Line of Scrimmage: Week 1 - Strahan Had the Right Idea

By Tony Moss Sep 5, 2007, 1:18 GMT

Philadelphia, PA - After suffering through the drudgery of writing 65 preseason game previews during the month of August, I have arrived at a decision.

I'm taking the preseason off next year.

It's hard work, after all, trying to dream up interesting things to write about Craphonso Thorpe and Sage Rosenfels, and researching the last time the Chiefs went winless in the preseason (it was way back in 2005, remember?).

In my fourth year in this job and eighth with The Sports Network, I think I've pretty much proven that I'll be ready to perform when the real games start. So if you need me in August of 2008, you can find me in Ocean City, MD, alternating between the beach at 56th Street and a bar not far away called Belly Buster's, which makes a mean shrimp salad sandwich and an even better Miller Lite.

Oh, and if you need an official reason for why I'm not holed up in my windowless office laying the groundwork for a future bout with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's because I'm contemplating retirement.

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan took this very same approach during training camp, as he stayed away from his teammates while supposedly questioning his passion for the game of football. What most of the thinking world suspects, now that Strahan has found his inner Michael and reported to the Giants ready for action in time for the regular season opener against Dallas, is that what he was actually questioning was his passion for Tom Coughlin's training camp.

It takes some major clout to be able to pull this off, and also requires the type of keep-a-straight-face fortitude that gets you 132 sacks in 14 NFL seasons in the first place.

Strahan's extended vacation apparently cost him about $500k, which even with the recent multi-million dollar divorce settlement against him (an aside: do he and Paul McCartney have the same clueless lawyer?) won't be a big deal as soon as he and Jared put the finishing touches on that next round of Subway ads.

In the end, even though he didn't have the pleasure of lecturing ESPN.com reporters all summer, Strahan came out the big winner. He kept himself fresh and rested, didn't have to look at Coughlin or new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's ugly mugs during the month of August, and above all served as a wonderful example for a group of teammates that had already been taking a master class in me-first thinking for the better part of three seasons.

Strahan has also served as an inspiration to me, which is why I'm not reporting to TSN camp next year until the actual fun starts. Who knows, maybe Michael and I will show up at about the same time.

And maybe he'll buy me a sweet-onion-and chicken-teriyaki from Subway, since unlike him, I'll be broke and starving by Week 1.

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

FANTASY - FIVE TO START

Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona (at San Francisco) - Looked great in the preseason, and should put up solid numbers in what figures to be a high-scoring opener with the 49ers.

Tatum Bell, RB, Detroit (at Oakland) - In the Lions' offense, Bell should be good for 150 rushing/receiving yards a week.

Deion Branch, WR, Seattle (vs. Tampa Bay) - Should make a huge leap from year one to year two in the Seahawks offense.

Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville (vs. Tennessee) - We think the 2006 first- round pick is going to have a monster year, which will begin with a big outing against the Titans.

Minnesota Defense (vs. Atlanta) - Vikings will be licking their chops to face Joey Harrington, and will also shut down the Atlanta run.

FANTASY - FIVE TO BENCH

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia (at Green Bay) - If you have the luxury, wait a week and see how that knee responds to a 60-minute game.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington (vs. Miami) - Even if he's healthy, we think Joe Gibbs has more confidence in Ladell Betts.

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland (vs. Pittsburgh) - Steelers' front seven is still strong, and the Browns' o-line is a work in progress.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit (at Oakland) - Rookie receivers are historically slow starters, and Jon Kitna is more comfortable throwing to Roy Williams and Mike Furrey at this stage.

Indianapolis Defense (vs. New Orleans) - Put the performance of the Colts' defense in the 2006 playoffs out of your mind - this group is massively depleted.

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. Seattle (vs. Tampa Bay) - Tough environment for Jeff Garcia's Buccaneers debut.

2. Jacksonville (vs. Tennessee) - Jaguars' defense will give Vince Young major headaches.

3. Dallas (vs. N.Y. Giants) - Outcome might be in doubt in the fourth quarter, but the more talented Cowboys will pull it out for Wade Phillips.

