- Quarterback (Colts)
- Having another MVP like season, Peyton Manning always gives his team the best chance to win. Not only could he be the best quarterback right now, he could be the best QB ever. Lets not forget he also could be the best offensive coordinator in the league as we speak also. His preparation, control of his offense and mere presence in the pocket gives his team the best chance to win every week. No matter how far they fall behind or how lousy the game may be going, Peyton can always rally his team to a win.
- Running Backs (Titans)
- As much as Peyton Manning reigns supreme over his competition, Chris Johnson is doing the same over his. Johnson is putting together an amazing season and right now is on pace to break the single season rushing mark set by Eric Dickerson. The Titans turn around from an (0-6) start begins and ends with Johnson. He has rushed for over 100 yards in six straight games and can break a 80+ yards run at anytime he touches the ball. The change at quarterback has been to Johnson's advantage as opposing defenses not only have to key on Johnson, but must also watch out for the very scrambly Vince Young also. Though there are three quarterbacks worthy of the league MVP right now it may be Johnson who may be the most deserving, especially if his team can get back to and over .500.
- Wide Receivers (Colts)
- Reggie Wayne is better than all of the Titans receivers put together. Add that to the fact that Colts quarterback Payton Manning can make rookie Austin Collie and 2nd year man Pierre Garcon look good makes this a formidable group. Wayne already has 79 receptions and is just under the 1,000 yard mark, not known for blazing speed the precise route running and magnificent hands always has Wayne in the right spot at the right time. His and Manning's familiarity is reaching the same level once shared by Manning and Marvin Harrison. The rookie Collie has been impressive which was much needed since Anthony Gonzalez has not been able to make it back to the field since injuring his knee in week 1. Garcon has been equally impressive in his ability to run after the catch.
- Tight Ends (Colts)
- The Titans have a decent pair of veteran ends, but they are not even as close to being offensively dangerous as the Colts Dallas Clark. Clark is multi-faceted at this position he is very difficult to game plan for. In the Colts complex offensive Clark can be found lining up in a multitude of different assignments. Too fast for linebackers and even some defensive backs, Clark also displays a route running ability far superior to any tight end in the league. It's a pick your poison defending the Colts passing offense which usually turns out badly anyways for opposing defenses no matter who they key on.
- Offensive Line (Even)
- Both lines are veteran laden and very good at what they do best. The Colts line protects their most important asset (Manning) very well, who is rarely sacked. The massive line of the Titans pushes people around and creates the holes for the very quick Johnson who leads the league in rushing. These two lines will be intricate in who will win the game today, can the Colts line manage enough to pull the little out of their running game in order to keep a semi-balanced offense or does the Titans line play physical enough to keep Johnson and their chains moving to keep Manning off the field.
- Defensive Line (Even)
- Though the Colts have a very good pair of defensive ends in Freeney and Mathis, this match-up is a draw due to the middle of the lines. The Titans are decent at stopping the run while the Achilles heel for the Colts is not stopping the run. The Colts rank 14th against the run, but that is misleading as their opponents are usually playing from behind and abandon the run or they get in a pissing match with the pass happy Colts offense and attempt to do the same. Teams that stick with a run heavy offensive game plan will have the best chance of beating the undefeated Colts just in the mere fact it will keep Manning and crew off the field. The lack of pass rush from the Titans will play right into the hands of the Colts who only want to run the ball when Manning thinks it is at their full advantage which usually happens often, because teams drop so many back to defend the pass.
- Linebackers (Even)
- While I don't believe that the Colts linebackers are as physically gifted or imposing as the Titans trio, I do believe that their lack of size and decent speed bode better for them in this match-up. The Colts playing the Tampa 2 have a certain size of backer that has more speed and quickness than bulk and strength. Which is good, because Titans running back Chris Johnson is big by NFL running back standard, but is quick and fast as they come. The Titans trio have the dubious task of covering the middle which means locking down Dallas Clark which is easier said than done. The group should be able to shut down the Colts running game fairly well as they fill the holes very nicely it will be their coverage in the passing game that could lead or derail them to victory.
- Secondary (Titans)
- The Titans group of secondary personnel could of been one of the bigger factors in them starting (0-6) this season, but that wasn't because of lack of starting talent. It was more about depth where they had an early rash of injuries. Now that the group is back and more healthy than at any point this season they displaying that talent in helping them to five straight victories. The Colts have a decent group that has been hit hard by injuries with two starters (Bob Sanders & Marlin Jackson) lost for the season. They had more depth, but that depth has been tested by injuries the past few weeks and this week for a group of larger receivers. The Titans secondary has their work cut out for them, but at least now have a fighting chance being that they are now all healthy.
- Final Score
Indianapolis- 25 Tennessee- 19
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