NFL Week Nine: Manning and Co. Playing for Their Playoff Lives

I doubt anyone expected that this annual Week Nine matchup between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts would weigh so heavy on the shoulders of Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts' organization. Especially when Tom Brady went down in Week One. The Patriots have since managed to put together a 5-2 record, which is good for a share of the AFC East lead. The Colts, on the other hand, could possibly fall to five full games behind the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South. The Colts don't need to win the division to make it into the playoffs, but it won't be an easy road to a wild-card spot. If the Patriots defeat the Colts this week, it will put Indy at 3-5. With games against Pittsburgh, San Diego, Jacksonville, and one more against the Titans still in their future, Indy would need to pull off a major run as the weather turns inclement if they want to see their record any better than 8-8 come season's end. We certainly can't count the Colts out of this game. Although, I've ... (link)