TONIGHT

* The line: St. Louis by 6 1/2

* Story line: The game features the winners of the last three Super Bowls. So there’s a chance of making a statement right out of the gate, especially for a team on the rebound like Denver.

* Key matchup: The Rams know the key will be stopping Denver’s running game. “They’ve got a real good 1-2 punch in those two running backs,”’ Coach Mike Martz said of Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary. If the Broncos can run the ball and control the clock, they will keep the Rams’ high-octane offense off the field.

* Injury report: DENVER--Questionable: LB John Mobley (knee). ST. LOUIS--Doubtful: DE Sean Moran (knee). Questionable: RB Trung Canidate (ankle); LB Leonard Little (ankle). Probable: DT Jeff Zgonina (ankle).

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HOW THEY COMPARE DEN STL Points scored 19.6 (18) 32.9 (1) Points allowed 19.9 (11) 15.1 (4) Passing Off. 213.7 (15) 272.1 (1) Rushing Off. 116.5 (12) 128.7 (5) Passing Def. 188.5 (8) 219.3 (20) Rushing Def. 108.6 (19) 74.3 (1) Time of Poss. 31:17 (10) 31:50 (6) Turnover Ratio -2 (15) +5 (9) Red Zone TD%. 41.3 (22) 66.1 (2)

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NOTE: Statistics and rankings from 1999

* Robyn Norwood’s pick: St. Louis. Even after winning the Super Bowl, the Rams’ speed, depth aren’t appreciated.