The continuing road

Three of the four triumphant teams from wildcard weekend pulled off their conquests away from home. But they face a whole new set of challenges in trying to do it again this weekend. It's one thing to knock off an inconsistent club such as the Seahawks or the Packers, but it's quite another to topple the mighty Steelers or Eagles, especially on their Pennsylvania turfs.

The road team that seemingly has the best chance this weekend is the Colts, the only team to win at home last weekend. Peyton Manning gave Bill Belichick one more reel of highlights to digest in the film room by mercilessly picking apart the defenseless Broncos.

While the Colts' offense might be incomparable this season, the Jets and Pats have something in common with it: the audible (page 19). These AFC offenses aren't afraid to change things on the fly. There also is plenty of intrigue under center in Pittsburgh as Ben Roethlisberger tries to take the first step to becoming the first rookie quarter-back to start in the Super Bowl.

The big story in the NFC is whether the Eagles finally can crash through after three straight losses in the conference championship game. Donovan McNabb (page 14) is intent on proving that he can get there, even without Terrell Owens. Up first for the Eagles are the explosive but unpredictable Vikings.

Speaking of explosive, no one can wait to see what Michael Vick might do next for the Falcons. Well, maybe the Rams, who had no answer for him in Week 2, when Vick ran for 109 yards and passed for 179. But at least the Rams still are playing. There are, after all, only eight teams that still can say that.

This weekend's schedule

(All times Eastern)

SATURDAY

Jets at Steelers, 4:30 p.m. (CBS)

Rams at Falcons, 8 p.m. (FOX)

SUNDAY

Vikings at Eagles, 1 p.m. (FOX)

Colts at Patriots, 4:30 p.m. (CBS)

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