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After several days of sulking over Indianapolis’ OT loss to San Diego on Saturday, I decided to emerge and offer my picks for the second week of the playoffs.

We finally get to see what these top seeds can do.  And for some of them, as I discuss below, I don’t think is much.

Baltimore @ Tennessee

I’ve been saying it all season, but I’ll say it again, Tennessee is a fluke success story born of a weak schedule.  The Ravens defense is tight and Joe Flacco has been without error.  Bye bye Titans, see you next season.

Arizona @ Carolina

Yawn-o-rama.  Does anybody care about this game that’s not from Arizona or the Carolinas????  OK, apparently I’m still a little bitter that I don’t have a team to root for anymore.  But, seriously, unless something incredible happens this game is going to be like watching paint dry.  Arizona showed a surprising spark against Atlanta last week, but they were buoyed by the fact that it was their first playoff home game in 40-some years.  On the road the Cardinals have struggled, while the Panthers have never lost a divisional game at home.  Carolina should have no problem pulling off a methodical and predictable win.

Philadelphia @ NYG

The Eagles are pulling off a surprising sprint to the finish line here in the last few weeks.  This is the only game this weekend in which I am not confidant of a winner.  One caveat; if Brian Westbrook doesn’t play, the Giants will have a free pass.   However I would be shocked if that happens, and as of today he is participating in practice.  This game is a good example of momentum vs. establishment.  The Eagles are hot and the confidence which comes with that is not to be underestimated.  I called Minnesota as the winner last week, because I did just that.  The Giants did have a weak finish to the season, which included a loss to Philly.  But with all of that said, I am picking NY.  Manning and Co. do great in a do-or-die situation and that intensity should shine through.  Jeff Feagles is an excellent punter, consistently forcing teams to start below their own 10 yard line.  In short, if NY can bottle Westbrook and special teams receiver DeSean Jackson, they should be hosting the NFC Championship game on the 18^th.

And, the best for last…

San Diego @ Pittsburgh

Words cannot express how badly I want the Chargers to suffer on Sunday afternoon.  In a perfect world the Steelers would hold the ball for more than 40 minutes, sack Phillip Rivers 5+ times, intercept Phil Rivers 4+ times, the refs would miss every Steelers personal foul, while catching every SD false start, and send the Bolts home by a 20-30 point margin.  Alas, this is not a perfect world, but I still think the Chargers season will come to an end on Sunday.  The loss of LT hurts them incredibly and will make it damn near impossible to penetrate the Steeler defense.  As long as Pittsburgh isn’t suffering from a bye week slump, and Roethlisberger is up to snuff, they should have no problem lowering the boom on the San Diego.

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It is always interesting to debate the value of statistics.  In one camp, it is believed that they are merely building blocks for an individual player’s case for the Hall of Fame.  In the other camp, they are the great equalizer and the only real way of definitively proving one player is better than another.  In this topsy-turvy season many statistically great teams finished out of the money, which begs the question; do stats help win games?

New England being shut out of the playoffs is an unprecedented treat for yours truly, however I’ll try to take a serious look at what happened to their season without too much gloating.  Of course the loss of Tom Brady was a significant blow to their season, but would the outcome have been the same if he hadn’t been injured?  With no other tangible tools to answer that question, let’s bust out the statistical analysis.

In this season the Pats beat their opponents by 556 total rushing yards, 88 first downs, and 6 TDs.  These are decent stats, and comparable to many of the lower seeded playoff contenders this year, but for a team that is known for big offensive numbers, it’s very low.  Comparatively, the Patriots 18-0 2007 season was statistically incredible.  In that year they beat their opponents by 1967 total offensive yards, 115 first downs, and 41 TDs.  Tom Brady threw for 4,806 yards with 50 TD receptions giving him an impressive 117.2 rating.  When compared to Matt Cassel in the 2008 season, with 3,693 yards thrown, 21 TDs, and an 89.4 rating, you’d think maybe Brady is the key.  However, the loss of Tom wasn’t the only factor in New England’s non-starter of a season.  Randy Moss scored 22 fewer TDs and ran for almost 500 yards less than his 2007 season.  And other key players, like Wes Welker, Benjamin Walker, and Lawrence Maroney, also underperformed from 2007.

