When the Chiefs have the ball: After an extremely unimpressive preseason by all of their quarterbacks, coupled with the return of Larry Johnson, you can bet that Kansas City will be running the ball all day long. That's not to say they won't air it out at times, just that they probably won't focus on that phase of the game. Then again, the Texans secondary isn't much better than their front seven.
Houston, who ranked 20th in rush defense last year, will be forced to find a way to stop one of the front runners for NFL MVP. Whether or not they can do it remains to be seen, but you can bet a whole lot of game-planning went into it.
When the Lions have the ball: Big things are expected of this offense, and the Lions really have no one to blame but themselves for the hype. The Lions have a test, though, because the Raiders' defense is for really-real. They've got the personnel to shut down the Lions' run game, and I'm not sure Jon Kitna can carry this team.
When the Raiders have the ball: Who knows? I don't think anyone knows what to expect from the Raiders offense this year, except that they should be improved. Of course, how hard is it to improve on such a historically bad offense?
The Edge: The Raiders defense should be the difference. While it's hard to imagine their offense becoming prolific, the Lions have a pillow-soft defense and no secondary to speak of. Even the Raiders should have able to score on them, while I imagine it being much tougher for the Lions to find points.
Keep an eye on: Another game - Because, really, who wants to watch this one?
When the Ravens have the ball: Baltimore will attempt to use their new toy ... running back Willis McGahee ... against one of 2006's worst defenses. The '07 model played poorly in the preseason and is relying on a 2nd year guy with a questionable past [Ahmad Brooks] to be the leader. That will also keep the Bengals' explosive offense off the field giving them the best shot to win.
When the Bucs have the ball: The Bucs have a new quarterback in Jeff Garcia and a rebuilt offensive line, but their receivers are still a little suspect, and Cadillac Williams is running into a pretty solid front seven, even though the Seahawk defense's numbers weren't so great last year. If the line can keep the pass rush away, Garcia is capable of picking this secondary apart.
When the Seahawks have the ball: Shaun Alexander is on the wrong since of 30 and may be slowing down, but he'll be expected to carry the load once again. Left tackle Walter Jones will be up against talented rookie Gaines Adams. That could prove to be a very crucial matchup.
When the Broncos have the ball: The Bills couldn't stop the run last season, while the Broncos consistently ran all over teams. Does anyone actually think the Broncos will take an alternative approach on Sunday? I certainly don't.
Travis Henry, another brand new Denver running back, will get plenty of carries against a Bills defense that ranked 29th in the NFL last season; a Bills defense that no longer has Takeo Spikes or London Fletcher. However, what they do have is rookie linebacker Paul Posluszny -- a standout from Penn State who figures to excel in the NFL.
The Broncos will also aim to get second-year quarterback Jay Cutler comfortable in his first opening weekend start. Once the run is established, keep an eye out for a long play action pass. It could be Henry, Henry, Culter-to-Javon Walker all day long.
Week 11: Steelers 24, Browns 20 Week 14: Steelers 27, Browns 7 When the Browns have the ball: We may be all waiting for the beginning of the Brady Quinn era, but the Browns will have Charlie Frye at quarterback to begin the season. It makes a lot of sense, especially since the Steelers' zone blitz scheme is not one you want to face as a rookie. Frye is 0-2 against the Steelers, but it's not because he's never played well. He connected on 17 of 27 passes for 224 yards with no interceptions in a 24-20 loss last year, although he also was the quarterback for the 41-0 debacle in 2005. The Steelers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher since 2005, so Jamal Lewis is unlikely to be the key for the Browns. But the Steelers have struggled to stop tight ends which means Kellen Winslow might have a big game. Braylon Edwards had a pair of big games (4 catches, 86 yards and 7 catches, 137 yards) against the Steelers last year, and the Steelers secondary is still somewhat suspect, so the Browns' best hope will likely be to get a couple of big plays in the passing game if they can protect Frye. In the past the Steelers have confused and dominated the Browns offensive line, but the addition of Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach might change that this year. The Steelers have talked about Dick LeBeau adding wrinkles to the zone blitz, especially by moving defensive end Brett Keisel around. We'll get a first chance to see if that solves the Steelers' pass rush that was ineffective last year.
To get you ready for Week 1, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is your Tennessee Titans-Jacksonville Jaguars preview. 2006 Records: (Click names for 2007 preview)
Week 9: Jaguars 37, Titans 7 Week 15: Titans 24, Jaguars 17 When the Titans have the ball: If Chris Brown and LenDale White can't get past the Jaguars defense, it will be up to Vince Young to lead the Titans down the field. Given the lack of quality targets, he might have to do that with his feet much more than his arm.
When the Jaguars have the ball: Yeah, they're gonna run a lot. Fred Taylor will get some carries. Maurice Jones-Drew will get some carries. David Garrard will scramble a bit, too. This team won't be afraid to pass, though, especially if the Titans put eight or nine in the box. Garrard didn't struggle with his passing in the preseason.
When the Panthers have the ball: Carolina is looking to establish a new offense right off the bat, but John Fox's basic philosophy -- run the ball, stop the run -- isn't going to change too much. Look for DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams to get lots of touches early. It will be up to Will Witherspoon and the Rams' linebackers to sniff out their cutbacks and stop big gains.
When the Rams have the ball: If this offense does anything against Carolina, it'll be the thing it's done against this defense since January of 2004. Steven Jackson was held to 27 rushing yards, and Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt were both bottled up by the Panthers' mediocre cornerbacks. The Rams' offensive line is a bit stronger now, but handling the likes of Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins won't be easy.
When the Dolphins have the ball: They will attempt ... attempt ... to run the football against a subpar defensive line in a matchup of both teams' biggest weaknesses. The Phins' O-line looked horrible in the preseason and struggled to run the football. New coach Cam Cameron may utilize screens and Ronnie Brown or Jesse Chatman in the flat to catch passes and test the discipline of the Redskins linebackers and safeties.
When the Patriots have the ball: There are so many weapons to pick from; where do you even begin? The Jets will get to see the Patriots debut of Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth and Wes Welker -- a unit that is sure to wreak havoc all season. How will rookie Darrelle Revis hold up in his first NFL game, and how will the defense handle such an over-talented offense?
Tom Brady must be licking his chops, and it wouldn't be much of a stretch to think he'll air it out on Sunday afternoon. With all his new weapons, he has to feel more secure in New England's system than at any time in his NFL career. Add Laurence Maroney to the mix and it could equal a long day for New York.
To get you ready for week 1, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Kansas City Chiefs/Houston Texans preview.
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