Keys to victory for all Week 1 matchups

MORE GAME PLANS: Falcons at Vikings | Dolphins at Redskins | Patriots at Jets | Broncos at Bills | Steelers at Browns | Panthers at Rams | Titans at Jaguars | Lions at Raiders | Chiefs at Texans | Bucs at Seahawks | Bears at Chargers | Giants at Cowboys

Eagles at Packers

Donovan McNabb returns to the field after missing the last six games of 2006 with a knee injury. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

RELATED • KING: Week 1 game-by-game predictions

MAILBAG Have questions or feedback? E-mail Bucky Brooks. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

GREEN BAY'S GAME PLAN

1. Make the Eagles pay for blitzing. The Packers can expect to see a lot of blitzing and they need to make the Eagles pay. Brett Favre has to connect with Donald Driver or Greg Jennings on a deep throw to help slow the pressure.

2. Pressure McNabb up the middle. Donovan McNabb is scheduled to return to the Eagles' lineup, but is only nine months removed from his knee injury. The Packers should test his mobility and courage by sending constant pressure up the middle. By blitzing linebackers through the "A" gaps, the Packers can force McNabb into the arms of Cullen Jenkins and Aaron Kampman when the QB tries to escape.

3. Bottle up Westbrook. The Packers have to pay special attention to the versatile running back and not let him be a major factor. The lock-down skills of corners Al Harris and Charles Woodson should enable the Packers to commit a safety in the box on running downs and give them some flexibility to bracket or double Westbrook in passing situations.

PHILADELPHIA'S GAME PLAN

1. Stay balanced. The Eagles used a balanced offensive attack after McNabb's injury to spark a playoff run last season. They should use the same approach with McNabb back under center. By running Westbrook more often, the Eagles are able to see more three-deep coverage on first and second down. This makes it easier for Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis to get open.

2. Make the Packers one-dimensional. The Packers have major questions about their running game, so the Eagles need to stuff it early to put the game on Favre's shoulders. While Favre is still capable of posting a big game on occasion, forcing him to throw without the luxury of a strong running game eventually leads to mistakes and turnovers.

3. Have the free safety shade to Donald Driver's side. Driver has quietly become one of the top receivers in the game and the Eagles should give him extra attention. They do not double receivers much, but they should have the free safety shade to Driver's side to protect Lito Shepard or Sheldon Brown. The Packers have unproven threats on the other side.

Falcons at Vikings

ATLANTA'S GAME PLAN

1. Throw the ball on first down. Minnesota uses a variety of eight-man fronts with three-deep coverage on first down to stop the run. The Falcons should take advantage of the soft coverage by throwing quick routes to Joe Horn and Alge Crumpler. This will keep them ahead of the chains and get Joey Harrington into rhythm quickly.

2. Get Jerrious Norwood the ball in space. Norwood is the Falcons' biggest home run threat and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Expect to see Bobby Petrino use him on sweeps and screens to take advantage of his speed and dynamic running skills.

3. Make Tarvarius Jackson win the game. The Vikings want to make it a smashmouth game behind the running of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson. But for the Falcons to win, they should sell out to stop the run and make Jackson beat them with his arm. By putting eight men in the box and having corners DeAngelo Hall and Chris Houston press the Vikings' receivers, they would force Jackson to make plays in the passing game.

MINNESOTA's GAME PLAN

1. Run, Run, Run. The Vikings have a massive offensive line and two talented runners. The Falcons are light up front and will wear down against a consistent running game. Expect the Vikings to run the ball 30 to 35 times.

1 of 7