Prediction: Jets 17, Redskins 23

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm EST
This is grudge match #2 on the docket for the NFL in Week 1. Drew Bledsoe faces his old team that cast him off for QB Tom Brady. The Patriots, just to add fuel to the story, released veteran CB Lawyer Milloy this week, who was quickly picked up by none other than the Buffalo Bills. "Hey Lawyer, here's your first paycheck and make sure you bring that Patriots play book to practice tomorrow." Buffalo presents many problems for the Patriots with or without inside information. Although the Patriots made great improvements on the defensive line this off-season, they have become weak in the defensive secondary. This plays right into the pass-happy offense of the Bills. Bledsoe has a stable of great WR's to target: Pro Bowler Eric Moulds, up and comer Josh Reed, and the upstart Bobby Shaw. These guys' roaming the field does not make things easy for the Patriots defense. Along with these weapons, RB Travis Henry is not only a solid runner but has great hands out of the backfield. Look for Bledsoe to spread the wealth and create chaos for the Patriots trying to cover every possible target.

On offense, the Patriots are not great but are not horrible either. The passing game is solid. Led by QB Tom Brady, the air attack can be accomplished using WR's Troy Brown, Deion Branch, and David Patten. All are great receivers with great hands and the speed to match. However, the running game is non-existent in New England this year. It appears veteran RB Antowain Smith may be replaced by Kevin Faulk. Faulk has shown potential in the backfield for the Patriots in the past, but is not considered a dangerous threat. He is not a breakout runner with great speed. He can crunch between the tackles, but he won't win too many games on his own. To make things difficult, the Buffalo defense is possibly the most improved unit in all of football this year. The acquisitions of LB's Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey provide both solid run stopping ability as well as great speed to pressure the QB. The defensive backs are not as solid as the front unit but they are respectable. Look for this newly revamped defense to make a statement to the rest of the NFL by attacking the Patriots and forcing Tom Brady to use his arm. Advantage Bills. Bledsoe will provide too much offense for the Patriots to combat, the Bills defense will give the Pats headaches, and it will all be too much for the Pats to handle.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Drew Bledsoe, Eric Moulds, Buffalo Defense, Rian Lindell, Tom Brady

2nd String: Josh Reed, Bobby Shaw, Travis Henry, Patriots Defense, Troy Brown, Adam Vinatieri, Daniel Graham, Dave Moore

Prediction: Patriots 20, Buffalo 32

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 pm EST
Remember this game last season? Let me remind you: Corey Dillon ran for 278 yards (a single game NFL record) and the Bengals surprised the Broncos with a win. Could it happen again? It's possible. Dillon is not only the same guy, but the Bengals are now lead by new coach Marvin Lewis. Lewis has made no bones about it: he likes to run the ball! Also, the Bengals passing game has improved dramatically. Jon Kitna looked great at the end of last year and, along with WR Chad Johnson, gives Cincy a well-rounded offensive attack. Denver's defense is very suspect: they were sub par last season and did little to change this season. It is the obvious chink in Denver's armor. Look for the Bengals to come out running and keep the Broncos honest with a solid passing game.

It is no secret the coach Marvin Lewis is known as a defensive mastermind. However, though his strategy and mind make the Bengals better defensive team, they have very little talent to execute this plan right now. The Broncos do have a good looking offense. New QB Jake Plummer looks great in Broncos' Blue and Orange: he has a strong arm and a great corps of receivers to use. NFL fans are familiar with Pro Bowlers Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey. Second year receiver Ashlie Lelie looks poised to make his mark as a true NFL threat this season. To make Denver especially potent, the running game is at full strength as second year RB Clinton Portis looks to improve on last year's phenom numbers. He is a solid runner and presents the Bengals with their biggest problem on defense. The Broncos will run Portis early and often, then open up the skies for Plummer to carry the game away. The Bengals offense should keep the game close, but the Broncos will pull this one out.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Clinton Portis, Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson, Ashlie Lelie, Jason Elam, Shannon Sharpe

2nd String: Jake Plummer, Jon Kitna, Broncos Defense, Rod Smith

Prediction: Broncos 27, Bengals 20

Indy Colts @ Cleveland Browns, 1:00 pm EST
The Colts are hoping to start this new season on a good note. So are the Browns. Both teams come in with high hopes and good squads to chase them. Indy's offense is the same, strong unit you all know and love: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Edgerrin James. The big difference: James is 100% to start the season. Last time Edge was 100% he led the league in rushing. Look for more of the same from the Indy running man. Cleveland's defense is very lack luster: they start 3 brand new LB's this year. To say the Browns' defense lacks in experience is a vast understatement. It will be the Achilles' heal for the Browns not only in this game but all season. Marvin and Peyton should have little problem playing long range catch all day. Edge should make a statement with this game and show the league he's back with a vengeance. On offense, the Colts will role in this game.

