San Francisco 49ers 37, Indianapolis Colts 17

The 49ers offense looked rusty...49ers running back Anthony Dixon didn't look like a rookie as he led the back-ups to a win...49ers safety Reggie Smith may get more playing time than Taylor Mays this season.

Colts starters looked good, but the back-ups struggled...Colts quarterback Curtis Painter had another rough day...Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers inexplicably ran out of bounds during an interception return.

Cincinnati Bengals 33, Denver Broncos 24

The Bengals assuaged the fears of the fans after the Hall of Fame game performance...Bengals cornerback David Jones made his case for a roster spot on Sunday night...Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens was pleased with the reception he got at Paul Brown Stadium.

Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton had "a poised, efficient performance", writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post...Broncos defensive end Justin Bannan was the only starter to lay a hand on Carson Palmer last night...Broncos quarterback Brady Quinn struggled during his first three possessions.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots fourth-round tight end Aaron Hernandez is comfortable in the spread offense.

New York Jets guard Matt Slauson is inspired by his family's resiliency, writes Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger.

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson could miss the start of the regular season.

Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano believes the team got a steal with fifth-round cornerback Nolan Carroll.

Baltimore Ravens kickers Billy Cundiff may have a slight edge over Graham Gano in their competition for a roster spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers first-round center Maurkice Pouncey is catching on quickly to the mental aspect of playing the position at the NFL level, writes Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The Cleveland Browns offensive performance on Saturday was an encouraging sign, writes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jarett Dillard was activated off the PUP list on Sunday.

After sitting out the opener, Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins will see action in the next pre-season game, reports Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Houston Texans second-round running back Ben Tate will undergo ankle surgery this week.

Kansas City Chiefs second-round cornerback Javier Arenas could be the team's next great return specialist, writes Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star.

The San Diego Chargers have faith in their back-up options at left tackle, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Oakland Raiders left tackle Mario Henderson is looking to develop good habits, such as playing well.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at what was learned, what is still unknown, and what the Seattle Seahawks need to figure out after the pre-season opener.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's sprained knee won't keep him out of the regular season opener.

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is concerned about the pass-protection issues.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Underwood appears to have the inside track for the nickel cornerback role, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The Minnesota Vikings have depth along the defensive line, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.

After one pre-season game, the Detroit Lions secondary is still a big concern, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Chicago Bears coaches were quick to defend questions about wide receiver Devin Hester's ability to grasp Mike Martz's offensive system.

The New York Giants defense is out to erase the bad memories from the final two weeks of the 2009 season.

Philadelphia Eagles center Jamaal Jackson's main goal is get healthy.

Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman has a firm grip on the back-up job, writes Rick Maese of the Washington Post.

Dallas Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo will miss 2-4 weeks after having his right knee scoped.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Adrian Arrington knows that in order to make the team, he can't afford to miss practice time.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round defensive tackle Gerald McCoy had an impact in the pre-season opener.

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant has won the competition with Steven Hauschka, who was released on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Louis Leonard still needs to clear a mental hurdle in his return from an ankle injury.

Today's NFL birthdays: Packers safety Nick Collins (27), Texans kicker Neil Rackers (34), Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell (36) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams (30), Raiders quarterback Colt Brennan (27), Seahawks wide receiver Isaiah Stanback (26), Rams wide receiver rookie Dominique Curry (23), free agent defensive tackle Rod Coleman (34), linebackers Angelo Crowell (29) and Jay Moore (27), quarterback Cleo Lemon (31), guard Anthony Oakley (29), and kicker Jason Reda (25).