2008 Indianapolis Colts NFL Predictions

Since the Colts drafted Peyton Manning in 1998, the franchise has posted an impressive 105-55 mark with six division titles, and a Super Bowl crown. Should we expect more domination this year or does Jimmy Boyd have reason to believe the Colts could be tailing off? Jimmy will steer you straight in his 2008 Indianapolis Colts predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

With Brett Favre's retirement, Peyton Manning is the new NFL iron man at the QB spot with 160 consecutive starts. The two-time league MVP is one of the game's elite at his position and we don't see his production tailing off any time soon. Jim Sorgi remains the team's little used backup.

Running back Joseph Addai proved not to be a one-year wonder as he tallied 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns in his sophomore season. He has also become a very good receiver out of the backfield. He grabbed 41 passes for 364 yards and three more scores a year ago.

The Colts really didn't miss a beat without Marvin Harrison in the lineup much last season. The star receiver will be back healthy this season and the offense should be even better. Reggie Wayne continued to blossom as one of the league's most talented young receivers. Wayne caught 104 passes for 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007. Speedy second-year receiver Anthony Gonzalez came on strong late in his rookie season, gaining 576 yards or 37 catches. Dallas Clark is one of the best tight ends in the league and is coming off a breakout season.

The Colts lost starting right guard Jake Scott to the Titans in the offseason, but the rest of the solid line remained intact. Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday leads the way.

Defense

With defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis leading the way, the Colts should have the best defensive front in football. Few players can get pressure off the edge like these guys. On the interior Ed Johnson and Raheem Brock are very solid.

Middle linebacker Gary Brackett, weak side backer Freddy Keiaho, an strong side backer Tyjuan Hangler should be the starters in 2008. Brackett is one of the defensive leaders and has been vital in the development of the youngsters along side him.

The Colts are very talented in the defensive backfield with strong safety Bob Sanders leading the way. We should expect nothing less than another Pro Bowl campaign from the hard hitting Defensive Player of the Year. Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden will start at the corners and Antoine Bethea will play the other safety spot. The Colts have bench players in this unit that would start on a lot of teams as well.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri is one of the most recognized kickers in the game. He led Indy in scoring last season and made 23 of 29 field goal attempts. Punter Hunter Smith is great for the field position game. He pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 18 times last season. T.J. Rushing is an up and coming return man who handles both the kickoffs and the punts. He ran a punt back for a touchdown and had a 23 yards kickoff return average.

Prediction – 1st AFC South

The Colts are still the team to beat in the AFC South and they will be in contention for the Lombardi Trophy again this season. The Jaguars will be Indy's biggest divisional competition again with the Titans and the Texans behind them. No AFC South team is complete enough to dethrone the Colts yet.

Jimmy Boyd's NFL picks promise you another season of steady returns from the gridiron master. You won't get any fluff from Jimmy – just the most consistent winners against the NFL odds in the industry week after week.

Check out the official site of the Indianapolis Colts and for more information.

July 1st, 2008