THE GAMES

I was an inconsistent 149-118 (.558) at picking games last season, and was worse than many blind marsupials against the spread (115-134-7, .463). I won't go far enough to say that 'I have a system' this year, but I will tell you that my daughter, an eight-month-old genius, will be offering me her premium picks for a nominal charge in 2007. I foresee success.

New Orleans at Indianapolis, Thursday, 8:30 (Indianapolis -6)

Storylines: Colts play first meaningful game since 29-17 victory over the Bears in Super Bowl XLI...Indianapolis and New Orleans were the league's two most prolific passing offenses last season...Saints led the NFL in total offense (391.5 yards per game) and passing offense (281.4 yards per game) last season...New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees (4418 yards) and Indianapolis signal-caller Peyton Manning (4397) were 1-2 in the NFL in passing yards in '06...Colts were last in the NFL in rushing defense (173 yards per game) in last season... Indianapolis will be playing without 2006 defensive starters in tackle Anthony McFarland (knee), linebacker Cato June (to Buccaneers via free agency), cornerbacks Nick Harper (Titans) and Jason David (Saints), as well as longtime offensive left tackle Tarik Glenn (retired)...New Orleans native Manning is 1-2 all-time against his father Archie's former team...Saints are 5-1 in the last six-season openers that have been played on the road.

Fast Fact: The last seven Super Bowl champions have won their regular season opener in the following season, with the 1998-99 Denver Broncos ranking as the last champion-turned-Week 1 loser.

Prediction: In a whoever-has-the-ball-last type of scenario, we say Peyton bails out his defense and gets it done. Colts 34, Saints 31.

Denver at Buffalo, Sunday, 1:00 (Denver -3)

Storylines: Jay Cutler to start his first season-opener for Denver...Running backs Travis Henry (Denver) and Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo) expected to make debuts with their respective teams... Bills will be playing without former defensive staples such as linebacker Takeo Spikes (to Eagles), cornerback Nate Clements (to 49ers), and linebacker London Fletcher (to Redskins)... Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith (hip) is on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list, and will be out for at least the first six weeks of the season...Buffalo defensive end Anthony Hargrove is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy...Status of former Cardinals and Buccaneers defensive end Simeon Rice, who was signed by Denver early this week, unknown for Sunday...D.J. Williams will take over at middle linebacker for the Broncos following the offseason release of Al Wilson, and Mike Bell will replace Kyle Johnson at fullback.

Fast Fact: Ex-Bill and current Bronco Travis Henry rushed 25 times for 135 yards in Tennessee's 30-29 win at Buffalo in Week 16 of last season.

Prediction: Bills have hope, but Broncos win this game due to sturdier personnel on the offensive and defensive lines. Broncos 20, Bills 15.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland, Sunday, 1:00 (Pittsburgh -4)

Storylines: Pittsburgh opens the Mike Tomlin era in Cleveland, where the Steelers are 6-0 since last losing in 2000...Steelers have won their last four season-openers, tied with Falcons for the longest current streak in the NFL...Charlie Frye will start at quarterback for Browns...Former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis makes his debut with Cleveland...Pittsburgh has won seven straight and is 13-1 in its last 14 games against the Browns overall, with the only loss coming at Heinz Field in 2003...Browns linebacker Willie McGinest (back), cornerback Gary Baxter (knees), and tackle Ryan Tucker (four- game NFL suspension) among those who will not play against the Steelers...Status of cornerback/return specialist Allen Rossum, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Falcons last week, unknown for Sunday...No. 3 overall draft pick Joe Thomas (Wisconsin) expected to start at right tackle for Cleveland, while 22nd pick Brady Quinn likely to serve as the team's third-string quarterback.

Fast Fact: Browns running back Jamal Lewis has been held under 100 yards in 11 of 12 career meetings with the Steelers.

Prediction: Browns will come ready to play and give the Steelers a battle, but talent will win out in the end. Steelers 17, Browns 16.

