GAME OF THE WEEK:
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens, 8:30 p.m. Sunday
The Colts again stumbled in the playoffs last year, while the Ravens underachieved, narrowly missing the playoffs. Baltimore has made big strides this offseason, trying to bolster its anemic passing offense by signing wide receiver Derrick Mason and drafting Oklahoma's Mark Clayton, considered by some experts to be the most polished receiver in the draft. Meanwhile, the Colts, who have been knocked out of the playoffs each of the past two years by New England, stayed pat, making no major additions until last week when they signed free agent defensive tackle Corey Simon.
The game promises to pit the unstoppable juggernaut versus the immovable object. Baltimore is moving to the 46 defense, a blitz-heavy scheme that promises numerous sacks for pass rush specialists Terrell Suggs and Peter Boulware. Indianapolis, however, has one of the most potent offenses in the league, led by Peyton Manning, who last season broke the single-season touchdown pass record. Expect whichever team is able to establish its game plan early to pull this one out.
A Key Match-ups:
Kyle Boller vs. the Colts defense: Boller has looked nothing short of awful this preseason, a disappointing sign given that he now has coaches Jim Fassel and Rick Neuheisel solely dedicated to tutoring him.
Dwight Freeney vs. Jonathan Ogden: Last time these two teams met, Freeney abused a hobbling Ogden, recording two sacks. If the talented defensive end is able to get similar pressure this game, it could be a long night for the Ravens.
The Picks:
Chris M.: Colts 23, Ravens 16
Ben: Ravens 24, Colts 21
Chris H.: Either 51-41 Colts or 7-0 Ravens
Steve: Colts 35, Ravens 32
In the other games:
Broncos at Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Broncos 17, Dolphins 3
Ben: Broncos 28, Dolphins 12
Chris H.: Broncos 10, Dolphins 7
Steve: Broncos 41, Dolphins 10
Texans at Bills, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Bills 16, Texans 10
Ben: Bills 23, Texans 20
Chris H.: Bills 24, Texans 17
Steve: Bills 20, Texans 17
Saints at Panthers, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Saints 27, Panthers 23
Ben: Panthers 24, Saints 17
Chris H.: Panthers 31, Saints 10
Steve: Panthers 38, Saints 27
Bengals at Browns, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Chad Johnson -$10k
Ben: Who cares
Chris H.: Browns 20, Bengals 7
Steve: Browns 23, Bengals 21
Bears at Redskins, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Bears 0, Redskins 0 (OT)
Ben: Bears 14, Redskins 13
Chris H.: Redskins 16, Bears 10
Steve: Redskins 17, Bears 14
Seahawks at Jaguars, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Jaguars 35, Seahawks 20
Ben: Seahawks 35, Jaguars 34
Chris H.: Seahawks 28, Jaguars 24
Steve: Jaguars 28, Seahawks 24
Titans at Steelers, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Steelers 28, Titans 16
Ben: Steelers 21, Titans 17
Chris H.: Steelers 30, Titans 7
Steve: Steelers 25, Titans 14
Jets at Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Chiefs 45, Jets 31
Ben: Jets 28, Chiefs 14
Chris H.: Chiefs 41, Jets 20
Steve: Chiefs 35, Jets 31
Buccaneers at Vikings, 1 p.m.
Chris M.: Vikings 38, Bucs 14
Ben: Vikings 26, Bucs 10
Chris H.: Vikings 20, Bucs 13
Steve: Vikings 42, Bucs 20
Cardinals at Giants, 4:15 p.m.
Chris M.: Giants 23, Cardinals 9
Ben: Cardinals 17, Giants 14
Chris H.: Giants 24, Cardinals 14
Steve: Giants 23, Cardinals 17
Packers at Lions, 4:15 p.m.
Chris M.: Lions 21, Packers 20
Ben: Packers 17, Lions 12
Chris H.: Packers 17, Lions 14
Steve: Lions 37, Packers 28
Rams at 49ers, 4:15 p.m.
Chris M.: Rams 37, 49ers 9
Ben: Rams 14, 49ers 7
Chris H.: Rams 35, 49ers 16
Steve: Rams 52, 49ers 0
Cowboys at Chargers, 4:15 p.m.
Chris M.: Chargers 27, Cowboys 14
Ben: Chargers 24, Cowboys 17
Chris H.: Chargers 27, Cowboys 20
Steve: Cowboys 20, Chargers 10
Eagles at Falcons, 9 p.m. Monday
Chris M.: Eagles 37, Falcons 31 (OT)
Ben: Falcons 30, Eagles 28
Chris H.: Eagles 13, Falcons 7
Steve: T.O. 28, Michael Vick 21
