Three observations ...

• The top 15 kickoff returners in this week's league rankings are averaging 21.5 or more yards per return. And that doesn't include the Vikings' Percy Harvin, who doesn't qualify since he has only one return (a 103-yard TD).

• It's a passing league, but five of last week's top six rushers were on the winning side, while only two of the top six quarterbacks in passing yardage won their games.

• A year after having the NFL's third-best turnover ratio, the Steelers rank last (minus-7). Seattle (minus-3) is the next worst.

Two bold predictions ...

• A week after his 422-yard passing debut, Panthers rookie Cam Newton will be held to fewer than 150 yards against the Packers.

• The Lions, Bills and Redskins will be a combined 6-0 come Sunday night. How weird is that?