Steelers Might Be Early Leaders in Flubhouse

Times NFL writer Robyn Norwood poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

Question: Which team will make the first quarterback change of the season?

Answer: Pittsburgh, because the Steelers’ game starts at 1 p.m. Eastern and Miami doesn’t play until 4:15. Both teams pulled a switcheroo at quarterback shortly before the season, and both will change their minds again-- probably more than once.

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Q: Who will win today’s sack race?

A: The NFL’s all-time sack leaders--Carolina’s Reggie White and Washington’s Bruce Smith-- make their debuts with new teams at FedEx Field, but second-year star Jevon Kearse of Tennessee might outdo them against Buffalo.

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Q: So where is the safest place to watch a game?

A: Probably your sofa. (Congratulations, Los Angeles.) A study by CAP Index Inc. of the 30 NFL stadiums concluded 20 are in high-risk crime areas, led by Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The least risky: New England’s Foxboro Stadium, Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium and Green Bay’s Lambeau Field.

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Q: Were the Rams a fluke?

A: Nope. Even if they are upset by Denver in the opener, the Rams have tremendous speed, skill and depth and certainly should contend again.

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Q: Can Cincinnati avoid a loss the first week of the season?

A: Without a doubt. The Bengals don’t play until next week, when they face Cleveland in their opening game at Paul Brown Stadium.