New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts(Sunday 6:25PM, CBS, SunLife Stadium, Miami, FL)
Saints Offense vs. Colts Defense
The Saints offense has been a prolific unit all season long. With Drew Brees at the controls, this team has steamrolled many teams this year in various ways. Known for throwing the ball, the Saints are actually 6th in the NFL in rush yards per game. They will depend on their balanced offense to attack the speedy Colts defense. This defensive unit for Indianapolis might be one of the most under-rated groups in the NFL. Without Bob Sanders all season, the defense has been excellent. All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney is iffy with a torn ligament in his ankle, but I expect him to play. Whether or not he will be effective is another issue. Freeney's presence on the field during passing downs will be enough, he doesn't need to be Superman. The Colts D will atleast contain the Saints offense enough. They are a stingy unit that doesn't give up enough points and they are quick enough to keep Reggie Bush from making any spectacular plays. Now, whether or not he makes a couple amazing plays on Special Teams is a different story. I expect the Saints to be frustrated much like they were against the Vikings. Even though they scored plenty of points, much of that came off the many costly Vikings turnovers. The Colts will not be that careless with the ball, giving the Saints much worse field position.
Colts Offense vs. Saints Defense
The Saints defense has made a living this season preying on opponents' turnovers. They will not have that opportunity this weekend against the surgical Peyton Manning. Can Manning throw up a duck to Darren Sharper? Sure. Will they fumble the ball six times like the Vikings did? Absolutely not. Peyton was able to shred the number one defense in football, the Jets, so I expect him to be able to do the same with the Saints who have inferior personnel. Reggie Wayne will not be shut down like he was against Darrelle Revis. I expect him to test Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter early and often. The only concern the Colts should have is protection. They are well aware of the beating Brett Favre took last week and as long as they are able to keep Peyton Manning upright, then they will fly back to Indianapolis with another Lombardi trophy.
Bottom Line
If it wasn't for all those turnovers the Vikings committed in the NFC Championship game, we would be previewing a Peyton Manning/Brett Favre Super Bowl. The Saints were outgained by 200 yards in the NFC Championship game and they only won by a field goal in overtime. The Colts will not commit many turnovers, if any, and Peyton Manning will have an answer for anything the Saints Defense presents him with. Peyton will continue to carve out his Hall of Fame legacy with another Super Bowl trophy.
Prediction- Colts 31 Saints 21
Super Bowl MVP- Peyton Manning
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