MATCHUPS
• The skinny: The Rams spent plenty of big coin during the offseason to bolster what was one of the league's worst-tackling teams last season. And with former Saints coach Jim Haslett calling the shots on defense, the Rams will be aggressive, they'll get upfield and they'll take some chances. Defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and middle linebacker Will Witherspoon were among their first catches in free agency for just these types of games.
• It's a fact: Seven running backs topped 100 rushing yards - Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks did it twice - against the Rams in 2005.
When the Broncos pass the ball
• The skinny: Haslett is liable to try most anything in terms of formations against the Broncos, especially on third down. He will try to get the defense to rattle quarterback Jake Plummer from the start to try to keep him hemmed in. The Rams are expected to use rookie cornerback Tye Hill in the nickel in one of the outside spots.
• It's a fact: Glover, signed in free agency, has been named to the past six Pro Bowls.
When the Rams run the ball
• The skinny: The Rams have the right combination to move the ball on the ground. They have a veteran offensive line that returns four starters and a pound-it back in Steven Jackson. He got plenty of work during the preseason, with 215 rushing yards. Jackson had two 100-yard games last season but will get more opportunities with Marshall Faulk facing the choice of reconstructive knee surgery or retirement.
• It's a fact: Two running backs - Clinton Portis of the Redskins and Larry Johnson of the Chiefs - topped 100 rushing yards against the Broncos in 2005. The Broncos were 1-1 in those games.
When the Rams pass the ball
• The skinny: Scott Linehan usually has been able to get an offense on the move with a nice run-pass mix. The Rams hired him as head coach to slow theirs some, or at least make it a little sturdier when they do throw. But with Marc Bulger at quarterback to go with Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce on the outside, the Rams have the goods to get things going.
• It's a fact: Bruce is one of 14 players in league history with at least 800 receptions and one of 11 players with at least 12,000 receiving yards.
Special teams
• The skinny: The Broncos will go with Paul Ernster to handle punts and kickoffs during Todd Sauerbrun's four-game suspension for testing positive for ephedra. Ernster showed a powerful leg during the preseason, with seven touchbacks on kickoffs and two kicks to the 1-yard line. The Rams are a little unsettled in the return game. They signed former Eagles returner J.R. Reed last week, and he will return kickoffs. Receiver Shaun McDonald is expected to return punts.
• It's a fact: Broncos kicker Jason Elam enters the season among the league's top 15 all time in career field goals (10th), extra points (11th) and extra points attempted (15th).
Intangibles
• The skinny: The Rams have a first-year coach in Linehan, who has settled down things in an organization that was in turmoil, they have a noisy home stadium, and Linehan's offense was a difficult deal for the Broncos in the opener last season in Miami. Still, top to bottom, the Broncos are better and have much higher aspirations.
Jeff Legwold's prediction: Broncos 27-13
The facts
• The records: This is the opener for both teams. The Broncos finished 13-3 in the regular season in 2005 and lost 34-17 to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game. The Rams finished 6-10.
• The series: Tied 5-5.
• The previous meeting: The Broncos won 23-16 on Sept. 8, 2002, at Invesco Field at Mile High.
• TV/radio: CBS 4; KOA-AM (850), KBNO-AM (1280-Spanish).
• Who's favored: Broncos by 3 1/2.
• Broncos injuries: Questionable: DE Courtney Brown (left knee). Probable: DE Patrick Chukwurah (ankle), WR Brandon Marshall (right knee), T Adam Meadows (shoulder), T Erik Pears (left pinkie), RB Cecil Sapp (hamstring), DT Gerard Warren (left toe).
• Rams injuries: None reported.
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