I know I am, and you should be too. We have an interesting match-up between the Indianapolis Colts (4-1) and the San Diego Chargers (2-3). Let's take a closer look at each team.
Why Indianapolis Will Win:
Indianapolis comes into this game off of a 34-28 victory against the previously undefeated Seahawks. It was a statement win for the Colts, as they have shown they can win the big game. Andrew Luck continues to prove he isn't suffering a sophomore slump, throwing for 229 yards and 2 TDs against a Seahawks defense that is ranked 4th in passing yards per attempt allowed. He'll better that against a San Diego defense who ranks 30th in passing yards per attempt allowed and has allowed 10 passing TDs this season. Richardson will have another week to accustom himself to the Colts playbook, and in good time too. The Chargers are 29th in rushing yards per carry allowed.
Why San Diego Will Win:
San Diego comes into this contest off of a disappointing 27-17 loss at Oakland. Philip Rivers had a decent night, throwing for 411 yards and 2 TDs, but also throwing 3 INTs. I believe this is the resurgence of Rivers, and I'm not sold on the Colts passing defense. Although they rank 12th is passing yards per attempt allowed and are tied for the best in passing TDs allowed with 4, the best pocket passing QB the Colts have faced is Russell Wilson. Although I love Wilson's abilities, Rivers is a better pocket passer than him, and I believe Rivers will have a field day on the secondary. San Diego has a plethora of weapons at Rivers' disposal. Besides Antonio Gates, who has always been Rivers' safety blanket, the WR core has seen the improvement of Vincent Brown and the emergence of Keenan Allen, the rookie out of Cal.
Prediction:
In the end, Andrew Luck has too easy of an opportunity to waste against the Chargers. Luck will have a field day, posting over 300 yards and throwing for 3 TDs. I also believe that 2 WRs on the Colts will have 80+ yards tonight, probably Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. Although I believe Rivers will keep his team in the game, and throw for 3 touchdowns of his own, the Colts pull away thanks to the Chargers lousy pass defense.
Colts: 35 Chargers: 24