So it comes down to this…. Tennessee @ Indianapolis

Titans @ Colts Game Preview

It comes down to the showdown in Indianapolis with Jacksonville battling Houston; I don’t believe that the schedule makers would have ever thought that the last weekend of the season would be so important. As we come to Sunday we see many games around the league of major importance but for Indianapolis if they win the AFC South is theirs and they are in the playoffs. This year has been filled with injuries and tough times for Indianapolis but they still have the opportunity to make it to the postseason. With a rejuvenated defense that has held top NFL running backs to under 50 yards over the past couple of weeks and a fresh rushing attack it looks as though the Colts are primed for the playoffs. For the Titans it has been a circus of a season with the quarterback controversy, the coaching questions, and the lack luster arrival of Randy Moss there have been very few bright spots for the Titans this season. The Titans would love nothing more than to ruin the playoff chances for the Colts but it will not be an easy task. The Titans still have one of the best running backs in the game in Chris Johnson who is always ready to make the big but the key will be the play of Kerry Collins a veteran quarterback who still has a desire to win. This game will have a playoff feel to it on Sunday afternoon.

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Keys to the game:

Indianapolis running game

Tennessee passing attack

For Indianapolis over the past few games they have found a running game that has been desperately needed during the season. With a solid running game in place this helps take the pressure off of Manning allowing him to have more time to find his receivers which spells disaster for the defense.

To have a solid running game the passing game must be relevant and for Tennessee that has been the problem, Chris Johnson is a solid back but the passing attack has been lacking for the Titans. With no passing game teams are loading the box to stop the run. If the Titans can establish a small passing game that could open up lanes for Johnson to have a big game.

Key Matchup:

Peyton Manning vs. Titans defense

Chris Johnson vs. Colts defense

Manning has been solid in his career in big games and this may be the biggest of the season as they are fighting for the playoffs. He is a master at picking apart opposing defenses and he will look to do the same against Tennessee.

Johnson is still a premier back in the NFL although he has not had the banner year; he is still quite possible the best in the NFL and the Titans will look to set him up in their passing game out of the back field. Johnson will be used a lot on Sunday but his importance will be running the ball but that will only come if there is success in the passing game.

Prediction:

Indianapolis is playing at home and for a shot at the playoffs I look for them to establish the running game and then allow Manning to dissect the defense. Look for the Colts defense to continue to stand firm against the run and watch out for Freeney and Mathis coming off the end to have a big day. The Titans will be in this game for the most part but I see Indy being just too strong and look for the Colts to make it to the playoffs.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer