Delhomme back working magic

A lightning strike launched from the right arm of Jake Delhomme struck down the San Diego Chargers and signaled the return of the Carolina Panthers.

Delhomme's game-winning touchdown pass as time expired was the highlight of Week 1. It also provided a dramatic lift for the Panthers, who hit a low point at 7-9 last season.

Delhomme played in three games in 2007 before undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, and Carolina stumbled without him as David Carr, Vinny Testaverde and Matt Moore took turns as the starter.

But Delhomme, one of the NFL's better quarterbacks when he's healthy, is back and working his magic.

It's tough to figure out why, but the Panthers have been better on the road than at home under coach John Fox. They are deadly as underdogs (26-11-2 against the spread) but often flat as home favorites (9-20-1), and it's one of the league's most mysterious trends.

That oddity aside, expect lightning to strike twice Sunday. Delhomme should lead Carolina to another win and cover as a 3-point home favorite over the Chicago Bears.

Both teams pulled off major upsets last week. The Panthers were 9-point underdogs in their 26-24 victory at San Diego. The Bears were 10-point underdogs in their 29-13 victory at Indianapolis.

But the Bears are on the road again, and the Panthers own a distinct advantage at quarterback with Delhomme opposing Kyle Orton.

Chicago's defense dominated last week because Peyton Manning was out of sync and he got little support from the Colts' offensive line.

Carolina's offense presents more of a running threat, as DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart combined for 139 yards on the ground against the Chargers. The only problem is wideout Steve Smith remains out while completing a two-game suspension for beating up a teammate during training camp.

The Bears looked great in their opener, but the guess here is they're closer to mediocre.

Four more plays for Week 2 (Home team in CAPS):

• Saints (Pick) over REDSKINS: In his past 13 games, New Orleans' Drew Brees has completed 69 percent of his passes with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Saints are getting a big push from the emergence of Reggie Bush. Washington will play well at home, but its offense was conservative and inept in the opener.

• Bills (+51/2) over JAGUARS: Buffalo's defense will cause problems for Jacksonville's decimated offensive line. The Jaguars' David Garrard was sacked seven times and intercepted twice in a 17-10 loss to Tennessee.

• JETS (-11/2) over Patriots: New England needed a late defensive stand to beat lowly Kansas City. The Patriots are headed for a humbling season without Tom Brady. This game will be tight in the fourth quarter, so the edge goes to the Jets' Brett Favre, who has made 254 more regular-season starts in the NFL than Matt Cassel.

• Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS: Tony Romo had all the time he needed to throw last week against a weak Cleveland defense. Philadelphia's defense is much stronger up front, and its secondary can limit Terrell Owens' big plays and end-zone theatrics. The Eagles, who have won and covered three of the past four meetings in Dallas, should put up points behind Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook.

Last week: 4-1 against the spread

Season: 4-1

Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans can be reached at myoumans@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.