Indianapolis Colts: Game-by-Game Preview Without Peyton Manning

Let's be realistic, Peyton Manning is not coming back this year or maybe ever.

After the devastating news surrounding the Colts' legend has left his future in a cloud of obscurity, the Colts turn to Kerry Collins in the hopes of salvaging the season.

It is widely known and accepted that Collins cannot fill Manning's shoes, but he may be able to do enough to stop the bleeding.

Here is a look, game by game, at the 2011 Indianapolis Colts and how they will fare without their future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Game 1: Colts vs. Texans

The first test of the season pits the Colts against the Texans in a division matchup in week one.

While the news of Manning is still fresh, the other factor in this game, Arian Foster, may not be in the lineup either.

Either way, the Texans have a capable back in Derrick Ward and I expect to see him in this game as a starter or stealing carries from Foster for precautionary reasons.

The Colts will have a difficult time stopping the run as this will be a theme all season long.

The Colts offense should be able to put some points up, but the growing pains show here as Collins continues to get on the same page as his receivers.

Colts 17, Texans  27

Game 2: Colts vs. Browns

The AFC's other Peyton offers another challenging matchup for the Colts defense as the Cleveland Browns host Kerry Collins and company.

For the second week in a row, the Colts will have to muster the strength to combat an effective rushing unit and find a way to keep it in check.

The Colts offense should be able to beat the Cleveland secondary and the concerns with the Brown's linebacking corps will cost them this game.

Look for the Colts to utilize the tight ends and have an effective day from Joseph Addai.

Colts 23, Browns 14

Game 3: Colts vs. Steelers

By week three, the Colts defense will be tired of matching up against its third legitimate running attack, as the Steelers boast a robust ground game.

The Colts issues on offense will be exploited in this game as Kerry Collins will be sacked, hurried and most likely picked off several times.

This game is going to be ugly and without Manning, they have no shot in Pittsburgh.

Colts  10, Steelers 31

Game 4: Colts vs. Buccaneers

The Colts find themselves in prime position for a rebound against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The run defense will be tested again but the threat of LeGarrette Blount shouldn't bring that much of an issue to the unit.

Expect defensive penetration and sacks against Josh Freeman, luring him into making bad decisions.

Colts  29, Buccaneers  18

Game 5: Colts vs. Chiefs

By now I think I've established the Colts run defense will have problems. Two words, Jamaal Charles.

That said, I don't think the Colts will struggle against the rest of the offensive unit should be fine matching the Chiefs on the scoreboard.

The defensive line will be able to get to Cassel and fluster him. Colts receivers Wayne and Collie will have fun against the average Chiefs secondary.

Colts  23, Chiefs  12

Game 6: Colts vs. Bengals

This game is going to be a coming out party for Joseph Addai as he will have a big game on the ground against a Bengals run defense that is almost as bad as Indy's.

The Bengals are a scrappy team but shouldn't find too much success against the Colts' weapons even if Collins has an average day.

Look for a dominant win in Cincinnati.

Colts  21, Bengals 9

Game 7: Colts vs. Saints

The Saints have proven that they can go point for point with the best in the NFL and they have weapons to use at their disposal.

The key for the Colts is to contain Darren Sproles out of the backfield as he can catch passes and make big gains.

Overall, the Colts receivers should handle the secondary of the Saints, but the key to this game depends on how effective Indy can be at stopping Jonathan Vilma.

This game should be closer than people think, but I see the Saints pulling it out.

Colts  21, Saints 29

Game 8: Colts vs. Titans

It's always possible for the Colts to beat the Titans but this season they won't be able to. Chris Johnson will go off for 200 rushing yards. This game will be ugly.

Colts  13, Titans  26

Game 9: Colts vs. Falcons

Everyone will expect Michael Turner to set the tone, but he will be contained by the Colts defense. The player that makes or breaks this game is Roddy White.

The Colts will have to double-team him all game and hope that rookie phenom, Julio Jones, doesn't make up the difference.

Colts  18, Falcons  27

Game 10: Colts vs. Jaguars

Jacksonville should be honored they can take the same field as the Colts in this game.

Maurice Jones-Drew will be exhausted by this point and battered from being ridden too much and too often all season. He will not be able to run through the Colts.

Reggie Wayne will not be disrupted by anyone in the Jacksonville secondary and should embarrass them frequently.

Colts  31, Jaguars 13

Game 11: Colts vs. Panthers

Indianapolis should handle this game rather easily as the rookie quarterback, Cam Newton, should be running more than throwing.

The front line of the Colts should penetrate the line of scrimmage easily, causing the Panthers to look to make something happen.

I see Austin Collie having a big day here.

Colts 28, Panthers 13

Game 12: Colts vs. Patriots

Unlike the drones in NFL land, I think the Patriots are extremely beatable this year.

I don't buy into the hype with Ochocinco and Wes Welker making a threatening combo and I don't think the Colts' cornerbacks will have any issues covering them.

The Patriots' secondary is rather young and they released one of their best players when they let Brandon Meriweather walk.

The Colts can match them and will pull out a tough win on the road.

Colts 19, Patriots  17

Game 13: Colts vs. Ravens

The Ravens will have the full blitz going against Collins and he will feel the pressure.

I doubt Addai will be able to make a dent in this game as Ray Lewis will make his day miserable. The Colts offense will sputter against this Ravens defense. Low scoring, but that's not really a surprise.

Colts  9, Ravens  16

Game 14: Colts vs. Titans

The Titans go for the sweep against the Colts as they roll out Chris Johnson and throw to Kenny Britt.

If Indy is going to have a chance against a team that can rush and whose defense knows the tendencies of Kerry Collins, they must manage the clock with long, time-consuming drives.

I don't see them winning here.

Colts  20, Titans  27

Game 15: Colts vs. Texans

Arian Foster will get his chance at the Colts, this time at 100 percent. The Colts have found a way to contain Andre Johnson and make Matt Schaub try to beat them other ways.

The Colts split with the Texans due to turnovers at the hand of Schaub.

Colts 28, Texans 20

Game 16: Colts vs. Jaguars

By this time Jacksonville should be led by their rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert as their season is over. Jack Del Rio will have been fired or will be at the conclusion of the season.

The Colts will be playing for pride at this point and will not lose to this team at any cost. After this game, the future will still be up in the air and the Colts will be looking to recoup from this season.

Colts  24  -  Jaguars 10

Conclusion

Realistically, the signs are pointing to the sunset fading on Peyton Manning.

After enduring three surgeries to the same injury, it is medically prudent to consider his health over the thrill of playing a game.

With each surgery the chances of a significant recovery are reduced and the Colts may be looking at a future without him. Is Curtis Painter the answer? Will the Colts draft a Quarterback?

There will be much uncertainty in Indianapolis this season and into the next, something that hasn't happened in quite some time.

The Colts try their best but finish the season at 9-7.