in NFL Free Picks

True to form, the NFL betting line by a full nine points even though they lost in Week 10 to the same team, albeit on the road. While a Marvin Harrison-less Peyton Manning had an awful outing in that game, he has had time to get used to his depleted receiving corps and there is no reason to suspect a repeat performance.

San Diego Chargers +9 at Indianapolis Colts –9

Whether or not Harrison plays is up in the air, but from the way things have gone in the past few weeks, where the Colts have made it sound like he will and then sit him just before kickoff, his return seems highly unlikely. What is more likely the case is that Dungy simply wants to force opponents into preparing for Harrison in order to mess with their ability to properly plan for the game, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

Manning does not need Harrison now, anyways, and he is one of the best ever at reading opposing defenses and making changes to the play at the line of scrimmage before the snap. He’ll have to be more aware of the Chargers defensive looks than in Week 10, but it is said that no one studies film more and with a keener eye than Manning. If Manning can get into a groove, the offense, which relies on rhythm and timing, will be very tough for the Chargers defense to slow down.

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 1:00 EST

The running game of the Colts is perfectly fitted by running back Joseph Addai. His speed and ability to attack the edges of defenses, coupled with his excellent receiving skills makes him the perfect back for the Indy offense. With the return last week of Chargers nose tackle Jamal Williams and the necessity of double-teaming him, Addai and the offensive line will attack at angles and put the pressure to stop the run on the linebackers.

The Chargers.

The 2007 and beyond!