I am of the opinion that statistics are a reference point and success of the season really comes down to wins vs. losses.  Ironically, New England’s 2007 season is the number one example of that.  They went 18-0, but it mattered not when the Giants defeated them in the Superbowl.  However, these particular stats do suggest two things to me.  First, a single player does not make or break a team.  And second, lightening in a bottle is rarely duplicated.   Next season, when Tom Brady will, presumably, be back in the pocket will be a better indicator of his true value.

Since we’re on the topic, with Brady out of the statistic match-up who’s leading the league this year?  In the QB front, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have impressive ratings, particularly Brees considering the standing of the New Orleans Saints.  But none other than the Chargers’ Phillip Rivers leads the NFL with a 105.5 rating.  More proof positive that San Diego deserves their division title.  However, Peyton Manning was named MVP for the third time today, which reiterates my point that stats really are only a touchstone.

A final note on stats; Carolina has reason to proud of their offensive line.  Steve Smith ran for 1421 yards and made 6 TDs, even with his absences due to disciplinary action.  DeAngelo Williams ranks even higher with 18 TDs and 1515 yards.  I like their chances in this postseason.

So there you have it.  I don’t think we’ve solved the great statistical debate here, but it is some interesting food for thought.

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In the AFC east three teams are tied for first place.  In the AFC west the Chargers and the Broncos face off in a Sunday night sudden death showdown.  And in the NFC north the Minnesota Vikings want to hang onto their top spot and Chicago wants to steal it as it is their only road into the playoffs.  It is an unusual and exciting treat for the last Sunday of regular season to be such a factor, so let’s break it down.

New England @ Buffalo

If the Patriots win their battle with the Bills, which is not exactly out of the realm of possibility, and the Jets win their face off with the Dolphins, then New England will claim the division championship for the 6^th year in a row.  This should be an absolute no-brainer for the Patriots.  Not only are they the superior team, but they are in a do-or-die spot and that adds up to a win in my book.

Miami @ NY Jets

If the Pats and the Dolphins win then Miami will be in the playoffs as the division champs and New England will have to hope that Baltimore chokes against the Jaguars.  The Dolphins can hang onto their surprising success story with a win over the Jets on Sunday.  If they lose the Patriots and the Ravens will also have to lose for NY to claim the last AFC wild card spot.  For the Jets to make it to the post season they will need a win over the Dolphins and both the Patriots and the Ravens will have to lose.  This is an improbable scenario, but in this topsy-turvy season nothing is impossible.  Do I think it is likely to happen? No.  I think the Dolphins see their opportunity and, like their AFC South counterparts, are going to take their one shot at glory and win the division title.  On a side note, it pains me to think that Brett Farve is losing another close shot at a ring, but he has not only proved he can still play, but he won yours truly, a huge skeptic, back in his corner.

Denver @ San Diego

Wow-ey wow!  As I said earlier this season, I think this whole division should be cut out of the conference.  I still think this is true, but now it is not because I think they suck and want them to fade to black, but because I do not want to meet the Chargers in the post season.  And, unfortunately, I think it a very likely scenario.  San Diego has clawed their way back from mediocrity and Denver has squandered nearly every opportunity that has come their way.  I think the AFC West top spot will go to the Bolts.

Chicago @ Houston AND Minnesota @ NY Giants

In the NFC the only playoff spot that isn’t locked up is the northern division champ.  Right now the Vikings own it, but if they lose to the Giants on Sunday and their challengers, the Bears, win against the Texans they’ll fall out.  There are quite a few “what-ifs” tied up in these two match ups.  Obviously the Giants have had their post-season fate sewn up for some time and this final game means nothing to that schedule.  However, it is almost a superstition for quote-unquote shoo-ins that if you rest all your starters in that final game, things will not turn out well for you in the post-season.  I like the underdog story of the Vikings and think that the Bears have been awfully sporadic.  Minnesota won four in a row before their defeat by the Atlanta Falcons last week (one of those wins was against the Bears, by the way).  Chicago has a good chance at beating the Texans, but they have had some powerful showings over the last few weeks and could be wanting to make a last stand.  Meanwhile the Giants have no reason to lie down this week, so the Vikings had better bring their A-game.  NY has had couple of bad slips in recent weeks and want to go into the post-season looking like the defending champs.  Minnesota at their best has a fighting chance of beating the sub-par NY, so it comes down to how well the Giants show and how hungry the Vikings are.

