Lock of the Week (9-1):
The Bucs (-8.5) @ home vs. the Panthers
Almost selected the Iggles here last week - thank God the Saints were playing a JUCO squad or the Birds would have joined the Flaming Thumbtacks on my list of worthless pieces of crap. I'm in a bit of a quandry with the pick for week #11. So many teams are worthy as the selection of Lock of the Week. The Panthers proved that they are incapable of beating a team coming off a bye - so, I'm going back to the proverbial well. Look for GruDawg's band of seafarers to be less than kind hosts to the toothless wonders that will be without their starting QB, Rodney Peete. The offense decided to start playing in week #9 for Johnny on the spot. I'm sure he's concerned about them forgetting how to play during the bye - but, I'm not!
Upset Special of the Week (4-6):
The Titans (+3) @ home vs. the Steelers
Two straight losses are the prize awarded for picking against Brett Favre. Trust me, it won't happen again. I may get the pick wrong, but it won't be because I've selected the Vikings to beat the Pack. Although, come to think about it, it's not a bad pick. The Pack doesn't play well on a rug under a lid. Then again, they are playing the Vikings. This week look for Tennessee to lay it to the Steelers. This will be the first week that Coach Cowher may consider bringing Kordell off the bench as his starter struggles with a fierce pass rush. He won't make that mistake, but his team will lose. For the record, this will be the springboard that sends the black-n-gold into the playoffs at a feverish pitch.
Tip of the Week: It's time to start thinking about rebuilding in Oakland
"Just breathe baby!!!" Bill Callahan better get Marques Tuiasosososo... whatever, some reps in games that are outta hand (positively or negatively). For those that hadn't noticed, Jerry Porter is the real thing. He is the best receiver on this team and has asserted himself as the go-to-guy...at the expense of longtime Raiduh Tim Brown. As this season wears on, age rather than experience may catch up with this team. Of course, I say this as the team has already started a rather quick descent in the Western standings.
Game to Stay Away From: Buffalo @ Kansas City
While this is a fantasy owners dream match-up, it will be a betting man's nightmare. These teams will go up and down the field on one another with relative ease. Two of the better running backs in the league square off, as do two of the more successful quarterbacks. The Drew Crew has a better receiving corps which could make the difference. Of course, it's tough for a visitor to walk away from KC a winner. The Bills had two weeks to think about the drubbing the Patsies laid on them and the Chiefs are coming off a hard fought loss to the superior 49ers. The Swiss Chiefs defense held the 9ers in check for the most part which would tend make this fan believe that the Chiefs have the upper hand. Then again, they are the Chiefs. Whatever you do, don't bet the under.
Player(s) to Watch:
Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta
Was outdueled by his cousin, Aaron Brooks, two weeks ago in N'Awleans. Look for McVick to play with a vengeance. The holidays are coming and he doesn't need to here the "sweep" word over his turkey dinner.
Mike Alstott, RB, Tampa Bay
Look for Tampa to expose the tired Carolina defense in the fourth quarter with their battering ram. He'll post bad numbers, if any, for three quarters - then light up those Panthers as the Pirates walk away with an easy one.
Jeff Garcia, QB, San Francisco
The Chargers have been surrendering 30 points a game to their opponents the past five weeks...mostly through the air. Well, Garcia plays quarterback and has some tools to work with. It all adds up to a productive afternoon.
Clarkie's Corner Week 2
Clarkie's Corner Week 3
Clarkie's Corner Week 4
Clarkie's Corner Week 5
Clarkie's Corner Week 6
Clarkie's Corner Week 7
Clarkie's Corner Week 8
Clarkie's Corner Week 9
Clarkie's Corner Week 10