NFL Pick Week 13: Indianapolis Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys

Looking at this match-up at the beginning of the season, many thought it would be a battle between one of the best teams in the AFC against one of the best in the NFC.  

This is not the case at all, as both teams come in struggling.

This could still be a great match-up, but it just doesn't have the potential Super Bowl preview as it did when it was first looked at during the beginning of the season.

Here is an analysis of the match-up.

The Records

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to throw a pass while pursued by Kevin Burnett #99 of the San Diego Chargers during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Charg

The Indianapolis Colts come into this match-up with a disappointing record of 6-5 and sit tied for first in their division.  This is not your typical Colts record this time of season, as they have usually almost clenched a play-off berth by now.

The Cowboys on the other hand make the Colts seem thankful.  

They have a record of 3-8 and sit last in the NFC East.  It has been a year to forget, including the firing of head coach Wade Phillips.

Both Teams Coming Off Of Tough Losses

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Both teams will be looking to bounce back after tough losses in their last game.

The Colts got pounded by the San Diego Chargers in a fashion that was so dominant it left Colts fans in shock.

The Cowboys on the other hand are coming off a close one against New Orleans, in which they had the game won but gave it up at the end, losing by a field goal.

Injuries on Both Teams

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Bob Sanders #21 of the Indianapolis Colts moves on the field during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Cowboys come into this game without star quarterback Tony Romo.  He has been replaced by Jon Kitna, who is actually playing somewhat decent so far this season.

The Colts come into this one with a rash of injuries that is too long to list.  With injuries to key players such as Anthony Gonzales, Gary Brackett, Bob Sanders, and Dallas Clark, the Colts are really playing their second string for the rest of the season.

An Air Battle

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys scrambles with the ball against defensive end Turk McBride #75 of the Detroit Lions at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19

This will be an air battle in which it is crucial for the defense to limit the passing yards of the opponent.

The Colts come into the match-up led by whom many consider the greatest QB of all time Peyton Manning, who is averaging almost 300 yards per game passing.

Meanwhile the Cowboys come in with a high-powered passing attack themselves.  Led by Jon Kitna, the Cowboys are averaging 276 yards per game in the air.

Whoever Wins The Running Game Will Win The Game

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Brandon James #12 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Dante Hughes #33 of the San Diego Chargers during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

This game is going to come down the running backs.  With all of the focus being on the passing game in this one, it will be essential that the running game is working too.

Whoever has the best running game in this one, will more than likely win the game.

Who Will Prevail?

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts complains to a game offical after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28,

The Colts will win this one.  

It will be a close game and the Cowboys will give it a good effort, but the Colts will come out ready to play in this one.  Surely they will come out with fire and energy to secure that playoff spot that they are ever so accustomed to.