After throwing two interceptions in their match with Baltimore, Donavan McNabb was taken out of the game at halftime and replaced with back-up Kevin Kolb.  Because of what was, obviously, a very controversial move, Philly is now in the position of needing to put Kolb through the paces.  This morning Head Coach Andy Reid stated that McNabb will start against the Cardinals this Thursday.  Statistically Kolb’s performance was virtually an identical match to McNabb’s first half and he has an 0-2-1 record overall as QB for the Eagles.  Realistically, Philadelphia has five weeks to see if Kolb is ready for primetime, and, if Sunday was any indication, he has a long way to go.  

Personally, I think this is simply a bad way to do business.  From now on every week it will be a question of who will start each game and who will finish it.  It doesn’t give McNabb a real shot at fixing his problems and it doesn’t give Kolb a shot at getting his bearings.  Flip-flopping your line-up in the final weeks of the season is a sign of desperation and poor management.  It destabilizes the team, and the fans, and I think it will ultimately be a season-ender for the Eagles.  During the off-season Philly needs to do some heavy lifting with their leadership if they want to make it back on top.

I will try to refrain from too much gloating in discussing the Jets defeat of the Titans, but I can make no promises.  NY totally dominated every aspect of that game on Sunday.  Brett Farve was explosive and seems to be completely in sync with his new offensive line.  The pocket rarely broke down, giving Brett time to methodically pick apart the Tennessee defense.  NY held possession for more than 40 minutes, and when you give Brett Farve that kind of time there is no way he’s not coming up with the ‘W’.  On the other side of the ball the Jets defense locked up Tennessee holding them to two field goals until midway through the fourth quarter. 

Tennessee is a well put-together team, but this was their first real test to see how they stand up to a serious contender.  There has been much debate about this, but I am in the camp that believes the Titans have just skated their way through the regular season.  They will still most likely take the top seed in the AFC South, but I don’t think they have it in them to make it past round one of the playoffs.

As for the Jets, they have a pretty easy run left and hold a narrow lead over New England for the top spot in the AFC East.  They are by far the better team and may even be the best team in the AFC right now.  I put them up with the Steelers as the biggest AFC threats currently. 

The Colts went to SoCal Sunday night to face their nemesis, the San Diego Chargers.  Indy has lost three out of the last four with these guys, including their divisional playoff match last season.  This was a nail-biter up to the last second when Adam Vinateiri redeemed himself, after a botched field goal attempt in said divisional match, with a 51-yd winning field goal.  The first half was a struggle for the Colts and Peyton Manning was visibly frustrated throughout.  Statistically it was a pretty evenly matched game, except for two points.  The Chargers averaged more total yardage than the Colts, but fewer 3^rd down conversions.  San Diego could drive down the field, but fell apart once they got into the red zone.  The second difference was in penalties.  San Diego had 5 and gave the Colts 37 yards as a result.  Personally, I think they could have been penalized more.  ILB Stephen Cooper got away with a bad hit on Joseph Addai, picking up his legs and tossing him to the ground after the play had been whistled dead– very uncool. 

Indy has to be feeling pretty good after beating all three of the teams who usually are thorns in their sides – San Diego, Pittsburgh, and New England.  So what do the Colts have to do to stay in it for the rest of the season and beyond?  First, they need to improve their rushing game, which is terrible right now.  They have a pretty easy next three weeks, but in the final two games they meet Jacksonville and Tennessee again.  They aren’t going to come out on top against those defensively minded teams unless they improve their time of possession and the rush.  The second thing is that they need to stay healthy.  Bob Sanders didn’t even make trip west this weekend, due to his swollen knee issue, and Jeff Saturday left the game early with a calf injury.  They need their all-stars on deck to make a legitimate stand.  If Indy can make those adjustments I think they have a good shot at challenging the current two best teams in the AFC (the Jets and the Steelers) during the playoffs.

As for the Chargers, I think they have a better shot at getting into the playoffs as a divisional leader than a wildcard contender, simply because they’re division sucks (ooh, did I say that out loud?).  Seriously, though San Diego has a pretty easy remaining schedule and Denver has been ridiculously sporadic of late.  So even though the Chargers are 4-7, I think that top spot in the AFC West is up for grabs.

On this 12^th week of the NFL regular season we have a doozy of a line-up to discuss.