The torch carriers for the Browns this year are QB Kelly Holcomb and RB William Green. In his rookie year last season, Green started the year very poorly but came on strong to end the year and solidify his role as the starting RB. Holcomb was just recently named to the starting role at QB over former #1 pick Tim Couch. It seems this is the move that the team and Browns' fans wanted. Holcomb was amazing in his appearances last season and if he can produce similar performances this year he will keep the Browns competitive. With great young receivers like Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis, and Dennis Northcutt, the Browns should keep this and every game fairly close. However, the Colts defense is improved and Holcomb may find trouble getting settled when phenom DE Dwight Freeney is living in his pocket. The Indy offense will be too much for this inexperienced defense. The Indy defense will keep Holcomb in check for most of the game. The Colts will just be too much for this Browns team in Week 1.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Colts Defense, Kelly Holcomb

2nd String: William Green, Reggie Wayne, Mike Vanderjagt, Phil Dawson, Quincy Morgan, Dallas Clark

Prediction: Colts 27, Browns 19

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 pm EST
Welcome to Priest Holmes versus LaDainian Tomlinson. This will be one of the best running battles of the year. The only thing that may change that is the defensive units. Kansas City is loaded with great young talent on defense that many are pointing to bring this team to big wins this year. The Chargers also have great young talent on defense, but is not as highly touted as the Chiefs squad. One thing is for sure: these teams are going to run the ball. Both Holmes and Tomlinson are favorites to vie for the MVP award this season. Holmes has been the league's best RB for 2 years now and looks to pick up right were he left off before a hip injury ended his season last year. Often overlooked is the improvement QB Trent Green has shown. He has been solid as the leader of this offense and has the ability to make a group of little known WR's (Marc Boerigter, Eddie Kennison, Jonnie Morton) look like all stars. Don't forget the NFL's top TE Tony Gonzalez: he's as big as a WR and as strong as a LB and can hurt teams quickly. Green's a great QB that few talk about and that may change this year. If the Chargers defense slips, the Chiefs can hurt them either running or passing.

The Chargers' offense looks to improve on last season as it started to move forward with a new youth movement. Led by young QB Drew Brees, they added big WR David Boston to the squad and he has immediately become an offensive threat. Second year WR Reche Caldwell also provides Brees with a great deep threat with surprising speed. The passing game is improved, but if the Chargers are going to beat you it is likely to be done by RB LaDainian Tomlinson. This young RB has got the full package: speed, power, breakaway acceleration, vision, and great hands. He does it all. If the Bolts are going to win this or any other game, the Tomlinson has to have a big game. The Bolts will run the ball, then run it some more, and then run it again. If the Chiefs' defense does not perform up to its potential and Tomlinson can put up his numbers, the Chargers may surprise with a Week 1 win on the road.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: LaDainian Tomlinson, David Boston, Priest Holmes, Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez

2nd String: Drew Brees, Reche Caldwell, Marc Boerigter, both Defenses, Morten Anderson, Eddie Kennison

Prediction: Chargers 20, Chiefs 17

Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins, 1:00 pm EST
The Texans started their premier season last year with a big win over the interstate "rival" Dallas Cowboys. That is not likely to happen this year. Miami is a powerhouse team this year. Led on offense by RB Ricky Williams, the Fins will just be too much for the Texans. It's that simple: Ricky Williams, all day. He's easily the best fantasy start for Week 1. The Texans defense is respectable but is just not going to be able to handle a heavy dose of this big running game. Miami can do it in the air as well. QB Jay Fiedler will get the start over injured Brian Griese. He has a solid game and a great target in WR Chris Chambers. This is just enough passing to keep the Texans honest and give Ricky all the rest he will need to carry the Dolphins to a win.

