Warren Sapp and the Bucs defense face a huge challenge in St. Louis.

His players are more candid.

"What we need to do is put our rings away, put them in the safe and just go out and play. What we did in the past is what we did in the past," linebacker Glenn Cadrez says.

What's in the immediate future is a trip to Tampa to play the Bucs, who just happen to lead the league in defense, albeit against two non-threatening offenses, the Giants and the Eagles.

The oddsmakers are starting to jump off the Broncos' bandwagon. The game opened as even, then the Bucs quickly jumped to 2½-point favorites, even though Trent Dilfer remains their quarterback -- for this week at least.

Brian Griese remains Denver's quarterback. Bubby Brister was no better in Kansas City off the bench than Griese was as the starter.

After the Bucs defense finishes with the Broncos, it could be Miller time. Chris, that is. Bucs 17, Broncos 11

Minnesota (pick 'em) at Green Bay: The Vikings averaged 34.8 points a game last season. This season they've scored 34 in two. Vikings 34, Packers 33

San Francisco (minus 2) at Arizona (Monday night): Why do the oddsmakers still think the 49ers are still good? Cardinals 27, 49ers 17.

Detroit (plus 3½) at Kansas City: After two games, Bobby Ross is Coach of the Year. Lions 21, Chiefs 15.

Tennessee (plus 9½) at Jacksonville: Neil O'Donnell will not pass for 310 yards this week. Jaguars 27, Titans 14.

Indianapolis (pick 'em) at San Diego: This is interesting, because Ryan Leaf will be holding a clipboard watching Peyton Manning instead of playing against him. Chargers 20, Colts 17.

Washington (minus 1) at New York Jets: The Redskins will not score 50 at the Meadowlands this week. Redskins 49, Jets 21.

New York Giants (plus 6½) at New England: The Giants will not allow 50 this week. Patriots 49, Giants 21.

Chicago (plus 7) at Oakland: The Raiders could probably win the NFC Central. Raiders 20, Bears 3.

Seattle (plus 4½) at Pittsburgh: Baltimore exposed some of the Steelers' weaknesses. Steelers 17, Seahawks 16.

Cleveland (plus 12) at Cle ... er Baltimore: The new Browns preen for Art Modell. Stoney Case preens for the Ravens. Ravens 20, Browns 12.

Atlanta (off) at St. Louis: This is off because of the injuries to Chris Chandler and Jamal Anderson. Are the Falcons reverting to their historic form? Rams 17, Falcons 7.

Philadelphia (plus 11½) at Buffalo: Donovan McNabb is familiar with upstate New York. If he plays, he'll get familiar with Bruce Smith. Bills 20, Eagles 2.

Cincinnati (plus 7½) at Carolina: Akili Smith shouldn't have held out. Panthers 27, Bengals 10.

Last week: 7-8 (spread); 11-4 (straight up). Season: 15-15 (spread); 19-11 (straight up).