0-2 Patriots start?
They're favored by 6 ½ points at New Orleans, but all eyes will be on the Patriots as they face Drew Brees in his home opener. Against the Chiefs at home last week, the Patriots gave up 42 points, showing that it's a big deal when linebacker Dont'a Hightower goes down. The Patriots haven't started 0-2 since 2001. Of course, they rebounded that year to win their first of five Super Bowls.
Is 'Sacksonville' for real?
When a team has gone 22-74 the past six years, a 2-0 start can be a head-turning event. Especially if it's the Jaguars, whose drafting and free-agent moves are starting to pay off. In a rout at Houston, former Cardinal Calais Campbell debuted by setting the franchise mark for sacks in one game (four). "Sacksonville," which had 10 in the game, returns home to play the Titans.
Chiefs without Berry
A huge win at New England was followed by a bigger blow to Kansas City's defense. Safety Eric Berry, who made stops at the line and handled Rob Gronkowski downfield, is out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon. Next up is Philadelphia. At least it's at home. The Eagles are coming off a win at Washington and have tight end Zach Ertz, who caught eight balls for 93 yards last week.
Defense? In Green Bay?
Holding Seattle to three field goals while riding the defense to victory in Lambeau Field was impressive. But can the Packers handle the encore in Atlanta, where they surrendered 44 points in the NFC title game beatdown eight months ago? Atlanta doesn't have the offensive line woes that Seattle has. But the Falcons did score only 23 points at Chicago.
Don't sleep on Lions
With four touchdowns a week ago, Matthew Stafford (above) reminded us there's another contender in the NFC North. Detroit goes for its first 2-0 start since 2011 when it plays at the Giants on Monday night. The Giants mustered only 233 yards and three points sans Odell Beckham Jr. last week. Lions rookie Kenny Golladay has two TDs in four NFL catches
MARK CRAIG
