WEEK 3 CAPSULES

MINNESOTA AT DETROIT

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m.

The line: Minnesota 3 1/2.

Introduction: Give Coach Mike Tice credit for getting wide receiver Randy Moss to buy into the Vikings’ team concept that has helped lead them to a 2-0 start.

Plot: Minnesota’s Daunte Culpepper has developed into quarterback who not only can hurt opponents with his arm and legs but spot weaknesses in defenses too. Detroit’s pass defense is shaky at best and will have problems trying to slow Culpepper and the Vikings.

Bottom line: The Lions will need to control the ball to have a chance against the Vikings, who have an underrated rushing attack with Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith. Unless Detroit quarterback Joey Harrington has a career game, the Vikings should win easily.

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TAMPA BAY AT ATLANTA

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m., Channel 11.

The line: Tampa Bay by 4.

Introduction: The Buccaneers got knocked around in last week’s loss to Carolina and will be looking to reestablish themselves against the Falcons, who struggled late in their loss to Washington.

Plot: Atlanta Coach Dan Reeves will try to copy what the Panthers did against Tampa Bay, but the Falcons don’t have the kind of defense to get it done. Atlanta’s secondary is suspect and will be tested by quarterback Brad Johnson. Look for Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman to get more work this week.

Bottom line: The Falcons have to run the ball with more consistency to give quarterback Doug Johnson a fighting chance against the Buccaneers’ dominant defense.

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KANSAS CITY AT HOUSTON

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m.

The line: Kansas City by 7 1/2.

Introduction: After two impressive victories to open the season, the Chiefs may be forced to play without standout running back Priest Holmes, who suffered bruised ribs against Pittsburgh last Sunday.

Plot: Quarterback Trent Green has not had to come up with too many big throws yet this season, but he may have to without Holmes in the lineup. The Texan defense has the ability to stop the Chief running game but struggles against the pass. Running back Stacey Mack needs to touch the ball more for Houston.

Bottom line: The Chiefs may be primed to be upset by Houston. With quarterback David Carr spreading the ball around, the Texans, who beat Miami on the road, could be in position to pull off another big victory.

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NEW ORLEANS AT TENNESSEE

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m.

The line: Tennessee by 4 1/2.

Introduction: The Saints and Titans have been strong teams at home and weak on the road.

Plot: The Titans looked awesome in a season-opening victory over Oakland, but horrible in last week’s 33-7 loss at Indianapolis. Quarterback Steve McNair is questionable because of a finger injury and if he can’t play, the Titans will struggle. New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks and running back Deuce McAllister give the Saints a strong 1-2 offensive punch.

Bottom line: If McNair can’t play, Tennessee will go with Billy Volek at quarterback. That’s not a good sign for running back Eddie George, who already has had trouble gaining yards even when McNair is in the lineup.

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N.Y. JETS AT NEW ENGLAND

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m., Channel 2.

The line: New England 6 1/2.

Introduction: Despite the lack of a running game, the Patriots are still a strong team on offense with quarterback Tom Brady. The Jets are looking for their first victory.

Plot: New England’s defense has to shut down New York’s Vinny Testaverde, who passed for 373 yards against Miami last week. Of course, running back Curtis Martin rushed for 32 yards and had only 10 carries last week, which helps to explain Testaverde’s big numbers.

Bottom line: New York’s defense is solid, but the Patriots will be able to exploit the Jets’ poor pass rush. Look for Testaverde to keep the score close with big completions to Santana Moss.

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JACKSONVILLE AT INDIANAPOLIS

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m.

The line: Indianapolis by 7 1/2.

Introduction: First-year Coach Jack Del Rio has a rebuilding job on his hands, so the Jaguars will be hard-pressed to pick up their first victory against the undefeated Colts.

Plot: Colt quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison have hooked up 12 times in two games but they have accounted for only 103 yards and one touchdown. Running back Edgerrin James rushed for 120 yards in a victory over Tennessee last week. Versatile back Fred Taylor leads the Jaguars in both rushing and receiving.

Bottom line: The Colt defense is coming off brilliant efforts in back-to-back games and should not have too many problems against quarter- back Mark Brunell and the Jaguar offense.

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PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI

Kickoff: Sunday, 10 a.m.

The line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2.

Introduction: The Bengals played well enough to win last week at Oakland, but lost, 23-20. Pittsburgh gave up too many big plays in a 41-20 loss at Kansas City.

Plot: The Steelers may be able to throw the ball with quarterback Tommy Maddox and his talented group of receivers, but the running game needs work. Starter Amos Zereoue and veteran Jerome Bettis have to get more carries against an underrated Cincinnati defense, which did a better-than-average job slowing down the Raiders.

Bottom line: Pittsburgh’s secondary has a few holes that can be exploited. But don’t expect Cincinnati quarterback Jon Kitna to exploit them with his passing -- he won’t have enough time to throw.

