Since Colts-Pats is the game of the year, I thought it would be fun to make some predictions. Keep it light hearted – nobody is an expert here, and there’s no need to attack anyone’s projection. We’re just looking for some fun heading into the big weekend. Whoever has the closest prediction wins bragging rights at the Scores Report for the foreseeable future, which is probably the best prize known to man.
I’ll lay my neck on the line first:
Even though he’s been medically cleared to play, Marvin Harrison is likely to miss the game. If he does, I fully expect Bill Belichick to overload his coverage to Reggie Wayne’s side and make Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez beat him in the middle of the field and down the seams. The key match up might wind up being Joseph Addai vs. the Patriots’ run defense. If New England can make Indy one-dimensional, the Pats front seven may give Peyton Manning fits. On the flip side, if Manning has all of his tools and the offensive line can open running lanes for Addai, the Colts offense is incredibly smooth. I love what Bob Sanders brings to the Colts defense – I doubt Laurence Maroney gets going.
In the end, however, it’s extremely hard to go against the Patriots and Tom Brady in a dome. I say Patriots win 34-31, but for those gamblers out there, I’ll add that Indy covers the 6-point spread.
