Colts-Packers: Game Preview

This Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts will head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers.

Last Sunday, Aaron Rodgers led the Pack to a 27-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks while the Colts routed the Baltimore Ravens 31-3 behind strong performances from Peyton Manning and the Colts defense.

Rodgers and the explosive Packers offense had a great showing against the former elite Seattle defense. Rodgers threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns, one to stud receiver Greg Jennings and the other to fullback John Kuhn. Ryan Grant, who has been struggling, rushed for 90 yards.

The Packers defense improved greatly from its past performances, allowing only 177 yards and creating two turnovers. The greatest improvement for the Packers defense was the success they had at stopping Julius Jones and the Seahawks' run attack, only allowing 83 yards to the Seahawks backs.

After a long slump, Peyton Manning and the Colts offense finally looked like they should look. Manning had a great day throwing for 271 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison both had huge games. Harrison scored twice and Wayne once.

The Colts defense played their best game yet against the Ravens. They intercepted rookie Joe Flacco three times and forced two fumbles. Although they allowed 260 yards, they only allowed three points. On top of that, they only allowed 51 yards on the ground.

The Packers defense will have its hands full when dealing with Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Marvin Harrison, especially since starting cornerback Al Harris is out. The Colts will most likely pick on Tramon Williams, who is starting for Harris.

The Pack will also have to deal with a strong rushing attack, whether it's Joseph Addai or Dominic Rhodes who gets the start.

The Colts passing defense will have their hands full as they will face a red-hot Aaron Rodgers. Colts cornerbacks Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson will face two of the most explosive receivers in the game in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. With or without safety Bob Sanders, the Colts should not have much trouble stopping the struggling rushing attack of the Packers.

With two high-octane offenses like the Colts and Packers, this game has the potential to be a shootout. It will all come down to pass defense, and even without Al Harris, I think the Pack has a slight advantage.

Another thing to watch is the Packers rush defense, if they can't stop the run, the Colts will outlast the Pack.

All things considered, the Packers stop the run and Rodgers will out-duel Manning by three points.