First up,

Indianapolis (6-4) @ San Diego (4-6)

This is an extremely important game for both teams in the wildcard race.  If Indy wins they will have the advantage in the tie-breaker.  The Chargers will have to win four more games than Indy in the next five to get the advantage back, so Indy will virtually have a lock.  

In recent weeks Indianapolis has been looking more like the team we’re used to.  If they’re going to beat the Chargers their offense needs to convert on 3^rd downs and, more importantly, prevent turnovers.  This will be easier with Shawne Merriman still out.  On the defensive end they must prevent long passes and tie up LT.  Bob Sanders will be crucial to this effort.

What San Diego has going for it their ability to keep the home-fires burning.  They are 18-2 and average 13 more points per game at home.  On the other hand, the Colts have a bone to pick having lost their play-off bid to them last year.  You can bet Peyton Manning and co. are making a list and checking it twice for their Sunday night prep.

New England (6-4) @ Miami (6-4) 

The Patriots head to Miami for a rematch with their divisional competitors, the Dolphins on Sunday.  Miami handed New England a surprising loss in Week 3 and is hoping for a re-run.  The two are tied for 2^nd in the AFC East and another Miami win will give them possession of the head-to-head tie-breaker.  Back in Week 3 Miami busted out its “wildcat” offense and caught the Pats unawares.  Will Belichick let this happen again?  I tend to think not.  However, you can color me happy if Miami pulls of a “Patriotic” sweep.

NY Jets (7-3) @ Tennessee (10-0) 

I’m throwing this game in only because I really, really want the Titans to lose.  The Jets are on a roll right now, winning four straight and leading their division.  Other than that there is no reason to think Tennessee won’t stay perfect.  Just a gut feeling (or maybe wishful thinking) that this one may surprise us.

Carolina (8-2) @ Atlanta (6-4) 

This NFC South divisional game is another re-match, but features two very different versions of the teams they were in Week 4.  Steve Smith’s yardage has been abysmal in recent weeks, meanwhile the Falcons have ramped up, losing only one home game this year.  It’s hard for me to get really excited about the NFC until the playoffs, however, I do appreciate Atlanta’s focus over the last few weeks and always like to see good effort rewarded.

First off allow me to express my extreme joy at watching the Patriots lose to the Jets on Thursday night.  A New England loss is always a thing to celebrate, but it was especially enjoyable to see them scramble into OT and then lose in one drive by Farve and Co.  

Now onto the games this Sunday.  First up;

Baltimore @ NY Giants

This should be a fairly interesting match-up of the best rushing defense in the NFL (the Ravens) and the 2^nd best passing defense (the Giants).  NY has struggled in their last few wins, but the key point is that they were indeed wins.  I tend to think they will rack up another one this weekend.  The Ravens showed some spark against the Texans, but they haven’t been up against a team like NY since week 5 when they hosted, and were beat down by, the Titans. I take NY on this one, but I don’t feel it will be a massacre. 

Tennessee @ Jacksonville and Indianapolis @ Houston

The AFC South has it’s own civil war this Sunday, with all four teams squaring off against one another.  First up the Jags host the undefeated Titans.  This should be another W in Tennessee’s column.  Jacksonville has allowed an average of 121 rushing yards per game this season.  And you can’t expect to win against the explosive offense of the Titans with stats like that. 

Next, Indy goes to Houston to face the 3-6 Texans.  Like in the previous match, this should be a no brainer for the Colts.  Bob Sanders is back on the field and has been a major contributor to Indy’s last 2 come-from-behind wins.  Hopefully, this week we can start off in the lead.

The interesting thing about these two games is how it plays into the wild card race.  Right now Indy and Jacksonville are essentially neck-and-neck, but if the scenarios above carry through then the Colts pull ahead by two games.  The rest of the schedules for these teams are a mix of tough and weak teams with Indy encountering most of the tough ones earlier and then easing up towards the end before the final divisional deciders.  Obviously, it is still too early to call wild card picks, but interesting to speculate none-the-less. 

After a computer related hiatus, I am back with my picks for Week 10.  Starting with…

Tennessee at Chicago

I’m sorry to say that I don’t believe the Titans perfect season is going to end on Sunday.  The Bears can give them a run for their money if they can keep from turning over the ball.  With Grossman likely starting tomorrow, that task may be more difficult than usual.  However, Chicago is only surpassed by one team in the NFL for interceptions – the Tennessee Titans.

