RAVE

THE GAMES
By Tony Moss

Cleveland (0-2) at Baltimore (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Baltimore -10.5)

Storylines: Quarterback Seneca Wallace could make second straight start for Browns in place of injured Jake Delhomme (ankle)...Home opener for Ravens, who started with a win at the Jets (10-9) and a loss at the Bengals (15-10)... Browns begin a stretch of seven straight games against teams that had winning records last season, including five 2009 playoff teams...Ravens have yet to allow a touchdown through their first eight quarters of play...Baltimore has won four straight over Cleveland...Browns trying to avoid starting 0-3 for the fourth time in the last five years...Ravens linebacker Tavares Gooden (shoulder) will miss 4-6 weeks...Browns placed linebacker Kaluka Maiava (knee) on season-ending injured reserve and signed LB Titus Brown off the Broncos practice squad earlier this week...Ravens are worst in the league in turnover margin (-6) and tied for last in the NFL in interceptions thrown (5) through two weeks (Panthers)...Baltimore leads the league in defensive completion percentage (46.4) and third-down percentage (13.8)...Browns are the only team in the league that has yet to kick a successful field goal.

Fast Fact: The Browns have gone 17 consecutive quarters without scoring a rushing touchdown against the Ravens, since a Derek Anderson 1-yard run in the third quarter of a Cleveland win at Baltimore on Nov. 18, 2007.

Cincinnati (1-1) at Carolina (0-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Cincinnati -3)

Storylines: Second-round rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) to make his first NFL start...Clausen was 7-of-13 for 59 yards in mop-up duty for the ineffective Matt Moore in last week's 20-7 home loss to the Buccaneers, leading a drive that ultimately stalled at the Tampa Bay 1-yard line...Panthers have lost five straight games in September and are trying to avoid a second straight 0-3 start...Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Ochocinco a question mark after revealing on Twitter that he has a cracked rib...Bengals kicker Mike Nugent, the reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after accounting for all of the team's points in last week's 15-10 win over the Ravens, is an NFL-best 6- of-6 on field goals this season...Panthers are completing a league-worst 42.2 percent of their passes through two weeks, and are tied for last in the league with five interceptions thrown (Ravens) and eight turnovers committed (Titans)...Carolina has allowed a league-high-tying five touchdown passes through two weeks (New England)...Bengals are an NFL-best 3-of-3 on fourth- downs in 2010.

Fast Fact: The last Panthers rookie QB to win a start was Matt Moore, who went 2-1 while opening three games in December of 2007.

Dallas (0-2) at Houston (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Houston -3)

Storylines: Texans seeking first 3-0 start in team history...Cowboys looking to avoid first 0-3 start since 2001, when they lost their first four during a 5-11 campaign...Dallas head coach and University of Houston product Wade Phillips, who was an assistant with the Houston Oilers under his father, Bum, from 1976 to 1980, will be meeting the Texans for the first time as a head coach...Texans tackle Duane Brown will begin serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL steroid policy, and Rashad Butler will make his first NFL start in Brown's place...Texans running back Arian Foster leads the NFL in rushing yards (300) through two weeks, and Houston is No. 1 in league rushing offense (157.5 yards per game), total offense (440.5 yards per game) and scoring offense (32 points per game)...Cowboys wideout Miles Austin leads the league in receiving yards (288), is tied for the league lead in receptions (20), and is the only NFL rusher or receiver with 100-yard outings in each of his first two games of 2010...Texans are last in NFL passing defense (411 yards per game) as they head into Week 3...Cowboys are one of two teams without a takeaway through two weeks (Bills).

Fast Fact: The Cowboys last won in Houston in 1985, a 17-10 victory over the Oilers.

