The Nickel Package

5 YOUNG RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH

Julius Jones, Dallas

* Had 803 yards rushing in the last seven games of 2004.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis

* Only back with 100 or more carries to average 5.0 yards a carry last season.

Domanick Davis, Houston

* Averaged 110.8 yards in final six games of 2004.

Kevin Jones, Detroit

* Had 156-yard game vs. Packers last season.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh

* Had only 32 carries in 2004, but averaged 5.8 yards an attempt.

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5 QUARTERBACKS WHO MIGHT STRUGGLE

J.P. Losman, Buffalo

* Threw only five passes last season.

Tim Rattay, San Francisco

* Seven of his 10 interceptions came in fourth quarter.

Kyle Orton, Chicago

* First rookie quarterback to start opener for Bears since 1954.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

* Coming off an elbow injury that slowed him this summer.

Kyle Boller, Baltimore

* Failed to throw a touchdown pass in half of Ravens’ games last season.

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5 TELLING STATISTICS

* The Redskins have won the last four games in which they opened the season at home.

* New Orleans has had a better record on the road than at home in four of five seasons.

* Seattle and Jacksonville, opponents today, started last season 3-0.

* In the final six weeks of last season, Tennessee’s defense gave up an average of 37.8 points and 437.2 yards.

* Over the last four seasons, only Peyton Manning has more yards passing than Trent Green.

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5 LOCKS

Denver over Miami

* Improved Bronco defense will give Dolphin quarterbacks fits.

Minnesota over Tampa Bay

* If Vikings get an early lead at home, watch out.

St. Louis over San Francisco

* Feeble 49er defense will have a tough time stopping Jackson.

Carolina over New Orleans

* Panthers will be too much for distracted Saints.

Philadelphia over Atlanta

* Eagles are still the team to beat in the NFC.

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STAR RATINGS

* * * * * * Steve McNair organized a huge relief effort for Hurricane Katrina victims.

* * * * * Colts add Corey Simon to bolster a defense on the rise.

* * * * It was a very so-so summer for Jet quarterback Chad Pennington.

* * * Receiver Jerry Rice, a noted workaholic, retires on ... Labor Day?

* * The Coliseum as a temporary home for the Saints? Oh, that looks real good.