A game simulator likes the Colts…barely (free registration required)
Here is some of his game analysis
New Orleans Pass Offense vs. Indianapolis Pass Defense:
Of the three general matchups we have covered, there is one that is even (and mostly irrelevant) and one that favors each team. It’s a fluke that they ended up in this order, but it’s this matchup that is probably most critical to the final outcome. Everyone has seen what Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the Saints have done through the air for several years. Brees and Payton are “on the same page,” while the receiving corp has the almost-perfect mix of size, speed, hands, physicality and route-running ability. The Saints rank as our second-best passing team (to the Chargers) and our second-best overall offense (to the under-performing Cowboys). BUT, do not lose track of what the Colts’ pass defense has done this season. Without the fortune of generating the amount of turnovers that the New Orleans defense has had, and with just as many if not more injury issues in the secondary, the Indianapolis pass defense has employed an impressive bend-but-don’t-break strategy representative of new head coach Jim Caldwell’s style. They haven’t broken. The ends get tremendous pressure quickly to the quarterback, while the play of the safeties has been great and the corners – often rookies – have been more than adequate. If the Saints win, my guess is that the credit will go to the running game. If the Colts win, the glory will go to Peyton Manning. While those may be deserved, the Saints’ running game will only function well if the Colts fear the passing game (see Jets in AFC Championship) and Manning’s numbers will only look good if Brees’ aren’t better. There is a good chance, the foundation for this game will be laid in this matchup.
Edge: Even
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