The Duel
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by user False Prophet
This Sunday Night, as if you all ready diddn't know, is "The Duel" in the NFL.
vs. 
Tom Brady will be facing Peyton Manning at home in New England, in what will be the sixth time in Brady's Career.
Game Breakdown:
When the Patriots Run the Ball
The tandum of Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney, also known to some as "Thunder and Lightning," are going up against one of the worst run defenses in the league.
Advantage: Patriots
When the Colts Run the Ball
Joseph Addai has been impressive this year, and Dominic Rhodes has been a huge asset, but the Patriots have been lights out against the run.
Advantage: Patriots
When the Patriots Throw the Ball
Tom Brady has been his typical self, stepping up on Monday night last week, but with no established receivers, I don't know how effective he will be able to be.
Advantage: Draw
When the Colts Throw the Ball
Peyton Manning is coming off an even better game than Brady, throwing for five touchdowns against the Broncos. With Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Stokley as targets, Manning should be able to get it done.
Advantage: Colts
Kick/Punt Return
Laurence Maroney looks like a vet returning kicks and punts for the Pats, and they have Troy Brown and Kevin Faulk to give him a break, or to avoid him getting hurt.
Advantage: Patriots
Kicking/Punting
Patriots have a good punter, but the talent drop from He who must not be named to Stephen Gostkowski is too big.
Advantagae: Colts
Other Factors
The Patriots have home field advantage, and a Cold, and possible snowy Gillette Stadium will be harsh on Manning. However great the Colts kicker is, if he comes out for a game winning kick as time expires, the crowd will boo, and he will probably shank the kick. Finally, Brady always steps up for primetime, and won't want to repeat last years loss.
Advantage: Patriots
Score
Assuming each advantage is worth a TD, and both teams will get 7 points regardless, here's how it would turn out:
Patriots 35, Colts 21
My prediction:
Patriots 41, Colts 38
The Colts will get ahead from their passing game, and the Patriots will drain the clock with the run. Manning will throw for 300+ yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Brady will throw for about 250 yards and 2 TDs. Maroney will get a lot of carries, I'll say 18 carries, 113 yards, and a Touchdown. Dillon will get 64 yards on about 12 carries and 2 TDs. Addai and Rhodes will score a TD a piece, and combine for 195 yards. We should get a chance to see Brady run his famous 2 minnute drill on Sunday, leading to a game winning Field Goal as time runs out.