Philadelphia at Green Bay, Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -3)

Storylines: Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb makes his formal return to the field after tearing his ACL last Nov. 19th...Green Bay running backs Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency expected to share time in the backfield following the free agent defection of Ahman Green (Texans) in the offseason...Eagles wide receiver Kevin Curtis (ex-Rams) and linebacker Takeo Spikes (ex-Bills) will make their debuts with the team...New-look Philadelphia linebacking corps also includes Omar Gaither in the middle and Chris Gocong on the strong side...Green Bay wide receiver Donald Driver (sprained foot) expected to play against the Eagles...Philadelphia defensive end Jevon Kearse (knee) will make return to field after missing final 14 games of 2006...Packers won their final four games of 2006 to finish 8-8...Green Bay was 3-5 at Lambeau Field in 2006, including blowout losses to the Bears (26-0), Patriots (35-0), and Jets (38-10)...Eagles head coach Andy Reid was an assistant coach in Green Bay from 1992 through 1998.

Fast Fact: Packers quarterback Brett Favre has 12 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions in his career against the Eagles, Favre's worst touchdown-to- interception ratio against any opponent he has faced more than once.

Prediction: Donovan McNabb makes a triumphant return against a Green Bay club with a number of concerning question marks. Eagles 27, Packers 17.

Kansas City at Houston, Sunday, 1:00 (Houston -3)

Storylines: Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, obtained from Atlanta in the offseason, makes his first start in a Houston uniform... Kansas City quarterback Damon Huard, who missed the Chiefs' final two preseason games with a calf problem, makes his first opening-day start since entering the league in 1997...Former Packers Pro Bowler Ahman Green to make his first start in the backfield for the Texans...Kansas City is 4-0 in Houston since last losing there, to the Oilers, during the 1993 regular season...Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen will miss the first two games of the season due to an NFL suspension...Linebacker Donnie Edwards, formerly of the Chargers, will begin his second tour of duty with Kansas City after starring there from 1996 through 2001... The road team has won all three installments of the Kansas City/Houston series...Chiefs went 0-4 in the preseason for the second time in the last three years...First-round picks Dwayne Bowe (wide receiver, Kansas City) and Amobi Okoye (defensive tackle, Houston) to see their first meaningful NFL action.

Fast Fact: The Chiefs have outscored the Texans by a composite score of 87-31 in two trips to Reliant Stadium (both wins).

Prediction: Promising Texans are good enough to take out a mediocre Chiefs team on their own turf. Texans 24, Chiefs 20.

Tennessee at Jacksonville, Sunday, 1:00 (Jacksonville -6)

Storylines: Jaguars are 9-3 (.750) all-time in openers, the best winning percentage in the NFL...Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard and Tennessee signal-caller Vince Young make the first opening-day starts of their respective careers...Tennessee will be playing without cornerback Pacman Jones, who is serving a year-long NFL suspension for violation of the league's conduct policy...Starting running back candidates Chris Brown and LenDale White expected to split carries for Tennessee...Titans were dead last in the NFL in total defense last season...Jacksonville defensive end Reggie Hayward (Achilles) and linebacker Mike Peterson (pectoral) return to the field after succumbing to season-ending injuries in 2006...Tennessee has been outscored by a combined 77-20 in its last two trips to Jacksonville...First-round draft picks and defensive backs Michael Griffin (Titans) and Reggie Nelson (Jaguars) expected to make their formal NFL debuts.

Fast Fact: Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard threw a career-high three touchdown passes in a 37-7 home victory over Tennessee in Week 9 of last season.

Prediction: Vince Young will find the going rough against a Jacksonville team that has already seen his act a couple of times. Jaguars 24, Titans 14.

Atlanta at Minnesota, Sunday, 1:00 (Minnesota -3)

Storylines: Head coach Bobby Petrino and starting quarterback Joey Harrington make their formal debuts with Atlanta...Falcons have won their last four season-openers, tied with Steelers for the longest current streak in the NFL...Vikings second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson makes the third start of his pro career...Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 Draft, makes his debut...Wideout Joe Horn, formerly a Pro Bowler in New Orleans, makes his first start in an Atlanta uniform...Falcons led the NFL in rushing offense last season, but were last in passing offense...Vikings led the NFL in rushing defense last season, but were tied for last in passing defense along with Cincinnati...Falcons' first-round pick and defensive end Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas) expected to be in the starting lineup...Vikings defensive end Erasmus James (knee) expected to be active after missing the final 14 games of last season, and linebacker Chad Greenway (knee) slated to start after missing his entire rookie year.

