The Colts are looking to stay in first place in the AFC South and they need a win here to keep at the top.  The Falcons are just looking to win a game.

Peyton Manning hasn’t been himself this season because of all the injuries to the offensive line and Marvin Harrison.  With that in mind the Colts will likely keep the ball on the ground more than usual with Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith.  The run defense is the weakness of the Falcons defense as they allow 124.0 yards rushing per game and 4.3 yards per carry.  The Falcons will likely double Reggie Wayne (63 rec, 945 yards, 6 TDs) will could force Manning to throw to guys like Ben Utecht, Bryan Fletcher and Craphonso Thorpe and that’s not a good thing.  Look for Manning to attack the safeties of the Falcons with Dallas Clark whose having a good season.

The Falcons would also like to run the ball with Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood against the front seven of the Colts who are allowing 102.0 yards rushing per game and 3.9 yards per carry.  Don’t think that the Falcons won’t throw the ball however as Joey Harrington is likely to get the start.  He had an awesome game last season on Thanksgiving against the Lions last season and he will be looking to repeat that performance.

PREDICTION:  COLTS 24, FALCONS 20