AROUND THE AFC

WEST / Smith Rides Back Into Town

Neil Smith, although bothered by a partially torn biceps, will return to Kansas City for the first time since signing with Denver. And Smith expects a rousing welcome. “They love Neil Smith,” he said in all humility. “I haven’t done anything wrong. The only thing I’ve done wrong is get a speeding ticket, maybe.” Smith, who signed with Denver for one year at $1.5 million, has already earned a $500,000 bonus for collecting 6 1/2 sacks. What about returning to Kansas City to play next year? “That’s a tough question to answer. I’m in the process of seizing the moment. What we have here is special. I’m not looking ahead to what I really can’t control. I can’t close any doors on anybody but I’d love to be here. This is where I would rather be at.” In short, whoever pays him more, wins his services. . . . Chief linebacker Derrick Thomas has sat out four games because of a triceps injury, but for the season he has 1 1/2 sacks after signing a $27-million contract. “It’s time for me to put the numbers up,” Thomas said. “There are only six games left in the race. This team doesn’t have time for me to be a figment anymore. I have to be for real.” . . . Raider wide receiver Tim Brown saw a fan holding a sign: “PSL. Please Stop Losing.” Said Brown, “That’s as low as it gets in your home stadium.” The Raiders drew 40,091 for New Orleans, their smallest crowd in the Oakland Coliseum since 1968, when they drew 39,883 to see the Bills, and the fourth non-sellout in five home dates in 1997.

How strange: Denver defensive end Alfred Williams thought he had suffered a heart attack after a recent weightlifting session, which prompted him to seek specialized medical treatment. After he spent 12 hours at the Centura Health Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Ky., taking medication and undergoing shock treatment to his heart, doctors concluded he was suffering from an irregular heartbeat, which is not expected to affect his playing status.

CENTRAL / Ravens Become the Prey

The Ravens lost to Pittsburgh, 37-0, in a game so terrible Coach Ted Marchibroda told his players there was nothing to learn by watching videotape. Said wide receiver Michael Jackson, “We’ve been slapped in the face already this season. This is like salt in the wound. I don’t recall having this many mistakes even in high school. The game was on national TV. Everybody in the world saw this.” They didn’t learn anything they didn’t already know. . . . Corey Dillon, who has gained 220 yards in the last two games, replaces Ki-Jana Carter as starting running back for the Bengals. Carter has gained only 205 yards in the six games since injuring his rotator cuff. . . . Dave Krieg took snaps for the Oilers, but Steve McNair will probably start, despite a sore chest. Krieg turned 65 three weeks ago.

How strange: Jeff Blake gives the Bengals a chance for long-range success, but Cincinnati fans are tired of losing and have been calling for Boomer Esiason. “Heck, all the secretaries are [ticked],” Cincinnati Coach Bruce Coslet said. “ ‘Why aren’t you going to start Boomer?’ My kids are [ticked],” Coslet said. “Blake has established himself as a starter over the last 45 games. I think he has earned that. He has been up through the school of hard knocks.” How come the fans aren’t yelling for the return of David Shula?

EAST / Scenario Could Fit the Bills

It worked for Kerry Collins in Carolina, so now the Bills hope to enjoy similar results with Todd Collins. Kerry came back and played well after having been benched, and now Todd returns to replace an ineffective Alex Van Pelt. “I think it relieves a little bit of the pressure that was mounting,” Coach Marv Levy said. “There are instances in a young quarterback’s career where coming out of the lineup for a brief period of time can be beneficial. That’s only speculative, that’s my opinion, but it’s how I feel about it.” . . . Paul Justin starts at quarterback for the Colts, and Tony Mandarich is assigned the task of keeping Reggie White off him. Justin will be playing with a broken left hand, and will be backed up by Kerwin Bell and Gino Torretta. No giggling, please.

How strange: The Colts are 0-10 and about to play the defending NFL champions. OK, the last two years the Colts have played the defending Super Bowl champion and have beaten them. They beat Dallas last season, 25-24, and the year before knocked off San Francisco, 18-17.