NFL Week 2

It's been said that some of the best football of the season is played early on, before injuries begin to take their toll.

So what do we know after Week 1, during which numerous underdogs pulled off road upsets? The NFL is as wide open as ever. However, don't get too excited yet because talent is the great equalizer, which is why I believe things will even out.

SORTING OUT THE EASTS:
We should get a much better idea of how two divisions will sort out this weekend. The "Easts" feature two intradivisional games apiece. ...
In the NFC, either Dallas or Washington will be 0-2 after Sunday night's matchup. The Redskins are coming off a tough home loss to the Vikings on Monday and have to travel after the short week. Not good news for injured RB Clinton Portis. The Cowboys' were undone by QB Drew Bledsoe's three interecptions and a surprisingly pourous defense at inopportune moments at Jacksonville. ... Meanwhile, the Giants, who had plenty of chances to beat the Colts on Sunday night but didn't travel to play Philadelphia, the only team in the division to win in Week 1. The Eagles' acquisition of WR Donte Stallworth and the return to health of RB Brian Westbrook give QB Donovan McNabb the weapons he needs.
In the AFC, the Patriots visit the Jets in a battle of teams that won in Week 1. New England's passing game struggled last week, and then it traded its top receiver (holdout Deion Branch) to Seattle this week. New York showed plenty of life under new coach, and former Patriots assistant, Eric Mangini. It will be interesting to see if Mangini's presence forces Pats coach Bill Belichick to change any of his game plan. ... Farther south, Buffalo visits Miami, the one team in the division that didn't win last week. The Bills' defense is reeling without S Troy VIncent (out for the season) and LB Takeo Spikes (doubtful to play). The Dolphins had no problem passing the ball against the Steelers in Week 1, but they rushed for less than 40 yards.

DRAWING A BLANK
The last time three teams were shut out on the same Sunday occurred in Week 3 of the 1991 season. How will last week's pointless ones fare? The Packers play host to the Saints, and I can't see Brett Favre and Co. laying a goose egg two weeks in a row, particularly if Ahman Green rushes for more than 100 yards again. I also don't envision a Jon Gruden-coached Bucs team pulling off that (de)feat two weeks in a row, particularly when this week's foe - Atlanta - might be without both of its starting defensive ends. That leaves the Raiders, who face a Ravens team that seems reborn with Steve McNair at QB and a healthy Ray Lewis at LB. The Raiders, who were held to 129 yards - total - by the Chargers on Monday might gain even less against Baltimore. The Ravens shut out the Bucs last week.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh (1-0) at Jacksonville (1-0). Two punishing defenses. Two run-oriented offenses. Two hard-nose coaches. Two super-sized QBs who show flashes of brilliance one week and are inconsistent the next. This Monday night affair won't be pretty, but I'll give Jacksonville the nod because I think it will run the ball better.

GAME OF THE WEAK
CLEVELAND (0-1) at Cincinnati (1-0): The Bengals, particularly Rudi Johnson, have run wild against the Browns during the past two seasons. Now it seems Cincinnati has improved its defense, holding the Chiefs' Larry Johnson to less than 70 yards in Week 1 and sacking KC quarterbacks seven times. This battle of Ohio shouldn't be a lot different. The Bengals will win by a bunch.