If the offense couldn't do it, the Miami's defense could. They were a top defensive unit last season that added Pro Bowler Junior Seau in this off-season. Led by defensive stud DE Jason Taylor, the Fins will be all over Houston QB David Carr. In his second year, Carr is on his way to being a solid NFL QB. With help from rookie WR Andre Johnson and second year WR Jabbar Gaffney, as well as the newly added RB Stacey Mack, the Texans will surprise some teams this year and should keep most games respectable. However, this game is a no brainer. Miami hopes to make a run at the Super Bowl and it all starts with a big win in Week 1.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Ricky Williams, Randy McMichael, Miami Defense, Olindo Mare

2nd String: Jay Fiedler, Dave Carr, Andre Johnson, Chris Chambers, Stacey Mack, Kris Brown, Billy Miller

Prediction: Texans 10, Dolphins 24

St. Louis Rams @ NY Giants, 1:00 pm EST
The Rams are back with the shake and bake pass-happy attack led by Marshall Faulk. Kurt Warner appears to be in full health and throwing the ball well. It appears the Rams are ready to make a run at the Bowl again. Unfortunately, they start the year on the road against a very strong Giants team. The Giants defense is solid, led by Michael Strahan. They will cause problems for the Rams that may surprise many who watch. Keeping the passing game in check is key, though Faulk can hurt you in so many ways. However, the Giants should be able to keep the Rams to a low number of big plays and they will have to work for every yard they gain.

On offense, the Giants look to be fairly strong. Tiki Barber who is capable of big plays and will keep the Rams defense honest leads the running game. The real power of the Giants offense is the passing game. QB Kerry Collins, though inconsistent at times, is capable of putting up big numbers and has a great stable of WR's and a strong TE to play with. TE Jeremy Shockey is considered the biggest threat and can put a dent in anybody. However, the biggest player on the field for the Giants is WR Amani Toomer. He often goes unnoticed but consistently puts up big game after big game. Along with veteran WR Ike Hilliard and young speedster Ron Dixon, the Giants passing game could be as powerful as the attack in St. Louis. If the Giants are going to achieve their goals this year, this first home game is key. Look for the Giants to key on Faulk and attack the lack luster defense of the Rams. It will be a high scoring affair and the Giants could eek out the win.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Marshall Faulk, Amani Toomer, Kurt Warner, Jeremy Shockey, Giants Defense

2nd String: Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Tiki Barber, Kerry Collins, Ike Hilliard, Rams Defense, Jeff Wilkens, Matt Bryant, Brandon Manumeleuna

Prediction: Rams 23, Giants 25

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 pm EST
The Ravens look to be a defensive bully in the NFL again this season. Led by LB Ray Lewis, probably the best defensive player in the game, the Ravens will use the same strategy that carried them to a Super Bowl win this year: we may not score a lot, but neither will you. The offensive side of the ball is solid but not nearly as powerful as the defense. It looks like rookie QB Kyle Boller will get the starting gig. Rookie QB's rarely, if ever, performed well in their first season much less their first game. The Steelers' defense is strong and quick and will give Boller all he can handle. The Ravens will have to lean on the running game of Jamal Lewis to move the chains. Lewis is a great runner that has struggled with injuries in the last season but comes into this season at 100%. Lewis can provide the offense with enough punch to win defensive struggles.

The Steelers are a mystery this year. One thing is for certain: they have great receivers. Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward, and Antowain El Randle may be the best trio of WR's in the NFL this year. The concern is both at QB and RB. Tommy Maddox has shown he can carry the load at QB, but he is also very vulnerable to head injuries and struggles to perform at times. At RB, the Steelers are going to sit veteran Jerome "The Bus" Bettis and go with a similar but younger Amos Zeroue as the starter. To be honest, it's not much of a change except Zeroue has more stamina as the Bus is not getting any younger. Look for the same offensive attack that has been prevalent in Pittsburgh for the last few seasons: a heavy dose of running and a strong passing attack with plenty of big play capabilities. The Ravens' D may prove to be too much for Maddox in this game. The offensive line in Pittsburgh is solid but not overwhelming. Look for the Ravens to win this game with defensive pressure and creating turnovers. This is the kind of game that could be decided by a kicker.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Jamal Lewis, Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward, Todd Heap, Matt Stover, Ravens Defense

2nd String: Steelers Defense, Kyle Boller, Tommy Maddox, Amos Zeroue, Travis Taylor, Jay Riemersma, Jeff Reed

