Three observations ...• The 49ers are realizing the benefits of a heavy long-term investment in the offensive line. Three of their five starters were first-round draft picks.

• It's amazing how quickly Peyton Manning has made Denver's offense identical to the Colts' old offense. Manning never played in an offense that had a catchy name. That's because his is an offense designed for one guy.

• Michael Vick played as bad as a quarterback can play and still win a game on the road. Had Browns rookie Brandon Weeden not played as poorly, Philly's Andy Reid would be en route to an 0-2 start against Baltimore.

... and two predictions• Panthers center Ryan Kalil's Super Bowl prediction will look even more silly when the Saints drop Carolina to 0-2.

• Washington loses at St. Louis, proving Robert Griffin III will not win every game and go directly to Canton.