The Game
New England (-5) at Indianapolis – Normally I wouldn’t touch this game. Having the defending Super Bowl champs, who are undefeated after seven weeks, as five point underdogs at home is way too bizarre to have anything to do with. Since this game is the only thing that anyone is talking about, though, I figure I had better wade right into it. Despite the odd line, I like New England. I have six reasons:
- Marvin Harrison, if he plays, isn’t at full health. Manning hasn’t developed a relationship with another receiver that comes close to replacing that.
- Manning hasn’t been as sharp in recent weeks as he can be. Harrison’s absence is part, but not all, of that. His completion percentage is low at times, and he has looked off somehow.
- Indy’s defense is good, but they don’t have the depth to contain New England’s three stellar receivers, along with a good tight end and a passable run game.
- New England is playing with a ferociousness and determination which isn’t an act. They have lost three in a row to Indy, and I am sure that they will be out to avenge those losses.
- Tom Brady is playing as well as a quarterback can play.
- I hate Indianapolis.
This should be a heck of a game and I can’t wait to watch it. I have a feeling that, which ever team comes out ahead, it isn’t going to be close. Pick: New England.
UPDATE: The game went close to how I hoped, but just not quite enough. The Colts defensive depth was eventually a problem, and Manning missed his key personnel, but the team held on for longer than I was hoping. We did learn a couple of things – Manning relies heavily on Harrison, and the Pats are really, really, good. Those last nine minutes, especially since they were played in a hostile road environment, were incredible. It was a great game, but there was a good reason I had no interest in betting on it – way too many variables when teams that good face off.
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