Fast Fact: In four career Week 1 outings, Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington has seven touchdown passes against just one interception.

Prediction: Falcons won't be able to run against the Vikings, which means Joey will have to put it in the air about 50 times. Vikings 12, Falcons 7.

New England at N.Y. Jets, Sunday, 1:00 (New England -6)

Storylines: AFC East rivals, who also met in last year's playoffs, renew acquaintances...Jets head coach Eric Mangini went 1-2 against former mentor Bill Belichick last season, including a 37-16 loss in the first round of the playoffs...Patriots are 6-0 in road games against the Jets since their last such loss, in 2000...Status of New England wide receiver Randy Moss (hamstring), who did not appear in the preseason, unknown for Sunday...Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour (knee) will miss the season's first six games, and strong safety Rodney Harrison is suspended for the first four games of 2007 after admitting to the use of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)...Jets running back Thomas Jones expected to start after missing the final three games of the preseason with a strained calf...Ex-Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas and former Saints and Eagles wide receiver Donte' Stallworth among the new starters for New England...First-round draft picks and defensive backs Darrelle Revis (Jets) and Brandon Meriweather (Patriots) expected to suit up for their first meaningful contests.

Fast Fact: In two career outings against the Jets, Patriots receiver Randy Moss has combined totals of six catches, 104 yards, and zero touchdowns.

Prediction: New England will be an unstoppable force by the end of the season, but for now, they'll struggle to find a way out of the swamps of Jersey. Patriots 17, Jets 14.

Carolina at St. Louis, Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -1)

Storylines: Rams trying to avenge a 15-0 loss to Carolina in Week 11 of last season...St. Louis, which won its final three games of 2006, in search of its first four-game win streak since taking seven in a row in 2003...Rams quarterback Marc Bulger one of four NFL quarterbacks to eclipse the 4,000-yard mark last year (Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer)...A pair of 2007 First-Round Draft choices, Rams defensive tackle Adam Carriker (Nebraska) and Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (Miami-Florida) expected to make their formal debuts...Carolina middle linebacker Dan Morgan tabbed to play in his first regular season game since suffering a concussion in Week 1 of 2006...Former Lions pass rusher James Hall slated to make his first start as a Ram...St. Louis cornerback Fakhir Brown suspended for the season's first four games due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, while Carolina offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges is suspended for the first two due to contract detrimental to the team after being arrested on an assault charge.

Fast Fact: None of St. Louis running back Steven Jackson's 30 career touchdowns have been scored in Week 1.

Prediction: Rams are beginning to come together under Scott Linehan, and the Panthers looked awful throughout the preseason. Rams 20, Panthers 17.

Miami at Washington, Sunday, 1:00 (Washington -3)

Storylines: Head coach Cam Cameron and starting quarterback Trent Green make their formal debuts with Miami...Cameron served as quarterbacks coach in Washington from 1994 through 1996, and Green was on the roster there from 1995 through 1998...Redskins running back Clinton Portis (knee) expected to play after missing much of training camp and the preseason... Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter (knee), formerly of the Steelers, expected to be in the lineup after missing the entire preseason...Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell starts an opener for the first time in his three-year career...Dolphins end Jason Taylor was NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2006...2007 Top-10 picks LaRon Landry (safety, Redskins) and Ted Ginn, Jr. (wide receiver/return specialist, Dolphins) to receive first meaningful NFL time...Middle linebacker London Fletcher, late of the Bills and Rams, makes his first start as a Redskin.

Fast Fact: The only Dolphins coach to win his road debut was Jimmy Johnson, who led Miami to a 38-10 win at Arizona in Week 2 of the 1996 season.

