Clarkie's going back to the well! Those well-rested Indianapolis Colts stampede into Cincinnati where the declawed await them. Cincinnati is one team that every team in the league is wishing was on their schedule. Somehow, the town of Cincinnati has a way of curing whatever ails ya, unless ya are plagued by poor Cincinnati management itself! However, the Colts will need to be sure they don't turn their backs on Corey Dillon...he's always lurking and ready to make a reborn believer out of a prudish Bengals fan.
Upset Special of the Week: The Bills (-3) @ home vs. the Raiders
Another blasted late game loss for me in this column. The Panthers have done so much right this year to get to 3-0, then I gotta pick them as the upset special. And, what do they do in returning my favor, they sign Scott Norwood as their kicker on Sunday morning after Mass...and Goddamnit he pushed another one wide right when I...that's right I said "I"...needed it most. Anyway, I'm not bitter. But, I am smart...and I'm jumping on that Buffalo bandwagon. Watch Drew and Co. make believers outta of the AARP convention on Sunday!
Game to Stay Away From: Denver (-4.5) vs. the Chargers @ The Murph
The Chargers scare the hell outta me. They're playing "D", running the football with great success, and appear ready to attend the Super Bowl in their home stadium - in uniform!!! But, then again, they are the Chargers - the West Coast version of the Bengals. Sooner or later the wins are gonna pack their bags and head to Cincy. Have you ever noticed that the Chargers start fast every year and cool off just about the time the Bengals figure out the team with highest score wins? I think these two teams are tied together in some cosmic way. Anyhow, there's always the potential for the Chargers opponent to hurt their own chances this week. Brian Griese may fall over his dog again, fall down TD's driveway, or fall out of a boat and not land in water. And, they say he doesn't have a drinking problem.
Player(s) to Watch:
Marshall Faulk, St Louis
I'm going way out on a limb here to suggest that Mike Martz, without Kurt Warner directing his potent (or is it problematic) offense, may, and I say "may" matter-of-factly, decide to run the football with the best back in football. Call me crazy, but your star QB is down for a few weeks and you've got Marshall Faulk. You've also got a highly potent opponent in San Francisco this week. Think maybe you oughtto put it on the ground and chew a little clock. I think it will happen, even if it means Francy has gotta come down on the field and call the plays herself.
Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh
Hey, if a first round rookie can scorch the Aints "D" why can't a first round selection that's been around for 15 years or so? Honest, he's been around!
That's all from Clarkie this week!