San Francisco (0-2) at Kansas City (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (San Francisco -2.5)

Storylines: AFC West-leading Chiefs seeking first 3-0 start since 2003, when they won their first nine en route to a 13-3 finish...San Francisco trying to avoid its first 0-3 start since 2004, when it dropped its first four en route to a 2-14 finish...Niners attempting to rebound quickly from a heartbreaking 25-22 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Saints on Monday night, a game that saw the 49ers rack up 417 yards of total offense, including 168 total yards and two touchdowns for running back Frank Gore...Chiefs have gone six consecutive quarters without an offensive touchdown, and quarterback Matt Cassel (244 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) has a 55.8 passer rating through the season's first two weeks...Kansas City, which defeated San Diego at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1, last won consecutive home games in the same season in November of 2006...49ers are allowing opponents to complete a league-high 75.4 percent of their passes through two weeks...Chiefs defensive lineman Tyson Jackson (knee) a question mark after missing last week's win.

Fast Fact: The 49ers are 0-3 in Kansas City since last winning there in 1982.

Detroit (0-2) at Minnesota (0-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Minnesota -11)

Storylines: Loser will take over sole possession of last place in NFC North...Ex-Viking Shaun Hill to make second consecutive start in place of injured Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder)...Detroit is 1-15 against the Vikings since 2002, with the only win over that stretch a 20-17 overtime triumph at Ford Field during the 2007 campaign, and Lions are 0-12 in Minnesota since last winning there in 1997...Vikings quarterback Brett Favre is 18-0 in home starts against the Lions (regular season and playoffs) all-time...Lions have dropped 21 straight road games since a win at the Bears on Oct. 28, 2007, three back of their own dubious NFL record of 24 (2001-03), and are 0-9 on the road under head coach Jim Schwartz...Lions are 8-65 (.110) on the road since 2001...Detroit rookie running back Jahvid Best leads the NFL in touchdowns (5) and scoring (30 points), and is tied for the league lead in rushing TDs (4)... Detroit expected to be without wide receiver Nate Burleson (ankle) but linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) and end Cliff Avril (knee) could return to the lineup...Lions have been credited with an NFL-high-tying 10 sacks heading into Week 3.

Fast Fact: The last Vikings quarterback to lose a home start against the Lions was Randall Cunningham, who presided over a 14-13 defeat at the Metrodome on Dec. 14, 1997.

Buffalo (0-2) at New England (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -14)

Storylines: Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his first start of 2010 in place of ineffective Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards...Bills seeking first win of the Chan Gailey coaching era, and Gailey after first NFL win since 1999 season... Patriots are 18-1 against Buffalo in the last 19 meetings, including 13 straight wins since the Bills' 31-0 home victory over New England to open the 2003 campaign...Bills are 0-9 in New England since last winning there in 2000, and are 2-18 against Patriots during Bill Belichick era...Bills linebacker Paul Posluzsny (knee) a question mark to return to the lineup... Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (knee) expected to miss remainder of year...New England return man Brandon Tate has the NFL's lone kickoff return for a touchdown this season...Bills are last in league total offense (176 yards per game), passing offense (89 yards per game) and scoring offense (8.5 points per game)...Patriots have allowed a league-high-tying five touchdown passes through two weeks (Panthers), and have also allowed opponents to complete a league-high 4-of-4 fourth-down attempts...Bills are one of two teams without a takeaway through two weeks (Cowboys).

Fast Fact: The last Bills head coach to preside over a win in New England was current Cowboys head man Wade Phillips, who coached Buffalo to a 16-13 overtime win at Foxboro Stadium on Nov. 5th, 2000.

Atlanta (1-1) at New Orleans (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -4)

Storylines: Saints back on field after short week that followed thrilling 25-22 win at San Francisco on Monday night...Saints are 7-1 in their last eight matchups with the Falcons...Atlanta is 0-6 in New Orleans since last winning there in 2002...Saints running back Reggie Bush (broken fibula) to miss at least a month, and the team re-signed Ladell Betts earlier this week...Falcons lost running back Jerious Norwood (torn ACL) for the season earlier this week, and added ex-Giants running back Gartrell Johnson to take his roster spot... Atlanta wideout Roddy White is tied for the NFL lead in receptions (20) through two weeks...Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder)...Falcons are last in the NFL in yards allowed per carry (5.9) through two games...Saints are completing a league-best 74.3 percent of their passes through two weeks... Falcons are one of two NFL teams that have yet to allow a touchdown pass on the year (Ravens)...Saints are one of two NFL teams that have yet to commit a turnover in 2010 (Redskins).

