Matchup heaven & hell

Favorable and unfavorable matchups for the second week of the season:

HEAVEN

Saints RB Deuce McAllister vs. 49ers. McAllister had a stretch of nine consecutive 100-yard games last season. He's a cinch to hit 100 against the 49ers' undersized line.

Rams QB Marc Bulger vs. Falcons. In a game that should be a shootout, Bulger will benefit by exploiting Atlanta's secondary.

Jets WR Santana Moss vs. Chargers. San Diego's corners still are young enough to be picked on--and picked apart.

HELL

Packers RB Ahman Green vs. Bears. Chicago has had difficulty stopping Green, but he'll be stifled this time by a much quicker unit.

Broncos QB Jake Plummer vs. Jaguars. Once Jacksonville's defense shuts down the Broncos' running game, Jake will be on an island.

Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Lions. Detroit plays inspired football at Ford Field, and it will be up to the task of stopping Johnson.

--Roger Kuznia

COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning