As many of you might know I am a big football NFL fan.  I participate in a few fantasy football leagues throughout the season.  I try to schedule a little as possible on Sunday afternoons so I can watch football (I have been very unsuccessful at this recently).

Anyway, tonight one of my favorite games of the year is taking place, The New England Patriots vs The Indianapolis Colts.

As a Patriots fan I can’t help but root for my beloved Patriots — the key of this matchup is the QB of each team….Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Many sports greats had their all time rival —  Larry Bird had Magic Johnson, Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier, Jimmy Connors had John McEnroe. In the NFL we now have Brady and Manning.

Brady and Manning, will always be linked with one another because of the high level on intensity they share  on the field and the success both clubs have had over the last 5- 10 years.

This weekend, the Patriots and Colts will face off for the 10th time since 2003. It’s the seventh straight year the clubs have met in the regular season and  I think I read somewhere that 5 out of the last 7 seasons one of the teams is undefeated going into the game.  That is true again this year as the Colts are 8-0.

Manning is playing at an all time high right now and Brady has gotten most if not all the rust shaken out since missing least year with a knee injury, so I have high expectations for this game.

One of the things that I really enjoy about this rival is that both Brady and Manning have a deep respect for one another and they bring everything to the field.  Unlike some sports starts who trash talk all week before the game (cough)Joey Porter (cough) – Manning and Brady have nothing but good things to say about each other and they let their play do the talking.

Recently this game has more hype and high level of play than the Superbowl – I can’t wait.

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For more insight check out:

NFL Record and Fact Book 2009 (Official National Football League Record and Fact Book)

More than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL

I for one would LOVE to extend the NFL season – after all the injuries from week one I be many players are second guessing that ides even if it interested them to begin with.

I went 11-5 last week (sorry I did not post last week).  So I hope to do just as good if not better this week.  If you would like to see my picks from last week just leave a comment and I will post them.

Chiefs at home vs. Raiders
Coming off a loss against the Patriots the Chiefs will be going against the Raiders.  I did not bother staying up late Monday Night to watch one of the worst teams in the NFL lose again.  Pick: Chiefs

Bengals at home vs Titans
Even with the emotional struggle of their injured QB Vince Young the Titans should go home with a win.  The Bengals and Ocho Cinco have enough problems of their own.  But I hope Ocho has a good game because he is on my fantasy team. Pick: Titans

Vikings at home vs Colts
Hopefully Peyton Manning has made time to practice football (instead of making more commercials) to get their first win of the season.  I think they will — Pick: Colts

Redskins at home vs Saints
The Saints have alot of weapons — but one of their big ones Marques Colston is now out…..On the bright side Reggie Bush looked has looked pretty good.  The Redskins have just looked awful and could not get anything going against the G-men.  Pick: Saints

Lions at home vs Packers
The Lions allowed 34 points and 474 yards to the Falcons last week. The Packers are looking pretty good- even without Brett Farve.   I think that will continue. Pick: Packers

Panthers at home vs Bears
I can’t believe that both of these teams won last week and are looking pretty good.  This goes to show you that every year there are surprises in the NFL.  In this case I can’t go against the home team. Pick: Panthers

Rams at home vs Giants
As much as I would love to see the Giants go 0-16 this year I can’t pick against them when they are playing against the Rams especially when the Giants are on the road.  I can only hope that the Rams play better this week than they did against Philadelphia.  But they still don’t get the win.  Pick: Giants

Jaguars at home vs Bills
There are some people in upstate NY who think that the Bills might be playoff bound.  But they have to get past the Jets and the Patriots — I think that the Patriots still have the talent without Tom Brady to win the division.  I think this is an important game for the Bills because some people think that the Jaguars have a chance for the super bowl.  But the Jags are at home so I have to go with them. Pick: Jaguars

Buccaneers at home vs Falcons
With the way that Matt Ryan played last week I think they do have a shot at winning this game.  Especially since Jeff Garcia is out with an injury.  Pick: Falcons

Seahawks at home vs the 49ers
The 49ers are in the bottom third of the league.  They are far removed from the glory days in the 80’s.  They have a long road to go before they become a very competitive team.  But being in the NFC West they could get in the playoffs as long as they are above .500.  That being said I don’t think they will win this week. Pick: Seahawks

Cardinals at home vs Dolphins
Could Kurt Warner be back in his MVP form?  Most likely not – but I think he has win number 2 in him.  Pick: Cardinals

Jet at home vs Patriots
The Patriots have extra motivation this week with everyone discounting them because Tom Brady went down.  Just because Tom Brady’s starting streak is broken I do not think that the Patriots winning streak will be broken.  Pick: Patriots

Texans at home vs Ravens
Hurricane Ike has moved this game to Monday night.  But that does not matter for the Texans.  They are going to show everyone what Texas spirit really is… Pick: Texans

Broncos at home vs Chargers
Enough talk about how good the Chargers are — they really are not that good.  They may have short stints of greatness but if LT wants a Super Bowl ring he might need to play for a different team.  To be great in the NFL you need consistency and the Chargers do not have it.  Pick: Broncos

Browns at home vs Steelers
This may be a long year for the Browns.  Good thing Derek Anderson got his money when he had his chance.  Pick: Steelers

Cowboys at home vs Eagles
You gotta love this match-up every time.  Like most great Rivals you can throw out what has happened in the past and just sit back and enjoy the game.  As long as Jessica Simpson says away it should be a Cowboy win.  Pick: Cowboys

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For more insight check out:

Super Bowl And NFL Records

More than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL