Chad Johnson has become known as one of the best NFL players to go to when a good quote is needed. From the guarantee that Cincinnati would beat the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs in 2003, to the infamous 'list" in his locker this season, Johnson has become one of the most outspoken players in recent years.

As he turned towards the cameras this past Thursday in Cincinnati, he told reporters to "zoom in close, because I’m about to get myself in trouble."

He was referring to Marvin Lewis' ban on speaking to the media before the Week 7 tilt against Pittsburgh, Johnson hinted that his next statement probably wouldn’t sit well with his coach.

"I guarantee -- I'm serious -- I guarantee that I will not be stopped on Sunday. For real."

Johnson’s second guarantee in three years isn’t what one would have expected based on the wideout’s last guarantee. Johnson added, "I won't be covered. I will do everything I can to make sure we win this game. That's my guarantee."

That’s all that the media could get about maybe the biggest game of the 2005 season. Johnson felt that the game could hype itself enough without him.

"There's no need for me to guarantee a victory. No point," Johnson said. "We're 7-2. We are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. So there's no need for me to go out on a limb like that."

After the first guarantee, Johnson was widely criticized by his teammates for drawing too much attention to himself, but at the time, he was about the only thing that deserved attention in Cincy. Not this time, though.

The Bengals have taken the NFL by storm thus far in 2005 and are tied for the division lead in the AFC North with Pittsburgh holding the tie-breaker over them. With the development of Carson Palmer into a top tier quarterback, this week may make Johnson 2 for 2 in the guarantee category.

Although the Colts pass defense ranks eighth in the league, Johnson, confident as he is, thinks the Colts secondary is no match for his talent. "It's not who I'm playing. It can't be done, and I've come to that conclusion," he said.

He did also give the Colts D credit, however, and they certainly deserve it. The Colts have surprised everyone this season with a new game plan and a new defense.

With the additions of Corey Simon and rookie Cato June, the Indianapolis

defense is faster and better than last season. Although Peyton Manning is not putting up the astronomical numbers he was last year, the Colts are still 9-0 and have also beat New England in Foxborough, a difficult feat for them in the recent past.

Johnson, an AFC Pro Bowler a year ago, has become even more famous this season for his antics. His "list" of defensive backs that were going to cover him got replaced by coach Marvin Lewis with a list containing items such as "Will I work hard today?," "Will I block for my running back?," etc.

His end zone antics have become a must-see each week, including a Riverdance jig, and he has promised to come up with a new celebration each week for every different team he plays. What does he have in store for Indianapolis?

"My plan is Martha Stewart-like," Johnson said. "What it's going to be exactly, I can't tell you. You'd have to watch. It's going to be fun, though. It will probably keep you on the edge of your seat."

The Colts are hoping that Johnson stays out of the end zone this week, something that opposing defenses have been able to do for the past three weeks. Johnson is leading the AFC in receiving yards, though, with 808 on the season.

I think that Johnson’s guarantee will hold up this week, and I also think that Cincinnati will end Indy’s run. The 1972 Dolphins will once again be celebrating in South Florida, although it will be another Johnson that will be vital to Cincinnati victory.

Rudi Johnson must carry the load against the quick defensive front of the Colts and open up the vertical passing game for Palmer and his fellow Johnson (no, not Jeremi). Cincinnati will win this game, and these two teams will meet again in Indianapolis in the playoffs. I guarantee it.

Predictions:
* Cincinnati 24, Indianapolis 20
* Chad Johnson -- 8 catches, 109 yards, one TD, and a must-see end-zone dance.