NFL Picks and Predictions

The injury bug has literally been attempting to dismantle the undefeated Indianapolis Colts throughout the 2009 football season. At one point or another, it seems that virtually every player on the Colts team has spent time on the sidelines. Ironically their biggest star has never been healthier… or better. Peyton Manning is having what many would argue to be his best NFL football season. It seems that regardless of the injuries that are put before him, Manning finds a way to post a win in the column each week.

Once again all-pro safety Bob Sanders has been sidelined. Unfortunately for the Colts and Sanders, this injury will put him out for the remainder of the season. As if that isn’t bad enough for the Colts secondary, cornerback Marlin Jackson is also out for the season. When you consider the injuries to wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and Pierre Garçon, it seems it would be more than the Colts could overcome.

Don’t tell that to Peyton Manning however.

Throughout this troubled a successful NFL season, Peyton Manning has simply come out and directed his team to a win. Amazingly, the Colts have not seemed to miss a beat regardless of who they put in from week to week. While certainly some of this deserves to be credited to the coaching staff, the biggest part of it should go to Manning. Throughout all of the problems, Manning has remained calm, cool and collected. Certainly that state of mind has rubbed off on the other team members.

Peyton Manning and the Colts will next face an upstart Houston Texans team. Quarterback Matt Schaub has the Texans playing quite well right now. Wide receiver Andre Johnson is among the best in the NFL, and has to be licking his chops facing this revamped Colts secondary. One would have to think that the Texans are going to put up one heck of a fight against the Colts.

Still, I would not bet against Peyton Manning and the Colts.