Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Colts 24, Falcons 10
Indianapolis: Peyton Manning was flustered and frustrated last week as the Chiefs pressured him all day leading to Manning's worst output of the season: 163 yds, 0 TDs, 1 INT. The Colts still won, thanks to their dominating defense and the Chiefs woeful offense. It's deja vu for Indianapolis this week as the Falcons boast one of the league's worst offenses and shouldn't pose a threat to the injury-riddled Colts. Marvin Harrison is once again expected to sit, as will Aaron Moorehead who was put on injured reserve this week with a back injury. Anthony Gonzalez will return to the lineup however and Joseph Addai continues to be one of the more consistent backs in the league. Barring a total meltdown here, the Colts should improve to 9-2 and still be in line for a first-round bye.
- Start: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, WR Reggie Wayne
- Consider: TE Dallas Clark, K Adam Vinatieri, WR Anthony Gonzalez
- Sit: WR Marvin Harrison
Atlanta: The Chiefs nearly pulled the upset of the Colts last week by pressuring and frustrating Peyton Manning, holding the Colts to 13 points in the process. The Falcons don't have the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks like Kansas City, especially now that starting tackles Trey Lewis and Rod Coleman are out for the season. Both were injured last week against Tampa. As a result, Manning and running back Joseph Addai should have their way with the Falcons defense while Joey Harrington attempts to keep up against the number two pass defense in the league. Good luck with that Joey. Atlanta is ranked 27th on offense and Warrick Dunn has one 100-yd game on the season. Jerious Norwood is playing but is still not 100% as he recovers from an ankle injury.
- Start: N/A
- Consider: RB Warrick Dunn, WR Roddy White, TE Alge Crumpler
- Sit: RB Jerious Norwood, QB Joey Harrington, WR Joe Horn, WR Michael Jenkins