I’m taking Tennessee on this one, but I will be cheering for the Bears to prove me wrong.

Indianapolis at Pittsburgh

The last time these teams met it was one of my top five worst days of all time.  It was the 2005 divisional playoffs.  After a 14-2 season and a bye the first week of the playoffs for the Colts, the game came down to a 46-yd field goal attempt by, then kicker, Mike Vanderjagt, which was so far to the right it could have applied for membership to the Christian Coalition.  Needless to say this game holds particular interest for me.  I think my Colts are going to have their work cut out for them.  The Steelers have an impressive 5-0 record in the AFC this season and currently lead the league in sacks.  If Indy’s offensive line can continue to protect Peyton Manning, as they have for the past 3 games, they may be able to pull it off. 

It should be no surprise that I gotta support my team on this one.

New York Giants at Philadelphia

This should be in the bag for the Giants, however the inconsistent Eagles have been pulling it together over the last few weeks.  The Giants are still second in the league for sacks, but the Eagles have been doing a better job of protecting McNabb this season.  He has been sacked a total of 13 times this season, compared to the 15 times in just two games against the Giants last season.  If the Eagles keep up their offensive line protection they have a chance of capitalizing on their home field advantage.  Also Philly is giving up only 89 yards on average per game, which may damper the Giants explosive offense. History, however, is on the side of New York winning 5 out of the last 6 match ups.  And these NY Giants are road warriors, seeming to play their best games away from the Meadowlands.  I’m betting on them in this one, they aren’t ready to give up that championship title yet.  

In a mostly humdrum Sunday line-up, there are a few games to keep an eye on. 

San Diego at Buffalo AND Denver at New England

Only in this tops-turvy season would these two games be worth paying attention to.  The Buffalo Bills still have a comfortable lead in the AFC East while the SD Chargers trail the Denver Broncos in their division by a game. 
The interesting part of this game is that the divisional line-up will likely change for both teams, but we won’t find out how until Monday night when the New England Patriots face the Broncos.  If the Pats and Bolts win then NE ties with Buffalo for first in the AFC East, as does SD with Denver in the AFC West.  If one or both lose then nothing really changes in the divisions.
I like New England vs. Denver (well, let me re-phrase, I don’t like New England, but I think they have a good shot at winning this game).  Denver has allowed 256 passing yards per game on average this season and that was the Pats’ key to their win against the 49ers.  For Denver to win they need to continue to not allow the pocket to break down so that Cutler can make completions.  My feeling is NE is going to win, but I would be very happy to be proven wrong on that.
In their match with San Diego, I like Buffalo.  For the Bills to pull out a win they need to put a hold on the Chargers secondary.  They need to lock up Antonio Cromartie and protect QB Trent Edwards who is playing his first game since suffering a concussion in Week 6.

Indy at Green Bay

Of course I am rooting for Blue in this match up.  It seems like Manning and Co may have finally gotten in sync and, frankly, the Packers have just been too inconsistent.  To make it happen the Colts offensive line must prevent sacks, which may lead to a truncated passing game.  If so the win will be equally dependent on their defense preventing GB from making big plays.

Cleveland at Washington

This is a match up of momentum vs. saving face.  The Browns are riding a wave of success, while the Redskins are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Rams.  Cleveland has a serious edge over Washington in the overall series.  However, the game will really come down to the performance of Derek Anderson, the Browns’ QB.  To say he has been sporadic this season would be an understatement.  It’s simple: when he’s been on the Browns have won, but when he’s been off we all wonder what was supposed to be so great about Cleveland’s 2008 season.
I tend to think Cleveland will win.  Their defeat of the defending champions, the Giants, last Monday has got be a huge confidence booster.  I think if they can stay confident without getting cocky they will come out victorious.

Jacksonville at Denver

 
The Jags are fighting for their number 2 spot back in the AFC South this week after my beloved Colts rallied in the last 4 minutes of their fight with Houston last Sunday.  Jacksonville faces a formidable opponent in the Denver Broncos.  Denver is enjoying a comfortable lead in the AFC West, with the slow start of the San Diego Chargers and the other two teams being the Oakland Raiders and the KC Chiefs.  The teams are tied 3-3 in the overall series.  The Jags have been unpredictable this season, showing both streaks of brilliance and utter mediocrity.  Denver has continued in the no-holds-barred, dare I say…maverick plays that have made Mike Shanahan and co famous. 