Fast Fact: The last Falcons coach to win in New Orleans was Dan Reeves, who presided over a 37-35 win at the Saints on Oct. 27, 2002.

Tennessee (1-1) at N.Y. Giants (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Giants -3)

Storylines: Tennessee quarterback Vince Young expected to start despite being benched late in favor of Kerry Collins during last week's 19-11 home loss to the Steelers...Road opener for Titans, who started with a win over the Raiders (38-13) and the loss to Pittsburgh...Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was fined $10,000 by the league for tossing his helmet into the stands in last week's 38-14 loss to the Colts, but is expected to play against the Titans...Giants linebacker Keith Bulluck, who played for Titans from 2000 through 2009, faces former team for first time...Tennessee running back Chris Johnson had his streak of 100-yard games halted at 12 last week...Defensive end William Hayes (knee) expected to play after missing the season's first two games, but DE Jacob Ford (knee) a question mark...Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks leads the NFL in touchdown receptions (4)...Tennessee has coughed up an NFL- worst five fumbles and committed a league-high-tying eight turnovers through two weeks (Carolina)...Titans are No. 1 in league total defense (206.5 yards per game) and passing defense (85.5 yards per game) as they head into Week 3.

Fast Fact: The Giants' most recent win in the Titans/Oilers series was a 13-10 win in Houston on Nov. 21, 1994, which also marked Jeff Fisher's first game as a head coach after taking over 11 games into the season in place of Jack Pardee.

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Tampa Bay (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Pittsburgh -2.5)

Storylines: Either Charlie Batch or recently re-signed Byron Leftwich will start at QB for Steelers, who will be without Dennis Dixon (knee) and Ben Roethlisberger (suspension)...Steelers return to Tampa for first time since Feb. 1st, 2009, when they defeated the Cardinals there in Super Bowl XLIII... Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was a Bucs assistant from 2001 through 2005, with the final four of those seasons spent working on the same defensive staff as current Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris...Buccaneers last started 3-0 in 2005, when they won their first four en route to an 11-5 finish and a NFC South title...Steelers last started 3-0 in 2007, when they finished 10-6 and won the AFC North...Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Bucs CB Ronde' Barber each have interceptions in each of their teams' first two contests...Steelers are last in the NFL in offensive touchdowns (1) and third-down percentage (20.7), and are the only team in the league without a TD pass heading into Week 3...Steelers are No. 1 in NFL takeaways (8) and turnover margin (+6) and are tied for the league lead in scoring defense (10 points per game)...Tackle Max Starks (ankle) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring) could both return for Steelers.

Fast Fact: The Steelers have won seven of eight all-time meetings against the Buccaneers.

Philadelphia (1-1) at Jacksonville (1-1), Sunday, 4:05 (Philadelphia -3)

Storylines: Eagles made Michael Vick permanent starting quarterback on Tuesday despite this week's healthy return of Kevin Kolb (concussion)...Vick led 35-32 win at Lions last week, his first win as an NFL starter since 2006...Eagles return to Jacksonville for the first time since Feb. 6, 2005, when they lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX...Eagles were 28-27 winners when the Jaguars visited Philadelphia for an Aug. 13th preseason game...Philadelphia linebacker Stewart Bradley (concussion) expected to return after missing last week's contest...Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns (4) through two weeks, and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry... Philadelphia safety Nate Allen has interceptions in each of his first two games as a pro...Eagles offensive line has allowed an NFL-worst 12 sacks through the season's first two weeks...Philadelphia is last in league scoring defense (29.5 points per game) heading into Week 3...Jaguars placed return specialist Scotty McGee (shoulder) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and re- signed linebacker Jacob Cutera...Eagles released wide receiver Hank Baskett and signed running back Joique Bell.

