There is no doubt the home dome crowd will play a role in today's game. Hedgie was shocked the 'mature' Chargers choked so much. Snaps over the head of Rivers and missed FG's by Keating are about as bad as it gets. You have to give the J-E-T-S a lot of credit however. They have a proven method of winning and a certain swagger. Today that will end because of a few variables that are too tough to overcome. Playing in a loud raucous crowd will be very difficult for a rookie QB and Oline. The Jets will have to stick to the run game which they are very good at. This time they face a Colts team that is MUCH BETTER at TACKLING than their past two foes. Expect LB Brackett to have a big day tackling and perhaps pick Sanchez. On the Offensive side Peyton Manning is 4-0 against Rex Ryan defenses when Rex was the coordinator in Baltimore. He's better at any QB in the game at adjusting and taking what the defense gives. Expect a HUGE day from Dallas Clark in the middle of the field. He's currenlty 5-1 at sportsbooks to score the first TD. The line has been creeping back higher with news that Colt's DB powers will not start but backup Lacey has started 9 games this yr and will do just fine vs Sanchez. This game looks to be a low scoring slugfest chess match. The Colts have not blown out teams this year so laying 8+ might be a bit of a reach. Hedgie sides with UNDER 40 in the game. Colts 24 - Jets 13 2 stars
This is Hedgie's favorite game of the Day. The storylines are incredible with Brett Farve & Drew Brees and the paths they both took to get here. Once again the home dome crowd will be an x-factor. New Orleans hasn't been to a superbowl in 43 years. This team led by Drew Brees is the soul of the town. Drees Brees is quotes as saying that when he took the job of QB after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 : "This was my calling" . Dan Pasquerelli ,espn sportswriter, says he takes multiple advils when he covers the games because the noise literally gives him pouding headaches. The Viking are a great home team and thrive on their own Dome crowd but have proven to be vulnerable on the road with only going 1-4 ATS on the road. Another key factor is HEALTH. The vikes come in a tad banged up. DT's Ray Edwards and Kevin Williams are not 100% and going up against an underrated Saints OLine. Also, Percy Harvin is expected to play but don't expect him 100% either. Wouldn't be surprised if the Dome noise alone gives him migraines! The best athlete on the field today is a healthy REGGIE BUSH. He's clearly back to full strength after last weeks performance vs Cards. With a vikes shaky secondary , Drew Brees on a mission and Reggie Bush at full strength Hedgie can't see Saints losing this one. Money is coming in on the vikes so might be able to catch -3 on this game. Either way SAINTS -3.5 3 stars