New York still has a decent shot at the playoffs – if they win their last two games. The Colts would like to win, too but can still make it to the playoffs if they lose this one. The G-Men need it more.
Can they do it? Consider that they have won five of their last six since head coach Jim Fassel took over play-calling duties.
The Colts are hot, too, also winning five of their last six. Their offense has finally been living up to the triple-threat billing behind Manning, James and Harrison. New York’s D has been pretty stingy as of late, giving up less than 20 points per game over the last seven weeks. And, their passing defense is third in the league, which might keep Marvin Harrison to only, say, 200 yards :)
The Colts are tired after battling back from a 16-point deficit against the Browns last week. I expect them to have trouble playing at the level they have been.
Statistically, these teams are a pretty even match but NY has two things I like to see in December: a better rushing game and a better defense (3rd in the league in scoring).
The Giants also qualify for a somewhat obscure situational angle that affects teams that score the most points the previous week and win by a wide margin that is 44-18 ATS including 3-1 last year and 5-2 so far this year.