NFL Week 9: New England Patriots visits the undefeated Indianapolis Colts for an AFC powerhouse showdownNovember 12, 2009 by Marc Jerbs

AFC East leader New England Patriots are on a mission to bring back down to earth the undefeated Indianapolis Colts this coming Sunday. This highly anticipated match up could turn to a tough, emotional and physical game as the Colts will not backed down on a challenge in front of their massive and loyal fans at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

QB Tom Brady is the main reason the Patriots are back atop the AFC East. He's fully recovered from last season's injury and has taken the leadership role again for the Patriots. He has amassed 2364 yards, 16 TDs and 5 INTs in the Patriots first nine games. He is also playing well alongside his teammates. RBs Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk are the main catalysts on the team's running game. WRs Wes Welker, Randy Moss and Benjamin Watson are the full pledged stars of the Patriots' receiving corps.

If this cohesive unit brings the A-game this coming Sunday, the Colts should be wary about their undefeated record. The Patriots are a highly offensive team courtesy of Tom Brady's well calculated offensive sets. Also, they are a highly rated defensive team because of coach Bill Belichick's philosophy and management style.

The Colts know the hype surrounding this game against the Patriots. Yet, coach Jim Caldwell and his team treats this just like any other game they have this season. Obviously, this is a big game but they don't have to change anything in their practice or playbook against the Patriots. They are undefeated at 8-0, don't fix what's working but improved more what's seem effective.

One-on-one the Colts can match up against the Patriots in every position. Indianapolis has a rocket armed veteran QB Payton Manning, RBs Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Chad Simpson and WRs Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie. One thing the Colts has an advantage is their defensive end combo of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis who have terrorized opposing QBs with a combined 14 sacks.

With both teams having a superb lineup, this game may end up as a defensive battle but it may also lead into a shootout against two great high-octane offensive teams. It may be hard to pick a choice but the seasoned handicapper etched the Colts as the 3-point favorite to beat the Patriots.