Pass Offense

Packers run offense vs. 49ers run defense EdgeThe Packers pick their spots with the running game, and Dorsey Levens (1,435 yards, 4.4 average) came up big in the big games. But the 49ers had the No. 2 rush defense in the league, giving up a scant 85.4 yards a game. Unless defensive tackles Dana Stubblefield and Bryant Young get worn down chasing Brett Favre, the 49ers will be hard to run against.Edge -- San FranciscoPackers pass offense vs. 49ers pass defenseThe Packers have big-play people at the skill positions with Favre throwing to wide receivers Antonio Freeman, Robert Brooks and Derrick Mayes.

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Bengals starter Jon Kitna is an improbable NFL quarterback. As a 10th-grader in Tacoma, Wash., he didn't know to hold a football with the laces to throw it. He wanted to play wide receiver as a senior. Baseball was his best sport, but he ended up going to NAIA Central Washington without a scholarship to play football. He was 12th-string quarterback on his first day of practice as a freshman. Kitna didn't begin to show the slightest potential as even a long-shot NFL prospect until he put his life in order.

SCOUTING REPORT Ravens run offense vs. Chargers run defense -- RAVENS Jamal Lewis is coming off an NFL-record 295 yards rushing and needs 182 yards today to break the all-time mark for two consecutive games. The rushing attack won't be at full strength since left guard Edwin Mulitalo won't play because of an ankle injury. Casey Rabach, who is smaller but more athletic than Mulitalo, replaces the mauling run blocker. The heavy advantage still goes to the Ravens, who are playing the league's fourth-worst run defense.

SCOUTING REPORT Ravens run offense vs. Colts run defense: This is where the Ravens want to establish their grind-it-out tempo. Expect a heavy dose of Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor as the Ravens try to exploit an undersized Colts defensive front. The plan is to split carries between their backs because there are questions about Lewis' endurance after a limited preseason. Last season, Indianapolis gave up 4.6 yards a carry, which was tied for second worst in the NFL. But it could all be moot if the Colts jump out to a big lead and force the Ravens to pass to catch up. EDGE: Ravens Ravens pass offense vs. Colts pass defense: The Colts' strength on defense is their pass rush.

SCOUTING REPORT BUCCANEERS Ravens run offense vs. Buccaneers run defense The Ravens want to commit more to the run and increase Jamal Lewis' touches into the 25- to-30 carry range. Success here hinges on how effectively the Ravens' offensive line can open holes against a talented Tampa Bay front four. In the season opener, Lewis was stopped within a yard of the line of scrimmage on 10 of his 17 carries. With one of the fastest defenses in the NFL, the Bucs gave up 118 yards rushing last week but allowed only 3.5 yards per carry.