Prediction: Ravens 20, Pittsburgh 17

Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions, 1:00 pm EST
This is not going to be the most watched game in Week 1. Both of these teams are going to struggle for wins this season, especially Arizona. Arizona may be the worst team in the NFL this year. On defense, they are just plain horrible. They do not have any big playmakers, they cannot cover the receivers consistently, and they lack a true leader of any kind. On offense, they are led by veteran QB Jeff Blake and RB Emmitt Smith. Although these guys are great players, they are far from their glory years. They provide the Cardinals with some punch and a great leadership group for the large amount of youth on this team. Look for the Cards to start two rookies at WR this season, the strongest being Bryant Johnson. Blake and Johnson could find some success and keep Arizona interesting at times.

The Lions are an improved team. Under new coach Steve Marriucci, the team has a strong passing attack. Young quarterbacks tend to perform well under the tutelage of Mucci. QB Joey Harrington has already shown he's a great NFL talent and will be a great NFL player. He has a rocket for an arm and has amazing accuracy. Loaded with new rookie WR Charles Rogers, the Lions will be exciting at times. The loss of starting RB James Stewart in the preseason is a blow, but he was quickly replaced with a trade for ex-Denver Bronco and former rookie of the year candidate Olandis Gary. Gary is still unproven as a starter, but he provides the Lions with a solid option at RB. The Lions have the definite edge at the coaching spot and the offense will be ok. The Lions defense, though not great, will be good enough to win this game.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Charles Rogers, Joey Harrington, Jeff Blake, Mikhael Ricks

2nd String: Emmitt Smith, Olandis Gary, Bryant Johnson, Jason Hanson, both Defenses

Prediction: Cards 14, Detroit 24

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers, 1:00 pm EST
The Viking and the Packers will be a very interesting game. The Vikes look to be a strong offensive power. With QB horse Daunte Culpepper and WR Randy Moss, the Vikes can score often and from anywhere on the field. However, the running game was knocked down several notches with the loss of Michael Bennett in the off-season to a broken foot. It looks like the running back by committee plan will be in effect for the Vikes and this always leaves teams under suspicion. It is tough for a team to keep defenses honest with a rotating RB corps. The Packers defense may be strong, but it may be hurting from several injuries. The Vikes could provide enough passing offense to keep this game very tight.

The Vikes' defense is another story. They have a couple of players, noticeably LB Chris Hovan. However, to say this is a point of concern for the Vikes is an understatement. They are very weak on defense and teams, like Green Bay, with solid running attacks and passing games to match will give the Vikings lots of problems. Packer RB Ahman Green gives the Pack the edge. He's a great RB and will give the Vikes' D all it can handle. You mix in veteran QB Brett Favre and WR's Donald Driver and Javon Walker and it is just too much offense for the Vikings to handle in Week 1.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Randy Moss, Daunte Culpepper, Ahman Green, Donald Driver, Bubba Franks, Packers Defense, Ryan Longwell

2nd String: Brett Favre, Javon Walker, Minnesota Defense, Onterrio Smith

Prediction: Vikes 20, Packers 28

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 pm EST
Veteran RB Fred Taylor comes into the season unusually healthy and TE Kyle Brady has become a solid offensive player. However, the WR corps of the Jags is lame at best. Veteran Jimmy Smith will start the season under suspension for failing a drug test (his 2nd such incident) and the Jags lack a strong 2nd option for Brunell to target. The Panthers' defense will create massive problems for the Jags offensive line and will give Brunell a full dose of pressure for his welcoming gift. Two words for Jaguar fans to watch for: Julius Peppers.

The Panthers may be kicking the NFL ceiling on the defensive side of the ball. The offense is not as solid. Ultra-veteran QB Rodney Peete gets the start again over newcomer Jake Delhomme. Both are capable QB's and give the Panthers a solid passing threat. The main WR's for the Panthers will be Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammed. Smith's career has been riddled with personal problems and conflicts with teammates. If he can concentrate on football, he's a good receiver and along with Muhammed can provide adequate receiving. The running game has been bolstered by the addition of proven veteran Stephen Davis. Davis is a strong runner that could find success against a tough Jaguar defense. He specializes at running between the tackles and making the most of his size and strength. The Panthers will hand the ball to Davis and ask him to carry the offensive load often. In this match up, Davis will be capable of rising to the challenge and should lead the Panthers to a Week 1 victory.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Stephen Davis, Fred Taylor, Panthers Defense, John Kasay

