As long as Peyton Manning is under center, the Colts cannot be counted out. The reigning NFL MVP had another spectacular season, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 4,700 yards with 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He put a horrific three-game stretch behind him, during which he threw 11 interceptions, to toss nine touchdowns and only two picks over his final four games. Much was made of Manning’s 11 interceptions in three games, but consider that his 17 picks were only one more than he threw last season. Led by Manning, Indy boasted one of the best offenses in the league. The Colts finished the regular season ranked fourth in both total and scoring offense with 380.8 yards and 27.2 points per game. They did most of their damage threw the air, leading the NFL with 288.1 passing yards per contest.
Indy ranked 29th in rushing offense with 92.7 yards per game on the ground, but it did make more of an effort to run the ball down the stretch. As a result, the Colts went over the century mark in each of their final three regular season games. The Indy offense will be tough to tame if it has similar success on the ground in the playoffs. It’s been an up and down season for the Indianapolis defense. The Colts’ stop unit finished 20th in total defense with 341.6 yards per game allowed and 23rd in scoring defense with 24.2 points per game allowed.
Indy finished a respectable 13th against the pass, allowing 214.6 yards per game through the air, but that stat is a bit misleading perhaps. Teams did not have to take to the air as much because of Indy’s 25th-ranked run defense, which allowed 12.0 yards per game. However, the Colts enter the playoffs defending the run extremely well. They have allowed just 66.0 rushing yards per game in their last three contests. No quarterback is safe against the Colts with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis in the game. This dynamic pass-rushing duo combined for 21.0 sacks this season. We saw the way a strong pass rush helped the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl a few seasons back. Perhaps it will also be the difference maker for Indy.
If the defense can continue its solid play in the postseason, the Colts could be poised to make a return trip to the Super Bowl. NFL odds makers have listed the Colts at +1600 to win Super Bowl XLV. That’s pretty good value for the defending AFC champs if you ask me. You can also bet the Colts at +900 to win the AFC championship. Jimmy Boyd closed out the NFL regular season with six straight winning weeks! Make sure you’re playing his expert NFL picks for continued success in the playoffs.
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