This is an interesting match.  I’m taking Denver on this one, and not only because I ALWAYS want Jacksonville to lose, but because I believe Denver wants to protect their record and momentum.  Shanahan sees a division title in his mind’s eye and will drive his team like a Sherpa drives his goats up Mount Everest.

 
Chicago at Atlanta AND Carolina at Tampa Bay

Within their division the best the Falcons can hope for is a 3-way tie for 1^st place in the NFC South.   If Atlanta beats out the Bears and Tampa Bay wins their match up with Carolina, we will have the aforementioned scenario.  The best Carolina can hope for is that they win, going 5-1, and Atlanta loses, remaining in a tie for 2^nd with Tampa, but now behind by 2 games.  

Now onto the nitty gritty on which team has the advantage.  In the Bears/Falcons game, Chicago is struggling to find it’s identity with a new offensive line-up while Atlanta is enjoying a “Bizarro-World” turn of fate.  Again, we can’t rely on history and streaks.  I like Atlanta in this match.  I think they have some serious momentum going and have the potential to be a big force in the league.

In the Panthers/Buccaneers game, I like the Panthers here.  Again I site momentum.  Carolina sees their chance to get back to the play-offs and are going for it.

New England at San Diego

This particular AFC rivalry holds particular interest for me.  I must confess that on a personal level I am somewhat conflicted on who to root for.  In a normal New England season, I would be cheering Bolts all the way.  However, this is anything but a normal season, with Buffalo leading the AFC East.  Right now the Pats are in 2^nd place with Miami and the Jets tied for 3^rd.  It is likely that both of the latter two teams will win their battles this week, therefore if the Chargers win on Sunday night then there will a 3-way tie for 2^nd in the AFC East.  OK, my dilemma over who to root for is over.  Now do I actually believe the Chargers have a good shot at it?  Yes, I do, but they have to be on point.  Streaks and history should mean nothing, because we have a whole different New England offense.  Yes, I realize Tom Brady is only one man, but when he was injured he dramatically altered the face of that offense.  Matt Cassel found his deep ball last week, but it was against the 49ers…um, yeah… 

To win this game the Chargers have to stop the New England passing game and Phillip Rivers has to nix the interceptions.  They are 2-3 and should be sufficiently fired up and they have a home field advantage.  With this intensity brewing, I am betting on SD, however it is a by a very narrow margin.

Pittsburg at Jacksonville

The Steelers want to hang onto their top spot in the AFC North, which may be tough this week.  Baltimore is nipping at their heels and their offensive line had taken more than a few hits.  They only have 3 running backs on deck, one of which is brand new and another was bumped up from the practice squad.  On top of that Roethlisberger is “questionable” with a separated shoulder.  This game is going to come down to the ability of Troy Polamalu, and the rest of the Pittsburg D, to make big plays.  Of course, because of my staunch Indy allegiance, I will be cheering for the Steelers to do just that.  

My bet; Steelers by 3.

Washington at Philadelphia

The Redskins and Eagles duke it out for the number 3 spot in the NFC East on Sunday.  I think Philly has a good chance of holding the Redskins off.  They’re playing at home and, assuming Brian Westbrook is back up to speed, the Eagles should be able to put up the plethora of points we’re used to. 

Washington is coming off a big win against the Cowboys last week, so there is a chance that momentum will propel them to a win.  I like the Eagles in this game though, and am banking on them by a TD.

 
Tennessee at Baltimore

I’m going to be praying for Baltimore on this one.  I think they have a good chance at pulling out a win.  They don’t want to fall any further behind Pittsburg in their division and it is just plain time to see these Titans upset.  Tennessee’s D is a little beat up, but even so all of their touchdowns against Minnesota last week were the result of turnovers.  So Baltimore O-line, “Hold your crap together!!”

My hope; Ravens by whatever.

Indianapolis at Houston

OK, so at least something is still right in the world of the AFC – the Texans are in last place in their division.  It truly will be a sign of the onset of the apocalypse if Indy loses this game.  Fortunately, I don’t believe that’s going to happen.  The Peyton Manning I know will have been reviewing tape like crazy these past two weeks and it is my fervent hope that the rest of the team has been doing the like.  Something’s got to give with these guys and hopefully whatever it is has given during the bye week off.

Colts by 4 or more.