Football fans will be treated to a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game this evening as the New York Jets face the Indianapolis Colts in a Wild Card playoff at Lucas Oil Stadium. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled to kickoff at 8:00pm ET on NBC. 2011 NFL Playoff Picks have the Colts listed as a -2.5 against the spread home favorite and the Over/Under set at 44.5.
The 2010 season did not match the Colts
typical blueprint, after all the team had won at least 12 games for seven consecutive seasons; however, they did find a way to reach the playoffs for a ninth consecutive time.
Indianapolis captured the AFC South title with a 10-6 record, despite trailing Jacksonville in the division standings with just four games left in the season. The Colts, which stood an even 6-6 after 12 weeks of play, won four in a row down the stretch to pass the Jaguars and retain their division crown.
Indy, which has been more banged up than any other team in the league (15 players that started the season are now on injured reserve), and quarterback Peyton Manning weathered some uncharacteristic storms, including one that saw Manning toss 11 interceptions in three games, in order to return to the postseason.
Most pundits do not like the Colts Super Bowl chances (NFL Odds have Indy listed at 14 to 1 to win the Lombardi), though, citing injuries and an inability to run the ball as the chief reasons the team will not make it to Dallas.
The New York Jets qualified for the postseason again under second year Head Coach Rex Ryan, but, like a season ago, they must earn a Super Bowl berth on the road.
The Jets, despite posting an 11-5 record, are the sixth seed in the AFC, and, therefore, cannot host a playoff game. New York may not care after last year's playoff run, though, as it beat both Cincinnati and San Diego on the road.
Still, the Jets could not overcome the Colts in the AFC Championship Game, falling 30-17 at Lucas Oil Stadium after Manning threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Ryan's troops may be better equipped to combat Manning this time around with cornerback Antonio Cromartie playing opposite Darrelle Revis.
However, Cromartie's presence may not matter if the Jets are unable to make Manning uncomfortable in the pocket. No. 18 is a master at finding holes in a defense, especially when he given time to survey the field.
2011 NFL Playoff Picks News, Notes & Trends:
Rex Ryan coached defenses are 1-5 straight up against Manning and the Colts.
The Colts are 3-0 in home Wild Card games in the Manning era (Denver 41-10 2003, Denver 49-24 2004, Kansas City 23-8 2006).
The Colts are 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games as a home favorite with a total between 44.5 and 47.
New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts 2011 NFL Playoff Picks:
New York Jets +2.5 (-105), Over 44.5 (-110), +120 (Moneyline)
Indianapolis Colts -2.5 (-115), Under 44.5 (-110), -140 (Moneyline)