Fast Fact: The Jaguars (3-0 against the Eagles all-time) are the only NFL team Philadelphia has never defeated.

Washington (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2), Sunday, 4:05 (Washington -3.5)

Storylines: Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford takes a third shot at his first win as an NFL starter...St. Louis has lost 14 consecutive home games since a win over Dallas on Oct. 19, 2008, which ties a dubious NFL record shared with the 1988-89 Cowboys...Rams have lost 10 straight since winning at the Lions last Nov. 1st, and are 6-44 over their last 50 games...Road opener for Redskins, who started '10 with a win over the Cowboys (13-7) and an overtime loss to the Texans (30-27)...Redskins DL Albert Haynesworth (ankle) was inactive last Sunday...Rams have lost 13 straight in September since a win over the Cardinals on Sept. 24, 2006, and with a loss will start 0-3 for a fourth consecutive year...Washington is one of two NFL teams that has yet to commit a turnover on the year (New Orleans)...Redskins are last in NFL rushing offense (53.5 yards per game) through two weeks...Washington is last in the league in total defense (453 yards per game) as well...Rams have forced a league-high-tying four lost fumbles on the year, along with the Steelers...Former Rams first-round pick and current Redskins DL Adam Carriker faces his former team.

Fast Fact: Since snapping their NFL-record 14-game home losing streak on Week 1 of the 1990 season (a mark now shared with the 2008-10 Rams), the Cowboys have registered a losing home mark just once (2000) in a 20-season span.

Oakland (1-1) at Arizona (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (Arizona -4.5)

Storylines: Home opener for Cardinals, who started with a win at the Rams (17-13) and blowout loss at the Falcons (41-7)...Derek Anderson to make his formal home debut as Cardinals starting QB...Bruce Gradkowski, who replaced the ineffective Jason Campbell in the second half of last week's 16-14 win over the Rams, could make his initial start of the year...Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (knee) and Raiders rusher Michael Bush (thumb) both considered questionable after missing their respective teams' first two games...Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour (hamstring) could return on Sunday...Oakland amassed more than 400 yards of total offense last week for the first time since 2005...Cardinals lead the NFL in yards per carry (6.8) through two weeks... Arizona signed ex-Browns pass rusher Alex Hall and released linebacker Cyril Obiozor earlier this week...Oakland guard Robert Gallery (hamstring) could miss a second straight week...Raiders waived rookie safety Stevie Brown on Tuesday after re-signing him to play against the Rams last Sunday.

Fast Fact: The Raiders are 2-0 in Arizona all-time and 3-0 in all road games against the Cardinals, including a 41-20 triumph when they last visited the desert in 2002.

Indianapolis (1-1) at Denver (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (Indianapolis -5.5)

Storylines: Broncos play first game since apparent suicide of wide receiver Kenny McKinley, who was found dead at his home on Monday...Denver snapped a five-game losing streak with last week's 31-14 win over the Seahawks...Newly- acquired running back Laurence Maroney (thigh) could make his Broncos debut this week after being inactive versus Seattle...Denver waived running back Lance Ball and re-signed RB Andre Brown earlier this week...Colts quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL in passing yards (688) and touchdown passes (6) through two weeks, and Indy is No. 1 in league passing offense (3345 yards per game) and touchdowns scored (8)...Broncos are last in the league in yards per carry (2.4) heading into Week 3...Colts are last in NFL rushing defense (188.5 yards per game)...Indianapolis wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (ankle), safety Bob Sanders (biceps) and linebacker Ramon Humber (hand) will all miss Week 3...Cornerbacks Champ Bailey (ankle) and Andre' Goodman (thigh) both question marks for Broncos heading into Sunday.