Prediction: A candidate for Week 1's most painful game to watch, we expect Jason Campbell to make one more play than Trent Green. Redskins 18, Dolphins 13.

Detroit at Oakland, Sunday, 4:15 (Oakland -1)

Storylines: Raiders' Lane Kiffin, the youngest head coach in the modern era of the NFL at 32, makes his formal sideline debut...Kiffin is Oakland's fifth head coach in the last seven seasons...Either former Lion Josh McCown or three-time Pro Bowl selection Daunte Culpepper will make his first start as a Raider...Lions head coach Rod Marinelli worked as defensive line coach under Kiffin's father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, from 1996 through 2005...No. 2 overall draft pick and wide receiver Calvin Johnson makes his formal debut with the Lions...Detroit is 0-4 on the road in the all- time series, including 0-3 in Oakland... Oakland ended last season with nine straight losses...Raiders have lost their last four season-openers, the longest current streak in the NFL...Oakland was last in the league in passing offense last season, and Detroit was last in rushing offense...Raiders defense was No. 1 in the league against the pass a year ago...Lions are 24-72 (.250) since 2001, and Raiders are 15-49 (.234) since 2003.

Fast Fact: Since beating the 49ers in 1975, the Lions are 0-11 in games played in the Bay Area (0-9 Niners, 0-2 Raiders).

Prediction: One of these teams gets to start 1-0, and we say it will be the Lions, who'd better begin backing up that 10-win talk immediately. Lions 27, Raiders 25.

Chicago at San Diego, Sunday, 4:15 (San Diego -5)

Storylines: Norv Turner, who compiled a record of 58-82-1 (.415) in previous stops with Washington and Oakland, makes his regular season debut as Chargers head coach...San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson was NFL MVP in 2006, and established league records for touchdowns (31), rushing touchdowns (28), and points (186)...Chicago running back Cedric Benson begins first season as full-time starter after backing up Thomas Jones (now with the Jets) for the past two seasons...Bears tight end and first-round draft choice Greg Olsen (Miami-Florida) considered questionable with a sprained knee...Record-setting kick returner Devin Hester expected to line up at wide receiver for Chicago for the first time...Chargers wideout Eric Parker (toe) expected to miss the first month of the season...San Diego inside linebackers coach Ron Rivera was fired as Bears defensive coordinator after last season despite the team leading the league in takeaways (44) and ranking third in total defense...New Chicago defensive starters include ex-Rams and Redskins safety Adam Archuleta...Bears safety Mike Brown (foot) and Tommie Harris (hamstring) return after suffering season-ending injuries in 2006.

Fast Fact: Norv Turner is 3-6 all-time in season-openers.

Prediction: The jumpy Rex Grossman is going to see Shawne Merriman in his nightmares. Chargers 21, Bears 12.

Tampa Bay at Seattle, Sunday, 4:15 (Seattle -6)

Storylines: Jeff Garcia, formerly a starting quarterback in San Francisco, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, makes his first start in a Tampa Bay uniform...Seahawks are 10-21 (.323) all-time in openers, the worst winning percentage in the NFL...Status of Buccaneers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, signed earlier this week after being released by Eagles in August, unknown for Sunday... Tampa Bay rookie end Gaines Adams, the No. 4 overall pick in the April draft, expected to start against Seahawks...Seahawks and Buccaneers will be playing for second consecutive time in the regular season, after Seattle handed Tampa Bay a 23-7 loss at Raymond James Stadium in Week 17 of 2006...One-time Colts and Lions tight end Marcus Pollard, ex-Falcons end Patrick Kerney, and former Texans DE Jason Babin among the new faces in the Seahawks lineup...Wide receiver Maurice Stovall, a second-year player with seven career catches to his credit, expected to start opposite Joey Galloway against Seattle.

Fast Fact: Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia has won his four most recent Week 1 starts, with Cleveland (2004) and San Francisco (2001-2003).

Prediction: Buccaneers look especially young in the trenches, where the Seahawks will set the tone en route to a sizeable win. Seahawks 23, Buccaneers 9.

