Indianapolis Colts-Houston Texans Preview: Texans Go for Colt Revolt in Houston

Indianaplis @ Houston (plus-3)

The Colts begin 2010 in a familiar position: As one of the NFL's Super Bowl favorites. As any NFL analyst worth his salt, and Jamie Dukes, will tell you, Manning's presence alone can practically give Indy a Super Bowl ticket.

"It's true," said Gary Kubiak. "Manning gives any team a good chance to win the Super Bowl, be it the Colts, or, let's say, the Saints. He's that good.

"For years, we've been building a team, piece by piece, that's capable of ending the Colts reign. At our current pace, we should reach our goal, the date of which should roughly coincide with Manning's retirement.

"But let's be serious, if we can't beat the Colts on Sunday, at Reliant Stadium, then our chances of dethroning them are about as believable as a claim that 'overtraining' can cause the presence of a fertility drug. Honestly, Brian Cushing should stop training before he tests positive for a baby."

Manning and the Colts know a win on the road in Houston won't be easy.

"For years," Manning said, "the Texans have been trying to find that one thing that could slow down the Colts. That 'one thing' wore a Colts uniform for many years. He was called Mike Vanderjagt, 'Canadian Missed.' And we know the Texans don't have him.

"And the NFL itself tried to get in on the 'Colt revolt' and slow our hurry-up offense with a well-positioned, albeit decrepit and slow umpire. Well, just a few complaints from me, and he's gone. Vincent Jackson's not the only one with a substance abuse problem. The NFL itself is 'under the influence,' of me."

Fantastic, Peyton. Now show us that lonely Super Bowl ring of yours.

Manning lights up the Texans for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns, and the Colts overcome an early 13-3 deficit for a 31-27 win.

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