24 Hours 'Til Sunday — Andy Richardson

The best weekend of the NFL season is upon us; well, aside from week 1 I guess. Four games that quite reasonably could go either way and that feature at least six of the league's eight best teams -- fans of the Patriots and Colts probably resent the Cardinals, for example, still being there. But never mind. Four good games that start today. Some last-minute news and notes....

Baltimore at Tennessee: I feel for the Titans, because they only had the best record in the league and yet no one thinks they're going to win this game. But consider: They're not going to run on the Ravens, which means they'll need to win with Kerry Collins throwing the ball to Justin Gage and Bo Scaife and hoping he doesn't make a mistake. How is that going to happen? How does Collins' success throwing the ball against teams like Chicago and Jacksonville have any bearing on how he'll do here? Not that Baltimore's offense is so great or that Tennessee's defense is chopped liver, but I just don't see any good coming out of Tennessee's offense in this matchup. The Titans being without center Kevin Mawae just makes things seem even worse. Advantage Baltimore.

Arizona at Carolina: Haven't we been here before? Another week when nobody thinks Arizona can win. Not that I don't agree, but I think people sometimes forget the games still have to be played. Sort of like Colts-Chargers last week. This is still a Carolina team that got whomped recently by Atlanta, and lit up by a Tampa Bay offense not nearly as good as Arizona's. Plus their game during the season was close! Sounds like Anquan Boldin will be active, maybe getting in for some goal-line plays, but he's definitely a guy to avoid in those salary cap leagues -- better to use Larry Fitzgerald, obviously, or a cheaper player like Steve Breaston.

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants: Like the Titans, the Giants draw a pretty tough opening round matchup. So much for the advantages of being the No. 1 seed. No real injuries of note here, unless you're worried about Brian Westbrook playing -- I'm not. He didn't practice and maybe he'll be limited, a little, but there's nothing to save him for at this point; he'll be out there. The weather report doesn't sound quite as bad as anticipated; cold and windy, yes, but not a blizzard or anything. Snow might have come and gone before the game even starts. I think it will be low scoring, but weather may not be much of a factor. Should be either a fascinating game or a Giants laugher.

San Diego at Pittsburgh: Like Ian, I also remember a history of Pitttsburgh losing home playoff games. Even the one they won back in 1995, over Indianapolis, was just inches from being a loss -- Colts nearly completed a Hail Mary on the final play. So the Steelers losing this game wouldn't surprise me. Then again, the Steelers defense, particularly at home, has been much like the Ravens; invulnerable. Expecting Philip Rivers to lead the Chargers in to win just seems really unlikely. No Tomlinson, not that San Diego isn't more dangerous with Darren Sproles right now. Ben Roethlisberger will start and probably be fine, and it's doubtful San Diego will get anywhere near him. Should actually be a fun game, like all of them.

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