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NY Giants at Indianapolis Colts NFL Picks & Odds

Written by Jimmy Boyd on October 30, 2006

The NFL’s first Sunday Night Football game is an intriguing NFL betting matchup as Peyton squares off against Eli in a Manning family reunion game with the Giants v. Colts. This will mark the first game in NFL history with brother’s starting at quarterback. But as one will eventually fall to the other, their may be some love lost.

On paper and with the NFL odds makers, Peyton has the overwhelming edge with 3 AFC South Titles and back to back MVP Awards in 2004 and 2005. Eli has just 23 career starts, but he led the Giants back to the playoffs last season for the first time in 3 years. For the media, this game is Peyton vs. Eli, but in reality, it’s the Colts vs. Giants. We all remember Indy’s amazing 13 game winning streak last season and their high-octane offense, but we forget that the Giants scored the second most points in franchise history. New York returns all 11 starters from last year’s playoff team including Tiki Barber, who was the difference maker last season. The Colts are about to find out how valuable Edgerrin James was in the backfield last season as Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai, who are expected to share time, will still have to prove themselves.

The Giants made huge off season moves on the defensive side of the football bringing in LaVar Arrington, to play alongside a now healthy Antonio Pierce, as well as defensive backs Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters, and Will Demps. Arrington should have no problem fitting in and I expect him to return to the Pro Bowl. The new faces in the defensive backfield will get broken in in a hurry against the likes of Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. With Pro Bowlers Strahan and Umenyiora coming off the ends, the Giants should be able to get some pressure on Peyton Manning which will help out the secondary.

The Colts have a Pro Bowl defensive end of their own in Dwight Freeney and his running mate Robert Mathis, who finished the 2005 season with 11.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles. Eli will be forced to deal with the same pressure off the corner Sunday night. Which ever quarterback is able to do a better job of stepping up in the pocket could go along way in deciding this game.

New York’s home field advantage and the fact that they return all 11 offensive starters speaks loudly. New faces on defense could be a problem in the early going as they’ll have to adjust to a new system. You don’t here a lot about Indy’s “D” because their offense has been so good, but they are a solid unit. The loss of Edgerrin James could be crucial.

Ultimately, this one will be an offensive battle. Both teams have great offenses with great playmakers. Indy’s receivers are slightly better, but New York has an advantage on the ground. I have done my homework on Sunday Night’s marquee matchup and I’m ready to deliver a big play with my NFL picks on the big stage.

You can check out our free NFL picks on the game’s this week or get signed up for the NFL expert picks offered by our handicappers.

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