N.Y. Giants at Dallas, Sunday, 8:15 (Dallas -5)

Storylines: Wade Phillips, who compiled a record of 48-39 in previous stops with the Broncos, Bills, Falcons, and Saints, makes his formal head coaching debut on the Dallas sideline... Cowboys are 31-15-1 (.674) all-time in openers, the best winning percentage in the NFC... Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo makes the first opening day start of his five-year NFL career... Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, who did not play in the preseason and missed all of training camp, considered questionable to play Sunday night...Giants cornerback Sam Madison (hamstring) not expected to be in the lineup on Sunday...New York wideout Plaxico Burress (back) should play against Dallas...For Cowboys, wideout Terry Glenn (knee) is questionable and outside linebacker Greg Ellis (heel) appears doubtful...Giants and Cowboys engaged in an unconventional split last season, with New York winning at Texas Stadium (36-22) in Week 7 and the Cowboys returning the favor with a 23-20 win at Giants Stadium in Week 13.

Fast Fact: Wade Phillips has lost the first game of his last two head coaching stops, with Atlanta (38-7 loss to Indianapolis in 2003) and Buffalo (16-14 loss to San Diego in 1998).

Prediction: Neither of these teams is at full strength, but the advantage goes to a Cowboys team that looks stronger defensively. Cowboys 20, Giants 13.

Baltimore at Cincinnati, Monday, 7:00 (Cincinnati -2)

Storylines: AFC North rivals, who split a home-and-home in 2006, meet in primetime...Running back Willis McGahee, formerly a two-time 1,000-yard rusher in Buffalo, makes his formal debut in a Baltimore uniform...Bengals have won four of the last five meetings with the Ravens... Cincinnati right tackle Levi Jones (knee) and left tackle Willie Anderson (foot) expected to play after missing extended time in the preseason...Baltimore begins life without Pro Bowl outside linebacker Adalius Thomas, who signed with the Patriots in the offseason...Jarret Johnson to start in Thomas' place...Cincinnati wideout Chris Henry to miss the first eight games of 2007 after violating the NFL's personal conduct policy...Ravens are 4-3 (.571) all-time on Monday night, Bengals are 8-17 (.320)...Cincinnati is 1-4 on Monday night since 1990...Baltimore is 4-7 (.364) all-time in openers, the worst mark in the AFC...Ravens led the NFL in total defense last season...Bengals were tied for last in the NFL in passing defense in 2006, along with the Vikings.

Fast Fact: Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has thrown more touchdown passes against the Bengals and Steelers (21 against each) than any other NFL team.

Prediction: Offensive and defensive continuity give Ravens the edge over a banged-up, unsettled Cincinnati team. Ravens 24, Bengals 16.

Arizona at San Francisco, Monday, 10:15 (San Francisco -3)

Storylines: Ken Whisenhunt, formerly the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, makes his head coaching debut for the Cardinals...Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart makes the first opening-day start of his career...Niners running back Frank Gore expected to start after missing all of the preseason with a broken hand...Veteran offseason acquisitions Darrell Jackson (wide receiver), Nate Clements (cornerback), Michael Lewis (strong safety), and Aubrayo Franklin (tackle) all expected to start for San Francisco, as are first-round draft choices Patrick Willis (inside linebacker) and Joe Staley (right tackle)...Arizona lost defensive end Chike Okeafor (biceps) and tackle Oliver Ross (triceps) for the year in its first preseason game...49ers are 37-22 (.627) all-time on Monday night, Cardinals are 5-11-1 (.324)... Cardinals are 0-5 on Monday night since their last such win, in 1985...Monday's game will mark the debut of three coordinators, Todd Haley (offense) for Arizona and Jim Hostler (offense) and Greg Manusky (defense) for San Francisco...Cardinals were 0-4 in the preseason.

Fast Fact: The last Cardinals coach to win his season-opening debut with the team was Don Coryell, who beat the Eagles (34-23) to open the 1973 season.

Prediction: Both of these work-in-progress teams will be better by mid-season than they are currently. Right now, the Niners are slightly ahead. 49ers 27, Cardinals 21

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