WHEN THE CHARGERS HAVE THE BALL: The Colts have allowed an average of 6.4 yards on first down; that could keep the Chargers out of obvious passing situations. The Chargers have been the league's best red-zone team this season, scoring a TD nearly 70 percent of the time, but Indy's defense ranks fourth at 42.5 percent. The Colts have played better defense recently, allowing 14 or fewer points in five of their last six games, but some of the league's better offenses burned them earlier in the season – Green Bay scored 31, Kansas City 45 and Minnesota 28. EDGE: Chargers
WHEN THE COLTS HAVE THE BALL: Manning doesn't do it alone: Running back Edgerrin James ranks second in the league in rushing. The key for the Chargers, who rank second against the run, is to be able to stop James while playing with extra defensive backs on the field. If San Diego has to play Manning straight-up, it could be a long day. Indianapolis is the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 33.9 points a game. No team has held the Colts under 20; they've gone over 30 in nine games. EDGE: Colts
SPECIAL TEAMS: Indy's Mike Vanderjagt has missed four field goals this year; last year he didn't miss any. The Chargers, as they do most weeks, have the better punter. In fact, the Colts have the worst punt coverage in the league; the good news for them is they punt only three times a game. But they kick off a lot and opponents often end up with good field position. EDGE: Chargers
INTANGIBLES: The Chargers are 5-2 on the road this year, but the two losses came in the only games against teams with winning records (Denver, Atlanta). The Colts are 6-1 at home, averaging 36.4 points a game – 14.3 more than the Chargers are averaging on the road. Both teams have feasted on turnovers – the Colts are plus-20, the Chargers plus-13. EDGE: Colts
INJURY REPORT: Tim Dwight (toe) should be available, but the Chargers likely will go again without CB Sammy Davis (leg) and WR Keenan McCardell (hamstring). The Colts probably won't have their top two free safeties, Idress Bashir (hamstring) and Bob Sanders (knee), and guard Rick DeMulling (ribs) also is doubtful.
OVERALL
SD | IND
Home record6-16-1
Away record5-25-2
Points for (per game)27.933.9
Points against (per game)18.720.5
First downs (per game)20.424.4
TDs (rush-pass-return)48 (22-24-2)61 (10-47-4)
FGs made/attempted18/2316/21
Turnover ratioplus-13plus-20
Penalties-yards (per game)7-54.47-50.4
Time of possession31:4429:01
PREDICTIONS:
Nick Canepa
Union-Tribune columnist
Manning's on the pole and there is fear the Bolts could get lapped at Indy. It must become an LT game. Colts 38, Chargers 35
Record: 10-4
Tim Sullivan
Union-Tribune columnist
In a shootout, always go with
the fastest gun. Look for
Manning to best Brees, and for two teams of dazed defenders.
Colts 35, Chargers 31
Record: 12-2
Jerry Magee
Union-Tribune NFL writer
Indianapolis' no-huddle approach is going to make it difficult for
the Chargers to utilize their situational packages on defense. Colts 34, Chargers 20
Record: 9-5
Bob Kravitz
Indianapolis Star
See, I told you the Colts should have taken Ryan Leaf instead. Chargers 27, Colts 24.
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