Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Indianapolis Colts (-4.5) over New Orleans Saints/ Sunday 6:25pm on CBS

We have been spoiled by the last several Super Bowls that have come down to last minute heroics. That won’t be necessary this year. Peyton Manning is attempting to win the second Super Bowl of his career and Drew Brees and the Saints are attempting to win their first. As much as I’d like to believe the Saints have a chance in this game because of the great story line it would be and the trials and tribulations of the city of New Orleans, I just don’t see how they win this game.

Let’s break it down simply. If you watched the NFC Championship game it is fairly evident that the best team is not representing the NFC in this game. The Minnesota Vikings and 40 year old Brett Favre sliced this Saints defense to death. The Vikings outgained the Saints by 220 yards in the game, compiled 15 more first downs, and dominated the time of possession. The only reason we are not looking at a Favre Manning matchup is because of 5 fumbles by the Vikings, 3 of which they lost. Favre also threw 2 interceptions, one of which should have been called back on a roughing the passer penalty, as the NFL admitted just last week. Don’t get me wrong, the Vikings have a prolific offense, but when you compare the Vikings and Colts it is not close. Peyton Manning, the best QB of this era, and possibly ever leads an offense that just embarrassed the #1 defense in the NFL. The Jets defense was shredded so badly in the 2nd half in the AFC Championship; they had to stop blitzing completely, which is their signature.

The Saints also have a prolific offense that was also shut down in the 2nd half of the NFC Championship game by the Vikings. The Colts have a very similar defense that relies on speed. They get off their blocks as good as any team in the league. They will not blitz but they have enough talent up front to get pressure just rushing 4, especially if Dwight Freeney plays in this game. For the Saints to win this game, they are going to need the good fortune they had in the NFC Championship game, and if you see Peyton Manning and the Colts turning over the ball 5 times on Sunday, be my guest and go with the Saints here. But let me leave you with this one statistic, Peyton Manning has gone 44 consecutive games without a fumble. The only way the Colts lose this game is if they beat themselves. This team is too savvy and too talented to do that. Go with Indy here as Peyton and the Colts win this win by at least 2 scores.

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Tags: 2010, Indianapolis Colts, Johnny G, new orleans saints, NFL, SuperBowl