By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
New England (-5.5) at Indianapolis, Sunday 4:15 p.m.
Comments: In arguably the most anticipated regular season contest of all-time, it’s the latest two undefeated teams have met in a season in the history of the NFL. The Colts have won 12 straight games. The Patriots are 13-1 over their last 14 games, losing only to these Colts during last year’s playoffs. Tom Brady won his first six starts against Indianapolis, but Peyton Manning has won the last three games against New England. It’s mind-boggling to consider the undefeated, defending Super Bowl champs as 5.5-point underdogs at home, especially when you consider their opponents this season have a much better collective record than the teams the Patriots have played. Still, it’s also understandable, since Indy has played some close games, and New England is setting records with their offensive production. Brady has already set a career-high with 30 touchdown passes, throwing for at least three scores in every game this season and posting a ridiculous 30:2 TD:INT ratio. His 60-TD pace would easily best Peyton Manning’s NFL-record 49. However, the Colts actually have the best pass defense in the league, so it’s definitely strength against strength. Indy’s secondary is allowing 5.3 YPA – by far the lowest amount in the league. The five TD passes surrendered are also tied for the fewest amount in the NFL. Additionally, opposing signal callers have compiled a horrific 69.9 QB rating when facing Indy’s Cover 2. The team has allowed just seven pass plays of 20 yards or more; the next best in the NFL has allowed 11. The Patriots let a 21-3 lead slip away during last season’s AFC Championship game, so you can be sure they’ll be properly motivated for revenge. They nearly won that game, and then added Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth and Adalius Thomas during the offseason. Still, the Colts are much improved this season as well. New England’s offense has to be considered one of the best ever, but Peyton Manning might end up being viewed as the best QB of all-time. The Pats confusing defensive schemes fail to work against him, although losing Marvin Harrison (knee) is a big blow to the offense. In a battle between the NFL’s two best teams – winners of four of the last six Super Bowls – homefield makes a big difference Sunday.
Predictions: Tom Brady is terrific once again, throwing for 280 yards and TDs to Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Laurence Maroney adds 80 yards but doesn’t score, while Joseph Addai gets 100 yards and hits paydirt. Peyton Manning adds 260 yards passing, with scoring strikes to Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, as Indy wins a game that actually lives up to the hype. Colts 27-24.
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