All four teams this weekend have the chance to win, and arguments can be made for each as to why they should. I want to take a look at each team and break down what they will need to do to win.
Indianapolis
Playing at home, the Colts already have a small advantage, but that alone isn’t enough to beat the upstart Jets. The Colts will need a healthy dose of Peyton Manning and their passing game. Mind you, any team that has Peyton Manning would have the same game plan… pass, and pass a lot.
Manning can win both games, but I think another key to this game is Indy’s defense. Indy needs to keep the Jets defense off of the field. Why? Because the Jets defense can make big plays that change the game. Last week they intercepted Philip Rivers twice, and made the Chargers work for any and all yards they got. If Indy can score quickly and their defense holds they will win this game.
New York
New York has the best defense in the league, and smothered the red-hot Chargers last week, and it will be vital for them to have a repeat performance to win. The Jets defense will have to come up with some creative schemes to get to Manning, and force him to make quick decisions, hoping that he makes a mistake.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets need Sanchez to be flawless, but willing to try to make plays down field if they get behind. Also, expect a heavy helping of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene.
New Orleans
New Orleans is known for their offense, but last week their defense stepped up and held Arizona to 14 points which is remarkable considering the Cardinals scored 51 on Green Bay who had one of the best defenses in the league.
To win, New Orleans will have to hold off Minnesota’s aggressive defense. The Vikings will send the heat at Drew Brees trying to force the Saints to force turnovers.
Defensively New Orleans will have to put pressure on Favre, and eliminate the running game. Putting the game on Favre’s shoulders is risky, but he has shown in the past that he will do whatever it takes to win, and that can lead to turnovers.
Minnesota
Minnesota matches up well against the Saints, they can keep up with them offensively, and can disrupt the Saints offense with an aggressive defense. In order to win the Vikings defense will have to find a way to contain Drew Brees and the resurgent Reggie Bush.
Offensively they just have to strike often, and avoid mistakes. Running with Peterson and Taylor to keep the Saints off the field wouldn’t be a bad idea, because Brees can’t light up the scoreboard from the sidelines.
One thing that Minnesota will have to do better is coverage on special teams. Reggie Bush has been excellent lately, and could end up with a return TD or two if coverage breaks down.