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ST. LOUIS AT SEATTLE

Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m.

The line: Seattle by 3.

Introduction: The Rams may be starting Marc Bulger at quarterback instead of Kurt Warner, but the key to their success will be running back Marshall Faulk.

Plot: St. Louis has to find its running game to have a chance against the undefeated Seahawks’ fast-charging defense. Faulk has been limited to 85 yards rushing in two games, but needs more carries to be effective. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been near perfect this season. Look for him to find receiver Darrell Jackson early and often.

Bottom line: Seahawk Coach Mike Holmgren has put together a strong team that has enough defense and firepower to improve to 3-0.

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N.Y. GIANTS AT WASHINGTON

Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m.

The line: Washington by 2 1/2.

Introduction: Quarterback Patrick Ramsey has become the No. 1 man in the nation’s capital, thanks to the Redskins’ fast start.

Plot: Washington fans will stop being skeptical if the Redskins can improve to 3-0. Laveranues Coles has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers. New York quarterback Kerry Collins needs 260 passing yards to reach 24,000. The Giants need to get running back Tiki Barber involved more after he rushed for only 41 yards in Monday night’s overtime loss to Dallas.

Bottom line: Michael Strahan leads a New York defense that has to keep pressure on Ramsey. But the key will be receivers Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard, who will be the difference for the Giants.

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GREEN BAY AT ARIZONA

Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m.

The line: Green Bay by 7 1/2.

Introduction: The Cardinals have turned over the ball nine times in two games, and Emmitt Smith was held to 54 yards rushing last week.

Plot: After losing to Minnesota at Lambeau Field to open the season, Green Bay bounced back with an easy victory over Detroit last week. Quarterback Brett Favre will get injured receiver Donald Driver back this week, and running back Ahman Green is coming off a 160-yard effort against the Lions. The Cardinals cannot play any worse than they did in last week’s six-turnover, 38-0 home loss to Seattle.

Bottom line: The Packers have too much talent to lose. But the Cardinals can move the ball on offense with quarterback Jeff Blake, who should play despite a chest injury.

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BALTIMORE AT SAN DIEGO

Kickoff: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

The line: Baltimore by 1.

Introduction: Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis will be looking to establish an NFL two-game rushing record after his incredible 295-yard performance against Cleveland last week.

Plot: Lewis needs 182 yards to break the league’s record for back-to-back games, established by O.J. Simpson in 1976. Rookie quarterback Kyle Boller should have some success against the Chargers’ young secondary. San Diego has to dictate the pace of the game with running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Bottom line: The Chargers need a big game from quarterback Drew Brees, which also would help Tomlinson. But Lewis is on a roll and the Raven defense is still tough to run against.

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CLEVELAND AT SAN FRANCISCO

Kickoff: Sunday, 1:15 p.m., Channel 2.

The line: San Francisco by 7.

Introduction: The 49ers are coming off a tough overtime loss at St. Louis but should be ready for the winless Browns, who were ripped by the Ravens.

Plot: Quarterback Jeff Garcia is off to another good start. San Francisco should be able to run the ball with Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow against Cleveland’s weak rushing defense. The 49ers need to create turnovers, which may be easy against Cleveland quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who has thrown four interceptions in two games.

Bottom line: The Browns will be digging a deep hole for themselves if they lose to the 49ers, who should be able to control the line of scrimmage enough for Garcia to have a big game.

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BUFFALO AT MIAMI

Kickoff: Sunday, 5:30 p.m., ESPN.

The line: Miami by 3.

Introduction: Quarterback Drew Bledsoe and the Bills are looking for respect, and they know a victory at Miami would help their status around the league.

Plot: The Bills looked great in victories over New England and Jacksonville, but their run defense will get its first true test against Miami. With Ricky Williams in the backfield, the Dolphins have a strong rushing game but still need quarterback Jay Fiedler to step up. The matchup of Bill linebacker Takeo Spikes and Williams should be worth watching.

Bottom line: Bledsoe will have more than he can handle with Junior Seau and the Dolphin defense unless Buffalo’s Travis Henry can find some holes to run through.

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OAKLAND AT DENVER

Kickoff: Monday, 6 p.m., Channel 7.

The line: Denver by 5 1/2.

Introduction: It’s always an event when the Raiders play the Broncos. It’s Al Davis vs. Mike Shanahan. Bill Romanowski vs. Shannon Sharpe. Football with passion.

Plot: The Raiders can’t afford to fall two games behind the Broncos and need to play a complete game. Denver quarterback Jake Plummer has been shaky and has a shoulder injury. The Broncos will count on big runs from second-year back Clinton Portis. Oakland’s secondary, which will be without injured safety Rod Woodson, has to shut down Denver wide receiver Rod Smith.

Bottom line: Look for the Raiders to ride the arm of quarterback Rich Gannon and a fired-up defense to a victory.