OK, maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves, as we so often do in this era of hype. Sunday's Indianapolis Colts-New England Patriots game has a long way to go before it replaces the 1958 NFL Championship or the Ice Bowl, but it at least looks like the most intriguing regular season matchup of 2007.
The two juggernauts are in the midst of a budding rivalry and seem to be the class of the NFL. They're also both putting undefeated records on the line, something you just don't see too often at this point in the season. I'm guessing the TV ratings for this game should be just a tad better than they were for the World Series.
It won't just be Colts and Pats fans and degenerate gamblers watching, either. If you play fantasy football, there's a good chance you or your opponent will have at least one player taking part Sunday, and a lot of matchups are going to be decided by what goes down at the RCA Dome.
With that in mind, let's break this one down from a fantasy perspective:
QUARTERBACKS
These two lads get all the headlines, and deservedly so. Peyton Manning's been a fantasy stud for years, and Tom Brady is a clear-cut MVP choice - in fantasy and real life - at the season's midway point. (Manning has a big edge as an SNL host, however.) It's interesting to note, however, what they did in two head-to-head showdowns last year: Manning finally exorcised his New England demons, throwing for more than 300 yards and three total TDs en route to his first Super Bowl title, while Brady threw for just one score and five interceptions in two losses.
It's hard to imagine Brady being that bad again, especially with the superhuman roll he's been on, but Indy's pass defense has allowed just 165 yards a game and five touchdowns this season, both tops in the league. New England isn't that far behind at 181 passing yards a game but has surrendered 10 TDs through the air. You simply must start both QBs, but a four-TD blitz might be hard to come by for either guy.
RECEIVERS
The league's two best WR corps will be on display. New England's Wes Welker (five TDs in the past three games) is getting steady looks and is an obvious start, as is Randy Moss, who's scored in all but one game this year. Donte' Stallworth is a risky play, as always, but he's had a couple notable outbursts this year and isn't a bad speculative play.
Marvin Harrison hasn't been his usual studly self because of a knee injury, but word is he sat out last weekend at Carolina to heal up for this game, so start him if he's active. Reggie Wayne should be in your lineup regardless, while rookie Anthony Gonzalez has done nothing of note yet and should be benched.
RUNNING BACKS
If you Joseph Addai owners were worried about his health and the emergence of Kenton Keith, last week's three-TD effort should have you sleeping soundly. The Patriots' D (86 rushing yards a game) will present a challenge, but Addai is clearly the go-to guy on the ground.
Laurence Maroney hasn't filled up the stat sheet like many expected (zero TDs), and Indy is no longer a pushover against the run (107 yards a game). He's a good No. 2 fantasy option but no slam-dunk.
TIGHT ENDS
Dallas Clark is a top-five fantasy tight end and a great option this week. The Pats' Benjamin Watson isn't far behind, but he's been hampered by a high ankle sprain, so veteran Kyle Brady could be a decent plug-and-play. Unfortunately, linebacker Mike Vrabel (10 career catches, 10 TDs) isn't available in most leagues.
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