2nd String: Rodney Peete, Steve Smith, Mushin Muhammed, Kyle Brady

Prediction: Jags 9, Panthers 21

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 pm EST
The 49ers are a team that thrives on the talent of Terrell Owens. Owens has established himself as the top receiver in the NFL and will be looking to remind us all of that, starting in Game 1. The Bears defense isn't bad, but it isn't all that good either. To say that Owens could have a big game would be an understatement. Niner fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when QB Jeff Garcia performed well in the last two preseason games, despite the news of spastic back problems that held him out of earlier preseason games. Garcia and Owens alone make the 49ers a contender to beat any team in the league.

For the Bears, QB Kordell Stewart will make his debut with his new team. The move to acquire Stewart has been regarded by many as money poorly spent. The Bears have a great stable of receivers, including Pro Bowler Marty Booker, Dez White, David Terrell, and rookie Justin Gage. However, the ability of Stewart to utilize these weapons is, at best, questionable. The running game is the same in Chicago as RB Anthony Thomas enters his third year in hopes of finding better productivity as he did in his rookie season. He will share carries with Adrian Peterson for some time until he either proves he can carry the load or losses the job all together. The 49ers are not a defensive powerhouse. They are an average collection of veterans and youth that has yet to show they can function well as a unit. Despite the lack of success by the Niners defense, they will not be challenged sufficiently by the Bears.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Terrell Owens, Jeff Garcia, Marty Booker

2nd String: Garrison Hearst, Kevan Barlow, Tai Streets, Kordell Stewart, Anthony Thomas, Adrian Peterson, David Terrell, Bears Defense, Jeff Chandler, Desmond Clark

Prediction: Bears 13, 49ers 27

New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks, 4: 15 pm EST
The Saints are a team of intrigue this season. They seem to be loaded on offense. With QB Aaron Brooks providing a strong and accurate arm and great ability to run, with RB Deuce McAllister showing his abilities and getting stronger with every game, and with WR Joe Horn running his receptions twice as fast as his mouth (and that's fast), the Saints look like an offensive juggernaut. However, this team has shown in the past that they can often underachieve. This season may be the make or break season for this unit: if they cannot find success this year the team could be broken up and the Saints may look to rebuild. The Seahawks provide a formidable test in Week 1. They are solid on defense and are picked by many to be a great prospect to win their division. The Saints offense versus the Seahawks defense is almost too close to call, but if the Saints playmakers can play to their potential they will win this war.

On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks come into the year with a new, high powered offense led by QB Matt Hasselback. After early season struggles last year, Hasselback finished strong. He has developed a strong chemistry with WR phenom Koren Robinson. These two, along with talented WR Darrell Jackson, have turned the Hawks into a pass-orientated offense. Added with the talents of RB Shaun Alexander, a back that can put up big gains in the blink of an eye and seems to be blessed with field vision beyond comprehension, the Seattle offense looks ripe for a big win in Week 1. All this offense combined means a high scoring affair that could be decided by both turnovers and kickers.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Deuce McAllister, Shaun Alexander, Joe Horn, Aaron Brooks, Koren Robinson, John Carney

2nd String: Matt Hasselback, Donte Stallworth, Darrell Jackson, Jerramy Stevens, Seahawks Defense

Prediction: Saints 21, Seattle 23

Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys, 4:15 pm EST
Well, this was supposed to be the season of Mike Vick. So much for that! Despite the loss of the phenom QB, the Falcons are still a team that can do some damage. Backup QB Doug Johnson is not nicknamed "Sling" for nothing. He will surprise many with his arm strength and accuracy. With weapons like WR's Peerless Price and Trevor Gaylor, as well as TE Alge Crumpler, Johnson should find a groove with this team and help lead the offense to good scoring potentials. The Dallas defense is the strong suit of Bill Parcells' new team. This defense is stocked with great young talent, including DB's Roy Williams and Derek Ross. The defense will not blow you away, but it will help keep the Cowboys competitive. The key to this game for Atlanta's offense may be the running game of Warrick Dunn. If Dunn can use his moves to gain yards for the Falcons, the Dirty Birds could look almost like the Birds under Vick (well, maybe not that exciting, but at least productive).