Fast Fact: Both of Broncos safety Brian Dawkins' interceptions during the 2009 season came off of the Colts' Peyton Manning in a 28-16 Indianapolis win last Dec. 13th.

San Diego (1-1) at Seattle (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (San Diego -5.5)

Storylines: Seahawks look to move to 2-0 at home under head coach Pete Carroll, who opened tenure with 31-6 win over 49ers in Week 1...Chargers, who were 38-13 winners over Jaguars in last week's home opener, seek better road performance than in 21-14 loss at Kansas City in Week 1...Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) left last week's game in the first half and is regarded as a question mark for Sunday...Mike Tolbert, who rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns last week, would likely serve as primary ball-carrier in Mathews' absence...Seattle first-round left tackle Russell Okung (ankle) will miss his third consecutive contest, with Tyler Polumbus again expected to start in his place...Seahawks will use Ben Hamilton at left guard in place of Mike Gibson...Seattle linebacker LeRoy Hill (calf) was injured last week after returning from a one-game NFL suspension...Chargers forced six turnovers in last week's win over the Jaguars, including two interceptions and a forced fumble for former first-round corner Antoine Cason.

Fast Fact: Chargers head coach Norv Turner is 0-3 in his career against the Seahawks, with all of the meetings dating back to his tenure with the Washington Redskins (1994-2000).

N.Y. Jets (1-1) at Miami (2-0), Sunday, 8:20 (Miami -2)

Storylines: Jets receiver Braylon Edwards expected to be in uniform despite DUI arrest on Tuesday morning...Longtime Dolphin Jason Taylor faces former team for the first time as a Jet...Dolphins own a one-game lead over Jets and Patriots in AFC East...Dolphins swept a home-and-home with the Jets last season, winning by scores of 31-27 and 30-25...Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring) not expected to play against Dolphins...Home opener for Dolphins, who began season with road wins over the Bills (15-10) and Vikings (14-10)...Road opener for Jets, who split first two against Ravens (10-9 loss) and Patriots (28-14 win)...Miami seeking first 3-0 start since 2002, when it finished 9-7... Dolphins waived tight end John Nalbone and return man Clifton Smith earlier this week, and promoted tight end Jeron Mastrud from the practice squad...Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie has interceptions in each of his first two games with the team...Dolphins are tied for the league lead in scoring defense (10 points per game) along with the Steelers...Jets are allowing opponents to convert a league-high 53.3 percent of third-down attempts.

Fast Fact: With a win on Sunday, the Dolphins will own their first four-game winning streak over the Jets since 1996-97.

Green Bay (2-0) at Chicago (2-0), Monday, 8:30 (Green Bay -3)

Storylines: Winner of 180th all-time battle between Packers and Bears will take over sole possession of first place in NFC North...Green Bay swept Chicago last season, sending the Packers to 21-15 and 21-14 losses...Chicago seeking its first 3-0 start since 2006, when it won its first seven en route to a 13-3 finish and eventual Super Bowl appearance...Green Bay seeking its first 3-0 start since 2007, when it won its first four en route to a 13-3 finish and eventual NFC Championship appearance...Bears quarterback Jay Cutler leads the NFL in passer rating (121.2) through two weeks...Packers pass rusher Clay Matthews has posted an NFL-best six sacks through the season's first two weeks, and Green Bay has been credited with an NFL-high-tying 10 sacks...Bears lead the NFL in rushing defense (28.0 yards per game) and yards allowed per carry (1.4) heading into Week 3...Green Bay expected to start rookie Bryan Bulaga at left tackle in place of the injured and struggling Chad Clifton (knees)...Bears left tackle Frank Omiyale could start in place of the ailing Chris Williams (hamstring)...Chicago is 4-1 on Monday night under head coach Lovie Smith.

Fast Fact: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is 0-3 with four touchdown passes and six interceptions in his career against the Packers.