Colts v Chargers

Indianapolis Colts (12-4)at San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Colts Offense v San Diego Defense

Like many Colt teams in the past, this years playoff hopes will rest on the shoulders of Peyton Manning. This year, the NFL MVP threw for 4,002 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Colts average the 15th most yards per game (335) in the NFL, and they score almost 24 points per game. Joesph Addai has been a dissapointment this year, gaining only 544 yards on the ground. The Colts offense is 1 dimensional, but that one part is hard to stop. Reggie Wayne had 82 catches for 1145 yards this season,and TE Dallas Clark led the team with 6 touchdown catches.
Manning should have a field day vs the Chargers defense. They give up 350 yards per game, good for 25th in the NFL. However,they have been able to somewhat keep teams out of the end zone, allowing 21 ppg, 15th in the NFL. The Chargers have the 2nd worse passing defense in the NFL, but can stop the run relativly well.

ADVANTAGE: COLTS

Chargers Offense vs Colts Defense:

The Chargers, left for dead at 4-8, rallied back to take the division from the Broncos, and did it with their offense. They average the 2nd most points per game, scoring almost 28 points. While many people focus on LaDanian Tomlinson, it is Phillip Rivers who makes this team go. Rivers actually finished the season with better numbers then Manning, throwing 34 touchdown passes and 4,009 yards. Tomlinson had a dissapointing year, but only by his standards. He surpassed 1,000 yards and had 11 touchdowns, but is not the huge threat he used to be.

Much like the year they won the Super Bowl, the Colts defense is helping this team win games. They are giving up only 18 points per game. The Colt are a much better pass defense then they are rush defense. Thru the air, they are 6th in the NFL, allowing only 188 yards. Versus the run? They are 24th in the NFL, allowing almost 123 yards per game. However, if they can shut down Rivers, and put the game on Tomlinson, they should be in good shape.

ADVANTAGE: COLTS

Anaylsis:

When doing research for this game, I was shocked to find out that the Rivers had a better season statistically then Manning. And while the Colts are hott, winning 9 in a row, the Chargers might be just as hott and confident, winning 4 in a row and snatching the division from the Broncos. The Chargers beat the Colts at home in the playoffs last season without Rivers or Tomlinson, and that will be in the Colts head. This season, with the Chargers season reeling and the Colts beginning their way to the top, the Colts beat the Chargers at home, but barely. The Colts could beat alot of the other teams in the AFC playing this weekend- Ravens, Dolphins- with ease, and maybe even the Steelers and Titans. But the Chargers are a tough matchup for them. When the playoffs start, the records go out the door, so both teams are 0-0. It will be a tough game, but I think Manning vs a weak Chargers secondary will be the key matchup.

PICK: COLTS