Wild Card Preview Numero Deux: Indianapolis @ San Diego

Well it's been an interesting game in Arizona, and right now my prediction looks pretty accurate. Kudos to the Cardinals defence for stepping up too. It's not over by a long shot, but either way, it's clear that the media have underestimated Arizona.

Anyway, on with the show:

Indianapolis @ San Diego

I've left this late for one big reason: L.T. As it happens, he says he'll play. but after seeing the extent of his injury, I'm not 100% that he can have any impact at all, even if he does so.

To that end, Darren Sproles will likely shoulder the workload, along with Jacob Hester. Ironically, I'd be surprised if that changed the gameplan much. Sproles is a great receiver, just like Tomlinson, so expect plenty of screen passes, which should also negate the Colts' excellent pass defence.

Unfortunately, it's still a huge blow, and it gives the Colts a big boost. Indeed, I think the actual reason why Tomlinson's status is even in doubt is to stop the Colts getting that confidence from knowing their opponent's star player will take no part in the game. The status of Antonio Gates is also up in the air, which is exactly where the Colts thrive on both sides of the ball.

Indy are amongst the league leaders in both passing categories, and with MVP Peyton Manning at the peak of his powers, it's hard to bet against them, even on the road. Dallas Clark will be a key player, and expect him to get on the scoreboard at least once. On the ground, I'd also expect Dominic Rhodes to play an expanded role, much as he did in the 2006 playoff run. Rhodes offers a similar veteran mindset to Edge in Arizona, and sometimes a player with experience can be just as important to a team as a player who is theoretically more gifted.

As always, there is one caveat: Peyton Manning is one of the greatest players - if not the greatest player full stop - to ever play his position. Unfortunately, when he is bad, he is really really bad. Watch for his head dropping if he throws a pick. If he throws another one, watch for him getting irritable on the sidelines. Very occasionally, those things backfire for Manning, and he ends up having a nightmare.

I don't honestly think that will happen tonight, but never say never. Indy will likely win tonight against a frail San Diego Defence, and the key to this game will be not what the Colts do, but what the Chargers Offence can conjure up in the absence of their focal point.