com/Radio. Say hi to Ben at myspace.com/benmaller. Interact with Ben's fans and talk sports on Ben Maller's forum Questions, comments and news tips can be sent to Ben via e mail at BigBen@Foxsports.com or Ben@BenMaller.com.
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