Live Patriots vs. Colts Odds – Expert NFL Picks – NFL Handicapper Rankings
The two winningest teams of the decade will square off again on Sunday night at Indianapolis. The Patriots and Colts have combined to capture four Super Bowl crowns over the last eight years. In three playoff meetings since 2003, New England holds a 2-1 edge over Indianapolis. While the Colts will bring a 17-game regular season winning streak into the contest, the 3-point underdogs from New England could have the right formula to end the run in this week 10 clash.
1.) Tom Brady
Many wondered about how effective Brady would be in 2009 after last year’s severe knee injury. Early in the year, he was slowly rounding into form. At the midway point of the season, Brady is starting to resemble the record-setting quarterback of 2007. He has passed for over 300 yards in each of the last three weeks with a total of ten touchdown strikes during the stretch.
2.) The overall passing game of the Patriots
New England is second in the NFL in total and passing offense entering Sunday’s matchup. While Brady is the foundation of the club’s air game, the Patriots receiving duo of Randy Moss and Wes Welker also have a major role in the success of the passing game. Moss continues to be one of the most feared deep threats in the game. He is fifth in the league in receiving yards this season with 712. Welker is the perfect complement to Moss as one of the NFL’s best possession receivers. He is fifth in the NFL in receptions with 55 despite missing a pair of games this season.
3.) New England’s defense
The Patriots are third in the league in scoring defense while ranking fourth in the NFL in passing defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has shown a knack for being able to frustrate Colts quarterback Peyton Manning over the years. Despite losing some key veterans from last year’s squad, Belichick has been able to mold another solid group of defenders in 2009.
4.) Colts secondary injuries
Even at full strength, the Colts defense would be in for a major challenge going against a Tom Brady-led offense. With two secondary starters out for the season and another questionable to play on Sunday, Indianapolis won’t be at their best against one of the most lethal passing games in the NFL. Safety Bob Sanders and cornerback Marlin Jackson are done for the year due to injuries. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden is battling a leg injury and is questionable for Sunday’s contest. Brady and Belichick will certainly look to take advantage of a depleted Indianapolis secondary early and often on Sunday night.
5.) The due factor
In a league driven by parity, it is rare for a team to put together the kind of run the Colts are on now. Indianapolis has escaped the last couple of weeks to defeat the 49ers and Texans by a combined total of just seven points. With the injuries piling up, the Colts magical run could be ready to finally come to an end in their biggest test of the 2009 campaign to date.
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