The Indianapolis Colts (12-0) have clinched their division, but they are still one win away from clinching home-field advantage.  They will be looking for that win against the Denver Broncos (8-4) on Sunday.  Unlike the Colts, the Broncos have a great running game lead by Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.  The Broncos use both running backs a lot, and the two combined for nearly 200 yards last week.  The Colts have been hold teams to 112 rushing yards per game, so if they can keep the Broncos around that average they will be in good shape.  Their quarterback Kyle Orton has proven he can win games in this league, but he still isn’t a very impressive quarterback.  If the Colts offense can build an early lead, it will force Orton to throw more which will likely lead to some turnovers.

Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense will have a little bit of a challenge on their hands against this Broncos defense.  They can stop both the pass and the run.  They are holding teams to an impressive 180 passing yards per game, over 120 yards less than what the Colts average.  I think Manning and the passing game will be able to have the kind of success they have had all year, but Peyton needs to be careful and not throw any interceptions.  The running game is still not great, both Joseph Addai has been showing some good things lately so if the Colts can get anything out of the running game they should win with ease.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Indianapolis Colts 31, Denver Broncos 21

The Indianapolis Colts (10-0) narrowly escaped defeat against the Houston Texans (5-5) earlier this month, something the Colts have been making a habit out of lately.  The Colts won 20-17 in that game, and it could end up going down to the wire once again, especially since Peyton Manning is not 100% (glute).  Manning will play though and I would still take a hurt Peyton Manning over most quarterbacks in the league.  He should still put up some Manning-like numbers, but the glute will make Manning even less mobile than he was to begin with, which could cause some problems for the Colts.  Houston gives up 120 rushing yards per game, so the Colts may hand the ball off more than usual.  I’m not sure how effective it will be though, as the Colts have struggled to run the ball all season (only 85 yards per game) and Joseph Addai is battling a knee injury but is listed as probable.

The Colts defense hasn’t done a particularly good job stopping the run this season, but if they can shut down the Texans’ running game things wont be very easy for their quarterback Matt Schaub.  They may very well have a chance since the Texans top running back Steve Slaton has a neck injury, but he is expected to play.  Chris Brown will split the carries with Slaton.  Schaub is capable of putting up some big yardage numbers through the air, but is very prone to throwing interceptions.  He has thrown at least one pick in every game but two this year.  The Colts secondary may be able to get a pick from Schaub and the turnover story could be what decides the game.  Ultimately though, the Colts still have Peyton Manning and I am not going to bet against him.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Indianapolis Colts 24, Houston Texans 17

This is the game of the week and perhaps the regular season game of the year, as Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts (8-0) face off against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.  Both quarterbacks are great, but I have always though Peyton Manning is the better quarterback and that is why I think they are going to win this game.  The Patriots are borderline cheaters and Tom Brady doesn’t have the ability to read a defense like Peyton does.  Manning is proving he is the better quarterback this year, with over 300 passing yards every game but one.  This game will help solidify that argument and will hopefully be a precursor to the playoffs.

I expect Manning and the Colts offense to do what they have done all season long, but it is the defense that will be the deal breaker.  They have done a great job not letting teams beat them in the passing game, but they have not faced Tom Brady and his slew of receivers.  With Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to, the secondary needs to be on top of their game.  This could end up being a shootout if they don’t come prepared to stop Moss and the deep threat, along with Welker and his catch and run style.  I’m really looking forward to this matchup and it could end up being a high scoring affair.  I’m taking Peyton and the Colts in a close one.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Indianapolis Colts 38, New England Patriots 35

The Indianapolis Colts (4-0) are on the road this week against the Tennessee Titans (0-4) and are looking to stay undefeated.  Although the Titans have not looked good at all this year, they always play the Colts tough and this may be a closer game than most people think.  That doesn’t mean the Colts wont win this game, but the winless Titans are desperate for a win and would love to beat their rivals.

Peyton Manning has been playing great for the Colts and I am expecting more of the same from him in this contest, but it is the Colts defense that better be ready to play.  Chris Johnson has been one of the few bright spots for the Titans offense, so the Colts should prepare for the Titans running early and often to try and keep the ball out of Mannings’ hands as much as possible.  The Colts are giving up over 100 rushing yards per contest, so Johnson might have a huge day. Kerry Collins has been playing terrible for the Titans at quarterback, but he is bound to have a decent game soon and that may be this weekend.  I think the Colts will win this game, but I think it will be close until the Colts pull away in the end.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Indianapolis Colts 31, Tennessee Titans 23

The Indianapolis Colts (2-0) are in Phoenix this weekend taking on the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals (1-1).  Although the Colts are unbeaten so far, they have had some close games against sub-par competition.  The Colts have Peyton Manning though, and he is one of the best at bringing his team to comeback victories.  He now has 37 comeback victories in his career which only trails the much older Brett Favre in comeback wins for active quarterbacks.

The Cardinals are coming off a big win last weekend, as they looked like the team that went to the Super Bowl last year.  Kurt Warner broke the NFL’s single game completion percentage record, as he went 24-26.  The Colts need to get pressure on the old quarterback, as he is not the best at moving out of the pocket and making plays off balance.

Peyton Manning needs to have a typical Peyton Manning game to win this one, as it will be a high scoring game.  Reggie Wayne will be getting a lot of attention from the Cardinals defense so look for TE Dallas Clark to get the ball the most.  Pierre Garcon had a huge 48-yard touchdown catch last week ended up being the game winner for the Colts, so look for Manning to go to Garcon as well.

This game will be en exciting one to watch, as both offenses have some of the best quarterbacks in the game.  It will be high scoring and back forth.  I think the Colts are going to be able to come out with the victory, getting a late field goal to win it.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Cardinals 34, Colts 37