*** = BANNON’S BEST GAMES
MATCHUP: BEARS (0-1) AT PACKERS (1-0)
Noon Sunday
TV/Radio: WFLD-Ch. 32, WBBM-AM 780
Line: Packers by 8 1/2
Last meeting: Packers won 34-21 at Green Bay on Dec. 7, 2003.
KEY STAT: Packers have beaten Bears seven straight times.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Will David Terrell repeat his 126-yard receiving day in opener?
THE BUZZ: Will the Packers give ball to Ahman Green 33 times as they did in their opener? Lovie Smith has made beating Packers a priority, but with Brett Favre around, it’s never easy. Defense must get several turnovers for Bears to have chance.
THE PICK: Packers 27 Bears 17
MATCHUP: RAMS (1-0) AT FALCONS (1-0)
More Top Picks Asus Tuf A16 Review
Noon Sunday
Line: Falcons by 2 1/2
Last meeting: Rams won 36-0 at St. Louis on Oct. 13, 2003.
KEY STAT: Rams have won last seven vs. Falcons.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: In last year’s win over Falcons, Torry Holt had 11 catches for 161 yards and two TDs. Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler led Falcons with six catches, one for TD, in their opening win over 49ers.
THE BUZZ: After an opening-day win over lowly San Francisco, Jim Mora brings his Falcons home for bigger challenge. They’ll have trouble with Holt and 1-2 rushing combination of Marshall Faulk and rookie Steven Jackson.
THE PICK: Rams 24 Falcons 20
MATCHUP: STEELERS (1-0) AT RAVENS (0-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Ravens by 4
Last meeting: Ravens won 13-10 in OT at Baltimore on Dec. 28, 2003.
KEY STAT: Steelers had won four straight vs. Ravens until their last meeting.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Steelers’ Hines Ward has had at least four receptions in 17 of his last 18 games, including seven in opener. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has one interception in each of his last two games vs. Steelers.
THE BUZZ: Ravens have serious problems on offense, which was clear in their opening loss at Cleveland. But playing at home, they should be able to control game with running of Jamal Lewis.
THE PICK: Ravens 20 Steelers 14
MATCHUP: TEXANS (0-1) AT LIONS (1-0)
Noon Sunday
Line: Lions by 3
Last meeting: This is their first meeting.
KEY STAT: Lions were 5-3 at home in ’03.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Lions’ rookie receiver Roy Williams will make big plays all season. Texans’ Domanick Davis has rushed for five TDs in his last three games but fumbled twice in opener.
THE BUZZ: Lions might be reeling after losing receiver Charles Rogers for season and cornerback Dre’ Bly for couple of weeks. But can Texans win on road?
THE PICK: Lions 17 Texans 16
*** MATCHUP: BRONCOS (1-0) AT JAGUARS (1-0)
Noon Sunday
Line: Broncos by 3
Last meeting: Jaguars won 27-24 at Jacksonville on Dec. 13, 1999.
KEY STAT: Jaguars are going for their fifth 2-0 start in seven seasons.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Starting running back Quentin Griffin rushed for 156 yards and two TDs in Denver’s opening victory. Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich struggled in opener but has won four of his last six starts.
THE BUZZ: It’s a big chance for Jaguars to prove they can contend for playoff spot, and Broncos could be ripe for a letdown after opening win over Chiefs. Jaguars know how to stop run, but their offense remains suspect.
THE PICK: Broncos 24 Jaguars 20
*** MATCHUP: PANTHERS (0-1) AT CHIEFS (0-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Chiefs by 6
Last meeting: Chiefs won 15-14 at Kansas City on Dec. 10, 2000.
KEY STAT: Chiefs have won 13 straight regular-season home games, by average of 19.1 points.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Chiefs’ Priest Holmes, who has rushed for TD in 25 of his last 29 games, already has three rushing scores this season. Panthers need big game from Stephen Davis, who was held to 26 yards in their opening loss to Packers.
THE BUZZ: Both 2003 playoff teams opened up with tough schedules, but it’s Panthers who will start 0-2. Loss to Green Bay revealed problems in their rebuilt offensive line, and Arrowhead is no place to get well.
THE PICK: Chiefs 27 Panthers 17
MATCHUP: 49ERS (0-1) AT SAINTS (0-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Saints by 7
Last meeting: Saints won 35-27 at New Orleans on Oct. 20, 2002.
KEY STAT: Saints have won four of last six meetings.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Ken Dorsey, seventh-round pick from Miami in 2003, makes his first start for 49ers. Saints’ Deuce McAllister has been held to 80 rushing yards or less in his last five regular-season games.
THE BUZZ: Tim Rattay’s separated shoulder gives Dorsey chance to prove that his 38-2 record as starter at Miami means something. His arm strength has always been questioned, and look for Saints to take advantage.
THE PICK: Saints 24 49ers 13
MATCHUP: REDSKINS (1-0) AT GIANTS (0-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Redskins by 3
Last meeting: Redskins won 20-7 at New York on Dec. 7, 2003.
KEY STAT: Giants have lost nine straight regular-season games.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Tiki Barber accounted for 200 yards (125 rushing, 75 receiving) in Giants’ opener. Redskins’ Clinton Portis could have his second straight 100-yard game against this defense.
THE BUZZ: Giants have plenty of problems on offense, and Redskins’ defense got off to fast start, holding Tampa Bay without touchdown last week. Giants are at home, but it won’t help.
