Sky High?

How would you feel as a defense facing off against a lineup like this? Record setting Peyton Manning behind center. All world LaDainian Tomlinson and oh-so-close-to rushing champion Shaun Alexander in the backfield, both chomping at the bit and awaiting the ball. Then you look to your right and your left, and see 6-3, 220 lbs of muscle and speed; Javon Walker and Andre Johnson are on the edges, waiting to sprint past your secondary, your couches, your mascot and your cheerleaders on the way to the endzone. Then you look at the slot position, and see six foot TJ Houshmandzadeh, who's as hard on scrabble players as he is on mismatched nickel corners.

Think you have a chance to stop them? Think you have a chance to win?

The Chunky Monkeys, consistent contenders but always exposed as pretenders in the playoffs, are looking better than ever. The Monkeys aren't reloading as much as they are ready to set records. With a supplemental day draft that netted Javon Walker in a draft day trade, and pickups of young WRs Houshmandzadeh, speedster Donte Stallworth and TO's heir apparent Brandon Lloyd, Chunky's backups are better than most team's starters.

And should LT or Shaun go down to injury, intriguing Kevan Barlow is there. And if Priest Holmes goes down to injury (which we know he will), Larry Johnson will serve as a feature back.

The Monkeys are chock full of talent but feel the pressure of a fan base that has been anxiously awaiting a championship, or at least a Fantasy Bowl appearance. Coach Shiue realizes that he has, arguably, the top three fantasy picks in the land in Manning/LT/Alexander, as well as two of the best young WRs in the league.

What could possibly go wrong to derail the Chunky's season? In seasons past, everything and anything. Records and wins don't amount to much when the championship trophys are sitting on division rival's mantels. Inscrutable Drama Kings Buffy, Dirty Birds and the Tiiite Ends have each won championships -- two in Buffy's case -- in recent years. All without the benefit of a roster like the Monkeys.

We saw what TO did for the Eagles last season, will Javon do the same for the Monkeys? Only time will tell.