Dallas' offense is in disarray. After flopping QB's in the middle of the season last year, Parcells has decided to give Quincy Carter the starting QB job again. Despite great talent at WR (Antonio Bryant, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn), the abilities of Carter will be under intense scrutiny. At RB, the situation looks to be even worse. Troy Hambrick will get the bulk of the carries. However, if he fails to produce yards (as he has failed to do in his previous opportunities), it will become a backfield by committee, and these types of running attacks rarely work effectively. The Falcons should win this opener, but it may be tougher than expected.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Peerless Price, Warrick Dunn, Antonio Bryant, Alge Crumpler, Jay Feely

2nd String: Doug Johnson, Quincy Carter, TJ Duckett, Troy Hambrick, Joey Galloway, Jason Whitten, Atlanta Defense

Prediction: Falcons 20, Dallas 17

Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans, 8:30 pm EST
The Oakland Raiders made it to the big dance last year and have hopes of the same this season. Led by veteran Pro Bowl QB Rich Gannon, the Raiders will pass the ball all day long. Future WR Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown grad a lot of the attention, but watch out for WR Jerry Porter. He made the most of his games last year and is poised to become weapon #1. The Titans D is hoping to return to prominence this season. They will have their hands full in the season opener this year. Led by a healthy Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter, the Titans D will not have such an easy time with the Raiders' running game either. RB Charlie Garner may be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. He's a great runner with surprising speed and strength. This offensive culmination may prove to be a little too much for the defensive powers of the Titans.

For Tennessee, the offense looks healthy and ready to roll. The Titans made virtually no changes in the off season, so look for the same game plan that Titan fans have grown accustomed to: QB Steve McNair running crazy and airing it out to Derrick Mason, RB Eddie George trouncing all over the field, and potential star Drew Bennett will get an opportunity to show his abilities. That may prove to be tough against a Raiders defensive backfield that is solid. McNair can make things happen, but it won't be easy. This game could turn into a touchdown festival with the winner being the lucky recipient of an untimely turnover. This is a great match up for the first Sunday night game of the year!

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Rich Gannon, Jerry Porter, Eddie George, Steve McNair, Derrick Mason

2nd String: Charlie Garner, Drew Bennett, Doug Jolley, Titans Defense, Sebastian Janikowski

Prediction: Raiders 27, Titans 23

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sept.8, 9:00 pm EST
The defending Super Bowl Champs get to relive what was probably their toughest game on their way to the Bowl last year. The Eagles are a tough squad and gave the Bucs all they could handle last year. Not much has changed this season. The Bucs are lead by a defense that could rival the great defenses of all time. Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Ronde Barber, John Lynch: it's a lineup that is hard to crack. Phillies superstar QB Donovan McNabb did find good success against this defense last year, but he was the only Eagles player capable of such playmaking. The Eagles are in a similar situation again this year. It is hard to find another player on the team that compliments McNabb suitably. WR Todd Pinkston is the main candidate. RB Duce Staley is finally back with the team, but his late arrival makes it hard to put him in as the starter. Look for RB Correll Buckhalter to get the start. It is hard to know what to expect from Buckhalter: he is a great talent but is coming off injury and may not be playing at 100%. Besides, whether at 100% or not, you do not run against Tampa.

This game is may come down to turnovers, just like the match up last year. However, unlike last year, McNabb may be able to take his team over the hump this year. He almost did it last year. If any of the other players on the Eagles can make a good contribution then the edge will go to the Eagles. Tampa may be able to play defense, but playing offense is another story. QB Brad Johnson is a good leader, but the lack of production of the other players, namely WR Keyshawn Johnson and RB Michael Pittman, has made the offense in Tampa less then impressive. Coach Jon Gruden did add RB Thomas Jones in the off-season. Jones could be the answer to a more productive running game if he can put his personal conflicts and problems behind him and just play football. However, without anything positive to look at as an example, the Eagles' offensive edge should push them past the Bucs in the opening Monday night game of the season.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Donovan McNabb, Tampa Bay Defense, David Akers

2nd String: Keyshawn Johnson, Todd Pinkston, Correll Buckhalter, Thomas Jones, Michael Pittman, Chad Lewis, Philly Defense, Martin Gramatica

Prediction: Bucs 17, Eagles 20