THE PICK: Redskins 20 Giants 13
*** MATCHUP: COLTS (0-1) AT TITANS (1-0)
Noon Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
More Top Picks Grow Lights
Line: Titans by 1
Last meeting: Colts won 29-27 at Tennessee on Dec. 7, 2003.
KEY STAT: Colts won both meetings last season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Steve McNair has completed 67.3 percent of his passes with five TDs and zero interceptions in four starts vs. Indianapolis. Colts’ Marvin Harrison had 10 catches for 124 yards in his last game vs. Tennessee.
THE BUZZ: Brutal opening schedule continues for Colts. Peyton Manning and Harrison are keys, although Colts must control ball to keep it away from McNair, last year’s co-MVP with Manning.
THE PICK: Colts 27 Titans 21
MATCHUP: SEAHAWKS (1-0) AT BUCS (0-1)
3:05 p.m. Sunday
Line: Seahawks by 3
Last meeting: Bucs won 16-3 at Seattle on Nov. 28, 1999.
KEY STAT: Seahawks are going for their first 2-0 record after two road games since 1994.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Bucs rookie Michael Clayton, who had seven catches in opener, takes on larger role because of injuries. Seahawks’ top receiver is Darrell Jackson, who has 27 TD catches in four seasons.
THE BUZZ: Their opening win at New Orleans indicates Seahawks may be shaking their reputation as poor road team. If running back Shaun Alexander’s knee is OK, Seahawks should roll.
THE PICK: Seahawks 21 Bucs 20
MATCHUP: PATRIOTS (1-0) AT CARDINALS (0-1)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: Patriots by 8
Last meeting: Patriots won 27-3 at Arizona on Oct. 31, 1999.
KEY STAT: Patriots have won 16 straight games, two short of NFL record held by five teams.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Patriots’ Corey Dillon delivered on his early promise with 86 yards (5.7 per carry) in opener. Emmitt Smith may still have something left. He rushed for 87 yards (5.4 per carry) in Cardinals’ loss to Rams.
THE BUZZ: Patriots are well-rested after their opening win over Colts last Thursday night. Cardinals have to prove they can generate a passing offense with Josh McCown in charge.
THE PICK: Patriots 30 Cardinals 20
MATCHUP: BROWNS (0-1) AT COWBOYS (0-1)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Cowboys by 4 1/2
Last meeting: First meeting since Browns rejoined NFL as expansion team in 1999.
KEY STAT: Cowboys were 6-2 at home in 2003.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Jeff Garcia showed he still knows how to win, engineering upset of Ravens last week with 15-for-24 passing day. Antonio Bryant is emerging as leader of Cowboys’ offense after eight-catch, 112-yard showing in opener.
THE BUZZ: Cowboys QB Vinny Testaverde had solid opening day and should lead way to home-opening win. Browns beat Ravens, but are they good enough to pull off two straight upsets?
THE PICK: Cowboys 23 Browns 17
MATCHUP: BILLS (0-1) AT RAIDERS (0-1)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: Raiders by 3 1/2
Last meeting: Raiders won 49-31 at Buffalo on Oct. 6, 2002.
KEY STAT: Bills were 2-6 on road in 2003.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Bills’ Drew Bledsoe threw for 417 yards against Raiders two years ago. Rich Gannon threw for 357 yards and three TDs in that game.
THE BUZZ: Both teams endured last-minute losses in their openers, and Raiders are better equipped to cope.
THE PICK: Raiders 24 Bills 17
MATCHUP: JETS (1-0) AT CHARGERS (1-0)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: Jets by 8
Last meeting: Jets won 44-13 at San Diego on Nov. 3, 2002.
KEY STAT: Jets were 2-6 on road in 2003.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Can Curtis Martin keep this up-29 carries for 196 yards at age 31? Can Drew Brees (17-for-24, 2TDs) play well a second straight week?
THE BUZZ: Chargers are encouraged after starting season with win at Houston, and now they can turn LaDainian Tomlinson loose against mediocre defense.
THE PICK: Chargers 30 Jets 24
MATCHUP: DOLPHINS (0-1) AT BENGALS (0-1)
7:30 p.m. Sunday
TV/Radio: ESPN, WSCR-AM 670
Line: Bengals by 5
Last meeting: Dolphins won 31-16 at Cincinnati on Oct. 1, 2000.
KEY STAT: Dolphins have won all nine meetings in last 27 years.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: QB A.J. Feeley gets his first start for Dolphins. In his last five home games, Bengals’ Rudi Johnson has averaged 134.8 yards rushing and scored seven TDs.
THE BUZZ: Carson Palmer’s promising debut last week, rare national TV appearance for Bengals, and Dolphins’ myriad problems all add up to Cincinnati win.
THE PICK: Bengals 20 Dolphins 12
GAME of the WEEK
*** MATCHUP: VIKINGS (1-0) AT EAGLES (1-0)
More Top Picks Best Left Hand Microwaves
8 p.m. Monday
TV/Radio: WLS-Ch, 7, WSCR-AM 670
Line: Eagles by 3
Last meeting: Eagles won 48-17 at Philadelphia on Nov. 11, 2001.
KEY STAT: Eagles are 6-1 on Monday nights under coach Andy Reid.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Quarterbacks, who combined for nine TD passes and zero interceptions last week: Five for Vikings’ Daunte Culpepper, four for Eagles’ Donovan McNabb. They are legitimate MVP candidates.
THE BUZZ: It won’t be good night to be defensive back, with Culpepper aiming for Randy Moss and McNabb searching for Terrell Owens, who caught three TD passes in his Eagles debut.
THE PICK: Eagles 28 Vikings 24