GAMEDAY * WEEK 1 : CAPSULES : CAROLINA at NEW ORLEANS

* The line: New Orleans by 3 1/2.

* Key injuries: None.

* Key players: New Panther Coach George Seifert has the NFL’s best winning percentage at .755 (108-35). Saint Ricky Williams rushed for an NCAA-record 6,279 yards, but has zero as a pro, since this is his first game.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

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Car NO Points scored (Rank) 21 (6) 19.1 (10) Points allowed 25.8 (14) 22.4 (9) Passing O 207.6 (8) 196.1 (9) Rushing O 90.9 (13) 82.8 (15) Total O 298.5 (9) 278.9 (13) Passing D 231.8 (14) 247.1 (15) Rushing D 133.3 (13) 107.1 (7) Total D 365.1 (15) 354.3 (14)

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* The pick: Carolina. UPSET. Ricky Williams fumbles. One of the Billy Joes throws an interception. Mike Ditka has a tirade. George Seifert returns 1-0.

Picks by T.J. SIMERS; Research by HOUSTON MITCHELL