Chargers starting season as favorites without crown - Chris Jenkins
"That was it right there," said quarterback Philip Rivers. "You go 3-3 in the division, you’re not gonna win the AFC West. We win two more division games last year, maybe even just one more, we get in (the postseason). So, the fast start this year is key and all that, but we’ve gotta win the division."
Chargers set to run into Peterson - Kevin Acee
The Chargers allowed their opponents just 33 runs of 10 yards or more in 2010, second-fewest in the NFL. Over the past four seasons, only three teams have allowed fewer such runs than the Chargers. But not all their recent history is as good.
Scouting the Minnesota Vikings - Scott Bair
The Vikings are a passing offense in transition. Donovan McNabb takes over as quarterback after spending last season in Washington, but this six-time Pro Bowler is on the downside of his career. The Vikings also lost WR Sidney Rice to free agency, leaving more responsibilities for Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian. That puts even more onus on Peterson to carry the load.
Three things: Chargers-Vikings - Bill Williamson
Don’t let up: The Chargers can’t afford to lose this home game to a less talented team. With a road test at New England looming next week, the Chargers would be haunted by the ghosts of past slow starts all next week if they lose this game. The Chargers have to use their strong offensive attack and bury the Vikings quickly. They have to take away Minnesota’s will as soon as possible.
46 predictions for the 2011 NFL season - Gene Wojciechowski
36. Tim Tebow will start for the Broncos if … A. Urban Meyer or former Nease High School coach Craig Howard replaces John Fox. B. The Broncos become the newest member of the Pac-12. C. Kyle Orton rolls both ankles and can't execute five-step drop in walking boots. D. Tebow purchases controlling interest from owner Pat Bowlen.
First opener for Sperry - Christopher Smith
Tight end Kory Sperry played 15 NFL games in his first two seasons as a borderline roster guy. Much improved, he’ll get a chance to experience his first regular-season opener Sunday.
Fantasy: Vikings provide favorable matchups - Andrew Burer
After finishing outside the top 10 in fantasy points last year for the first time since 2004, the Vikings defense is again vulnerable. Two starters missed most or all of last season, cornerback Cedric Griffin and strong safety Tyrell Johnson. Erin Henderson will be starting at the weak side linebacker position for the first time since being drafted in 2008.
'Monday Night Football' stays on ESPN through 2021 - Rick Freeman
The network agreed with the league on an eight-year contract extension that keeps "Monday Night Football" on ESPN through the 2021 season, boosts the amount of programming shown on the already football-saturated family of networks, and brings it to phones and tablets.