Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000

Trends, Tips and Timely Stats — Week One

By Art Edelstein

• The Panthers and Redskins had a huge offensive battle last season (a 38-36 Washington victory in Week Four). Carolina RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka (12 carries for 142 yards and three TDs) had a huge rushing game, while Washington WRs Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell combined for 13 catches for 274 yards and four TDs. Will these players have big games again, or will each team’s newly bolstered defense slow down the action?

• Ravens WR Qadry Ismail had a monster game (six catches for 258 yards and three TDs) vs. the Steelers in Week 14 last season.

• Can Cardinals rookie RB Thomas Jones reverse a trend that has seen the Giants hold Arizona to an average of only 59 rushing yards the last four meetings between the two teams?

• Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper would like to see WR Cris Carter duplicate his performance from Week 10 of last season vs. the Bears (nine catches for 141 yards and three TDs).

• The Vikings have won their last four opening games, covering three.

• The Browns lost but covered both games vs. the Jaguars last season.

• Heading into their game vs. the Packers, the Jets are just 1-4 straight up and 2-3 vs. the spread in their last five opening games.

• The Dolphins have won their last eight openers, going 5-2-1 vs. the spread, while the Seahawks have lost four of their last five openers straight up and vs. the spread.

• The Bills have not covered in their last six openers, while the Titans have covered four of their last five starting the season.

• Heading into their Monday-night game vs. the Broncos, the Rams have won and covered their last nine regular-season home games.

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2000 - 2001 Season