FIVE GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

LJ is on a 2000-yard mission

1.) BALTIMORE@ TAMPA BAY
The Bucs "O" line is banged up already (rookie Davin Joseph & Dan Buenning will not play), so that could mean trouble for Chris Simms and Cadillac against the notorious Raven 'D". But the Bucs play some solid "D", too, so look for new Raven QB Steve McNair to have a difficult debut in purple.
MY PICK: Bucks 12, Ravens 9

2.) BUFFALO @ NEW ENGLAND
No Deion Branch for the Pats, as that holdout gets uglier & uglier, but they will have the heart & soul of the defense, Tedy Bruschi, back from a broken hand. Also fierce hitter and secondary captain Rodney Harrison returns after missing almost all of last season. Oh yeah, and they still have Tom terrific.
MY PICK: Pats 31, Bills 17

3.) CINCY @ KANSAS CITY
Look for plenty of offense in what could be the game of the day. Bengal QB Carson Palmer looked fully healed in preseason from the knee injury he suffered in last years' playoff game. Larry (LJ) Johnson has the starting RB spot all to himself and looks poised to approach the 2000yd barrier. KC also has new coach Herm Edwards, supposedly focusing on "D", but this one should be a barn-burner.
MY PICK: Chiefs 35, Bengals 28

4.) ATLANTA @ CAROLINA
An early season test of NFC South supremacy. Carolina, who many have penciled in for the Bowl will be sporting new WR Keyshawn Johnson, and with star receiver Steve Smith out of the game, Key figures to see plenty of passes. Atlanta & Vick are on a mission to prove they are a playoff team, so this is a chance for them to make a statement.
MY PICK: Carolina 24, Atlanta 21

5.) INDY @ NY GIANTS
Get ready for the Manning Bowl 1 hype machine to ramp up at as the first ever battle between 2 sibling QBs takes center stage as the first game on the new NBC Sunday Night Football extravaganza. Also get ready for plenty of Peyton in an Uncle Rico wig ads. But the game itself should be a good one, an early test of who's best in the AFC & NFC.
MY PICK: Colts 34, Giants 24