Lock of the Week: Tampa Bay (-7) @ home vs. the Panthers
Let's see, the Buccaneers were embarrassed for the fourth time in a row by the Eagles. The Panthers were throttled by the Falcons (30-0) for their fourth consecutive loss. Something tells me that Carolina is in real danger of suffering another shutout this week. The Bucs offense only managed to put 3 points on the board against a pretty stout Philadelphia defense. That may be enough to beat the Panthers on their home turf this weekend. Look for Warren Sapp to pressure Chris Weinke into some ill-advised decisions with the pigskin. Derrick Brooks may even catch and pass the NFL record for TDs by a defensive player this weekend...before halftime. The Bucs will cover the spread - regardless of how much it ends up being.
Upset Special of the Week: Cincinnati (+5.5) @ Tennessee
Clarkie hated to bring a Dolphin letdown to your attention last week, but it happened. It raised my record to 4-3. Not bad for upset predictions if I say so myself - and, I just did! (I'm just glad my beloved Fish have the week off!)
This week Clarkie's pulling the upsets of upsets out of his hat - the Bengals will actually win a game. They won't just win with the points, they'll win outright. Here's what's gonna happen: Corey Dillon - that's what! Dick is gonna take the ball outta the QBs hands all together - whoever the QB flavor of the week is. In fact, don't be surprised to see Dillon lining up under center and calling his own number all day long! Look for the Bengal defense to pressure McNair all afternoon long, too. With the emphasis on "long." Cause that's what kinda day it's gonna be for "Air" McNair. The Bengals bite will take the "air" outta McNair and the Titans.
New!!! Tip of the Week: The Titans are the biggest fraud in the NFL
Year after year we hear how they are playoff contenders. If not for the Music City Miracle a few years back, the Titans would be nothing! And, Rob Johnson might still be the QB in Buffalo...then again maybe not. This is the same Clarkie-type prediction that suggested that Da Bears would spiral out of control after Clarkie predicted their first loss in week #3. Da Bears are currently on an 0-4 run!
Game to Stay Away From: Detroit @ Buffalo
Detroit ain't all that bad ladies! James Stewart ran all over Da Bears last weekend and Buffalo's run defense can't hold a candle to Da Bears run defense. If the Lions can mount any type of defense against the Bills at all, and I mean at all, then this game proves to be a very even match-up. Especially when you consider the Bills could still be thinking about last week's big divisional win against the hated Dolphins. Look for Detroit to throw a lot and run very effectively and keep the Bills off-balance in the process. The Detroit objective will be to keep Drew and Crew outside the lines with nothing but a good seat to watch the game from. Of course, for every three-and-out that Detroit has the Bills could have a three-and-TD. The Bills passing game is top-notch. This game can go either way, swing back-and-forth, and knowing the Bills - go overtime!
Player(s) to Watch:
Corey Dillon, RB, Cincinnati
Look for the Bengals to play their best game of the year on both sides of the ball this weekend. Corey will benefit from a strong defensive effort and may well approach the single game rushing record. He'll be the only offensive punch the Bengals throw. And, they'll throw it as often, if not more, than Mike Tyson's teeth landed on Holyfield's lobes!
Charlie Garner, RB, Oakland
Kansas City's run defense is horrible! The ageless wonder, Rich Gannon, cannot go the whole year putting up 50 passes a week. They'll give him the week off against the Chiefs as Charlie runs all over the swiss cheese that is Kansas City's defense. Charlie is apt to break off a few long ones, too!
Emmitt Smith, RB, Dallas/Antonio Bryant, WR, Dallas
Did you see what Marshall Faulk did to the Seahawks last weekend? Watch Emmitt emulate Faulk and set the career rushing mark in the process. Seattle, in an effort to not be an asterisk in the record book, will overcommit to stopping the run this week - watch Bryant score some easy touchdowns, as a result. Emmitt sets the record at home, Antonio Bryant arrives for good, and Seattle looks like the Bengals on a really bad day!
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville
The Jags are playing the expansion Texans. The same Texans that had difficulty with the Brownies last week. Taylor will have his way with the Texans. The Jaguars, despite a losing effort to Baltimore last week, are starting to look like they have some teeth. The schedule gets real easy the rest of the way for Jacksonville and Fred will lead the way.
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