Chargers/Colts

As promised, I will make my prediction for the Saturday night playoff game between the Colts and Chargers.

First of all, the game is in San Diego, but I do not see that being a major factor in the game because the Colts have the ability to play well on the road.

This game should be outstanding. Philip Rivers was the highest rated quarterback in the NFL this year, and Peyton Manning is the league MVP. Both teams are hot as can be, the Chargers have won four straight and the Colts have won their last nine.

The key factors in this game will be how the Colts' defense handles the San Diego offense, containing LT and Rivers. The other factor will be how the Chargers defense disrupts the Colts offense. The Chargers must get pressure on Manning, and the corners must cover their matchups. The Chargers must also shut down the Colts running game to make Indy one-dimensional.

The key players in this game will be Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, and Shaun Phillips for the Chargers, and the key players for the Colts will be Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, and Dwight Freeney. Cromartie and Jammer must cover their men one on one, and Phillips must make big plays. Also for the Chargers, they NEED LaDainian Tomlinson to play well. For the Colts, Dallas Clark has to be the guy that makes the plays for the Colts offense in the passing game, and Addai must be successful running the ball. Dwight Freeney has been quiet this year, but look for him to make some noise in this game and disrupt Philip Rivers' timing.

Finally, while I love Norv Turner as a coach, he is not close to being the coach that Tony Dungy is. Coaching always plays a big role in the playoffs and Dungy is one of the best in the history of the sport.

Final prediction: Colts win the game 27-24.