NFL Sunday

Local watch

Keisel pays off: Former BYU defensive tackle Brett Keisel signed a five-year contract extension with the Steelers last week. He responded with five tackles vs. Tennessee.

Game of the week

The two breakout teams from 2008 will look to start the 2009 season off the right way. The Falcons improved by seven wins last season, while the Dolphins improved by 10. Miami has won five straight road games.

Team on the rise

After an injury-ravaged 2008 season in which they won four games, the Seahawks appear primed to bounce back and contend in the NFC West.

Team on the decline

Sorry Cardinals fans, but here's a fact that will temper your hopes. Only one of the last eight Super Bowl losers made the playoffs the next season.

Fantasy tips

CAN'T MISS: Randy Moss. His QB is back.

SLEEPER: Ray Rice. Set for breakout season

NOT THIS WEEK: Larry Johnson vs. Ravens

FREE AGENT PICK UP: Cadillac Williams

TV schedule

BRONCOS (0-0) AT BENGALS (0-0)

11 a.m., Ch. 2

Broncos staggered to the finish line in '08, which is why coach Mike Shanahan was fired. His replacement, Josh McDaniels, has not exactly righted the ship.

Prediction: Bengals 20, Broncos 17

VIKINGS (0-0) AT BROWNS (0-0)

11 a.m., Ch. 13

How ironic: The quarterback who cost Eric Mangini his job with the Jets is the same quarterback he faces in the opener — Brett Favre.

Prediction: Vikings 26, Browns 13

REDSKINS (0-0) AT GIANTS (0-0)

2 p.m., Ch. 13

The Redskins managed just seven points in each of their two losses to the Giants last season. This is the second straight season they play in the opener.

Prediction: Giants 13, Redskins 7

BEARS (0-0) AT PACKERS (0-0)

6:20 p.m., Ch. 5

The Bears think they have finally found their quarterback, Jay Cutler. The Packers are hoping their new 3-4 defense can stop him in the NFL's oldest rivalry.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 23

BILLS (0-0) AT

PATRIOTS (0-0)

5 p.m., ESPN (Mon.)

First game of a doubleheader on ESPN. Chargers-Raiders follows at 8:15 p.m. There's slightly more interest in this game and the return of Brady.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Bills 3