What to watch this Saturday

Raven at Colts

In January you can be sure of a couple of things. It will be cold in most parts of the country, many Americans will have new years resolutions and Peyton Manning will still be playing football. Colts fans have grown accustom to seeing their team on the field in January, after all Manning has led his team to 12 or more wins every year since 2003. No other quarterback can say the same.

Joe Flacco would like to make a habit of playing in January as well. In only his first two seasons the young quarterback has made the playoffs in both years. Last year they made it to the AFC Championship game losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Steelers 23-14. Last week they marched into Foxborough and marched out with a win over the favored New England Patriots.

The Colts offense finished the regular season ranked 2nd passing, a dismal 32nd rushing and 9th overall. Opposing the Indy offense will be a defense lead by Ray Lewis. They ranked 8th against the pass, 5th against the run and 3rd overall.

The Ravens offense finished the season ranked 18th passing, 5th rushing and 13th overall. Opposing them will be a Colts defense that ranked 14th against the pass, 24th against the run and 18th overall.

If you think the Indianapolis defensive numbers are not impressive you would be correct. Consider that in 2006 the Colts finished the regular season ranked dead last against the run. Stepping it up in January they were #2 against the rush and went on to win the Super Bowl.

My prediction: Rest experience and home field advantage will be to much for the Ravens team to over come. Peyton and company win a hard fought game and advance to play for the AFC crown.