Colts-Pats stirs plenty of intrigue

Every time Tom Brady and Peyton Manning cross paths, the collision of the NFL's most prolific quarterbacks has the potential to be a classic.

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers locked horns last week, and one must wonder how each team will react.

Brady and the Patriots were a tour de force while rolling to a win in Pittsburgh, but there is no rest for the conquerors. The Patriots return home today to face the challenge Manning presents.

New England has been bet up to a 4-point favorite over Indianapolis, partly because Brady has not lost a regular-season home game since November 2006 and also because the Patriots were so impressive a week ago.

The Colts are riddled with injuries, yet Manning continues to dazzle with a limited arsenal. Las Vegas sports books relish games like this that generate huge interest and handle, especially when the line sits on or around key numbers such as 3 and 4.

In a classic confrontation last year, New England coach Bill Belichick took a rare dose of heat for going for it on a fourth-and-2 at his 28 with just more than two minutes to play. The gamble failed, and Manning passed for the winning touchdown to give the Colts a 35-34 victory. Manning took that one, but Brady leads the head-to-head matchup 7-4.

Meanwhile, the Steelers host Oakland, which is off a bye. The Raiders rallied to win 27-24 at Pittsburgh last season.

The Steelers are tied atop the AFC North with Baltimore, but Pittsburgh has shown chinks in its armor in recent weeks. Specifically, its offensive line has been beset with injuries.

The first-place Raiders are on a three-game win streak and proving to be a physical team. The "Black Hole" has treated Oakland well, but its only road win was in a blowout at Denver.

How much does the betting public get influenced by what last was witnessed? Last week, before the Patriots-Steelers game, Pittsburgh was a 12½-point favorite over Oakland at the Las Vegas Hilton sports book. On Monday morning, the Steelers were minus-8, and the number is now 7 at most books.

Tonight's game features a first-place showdown in the NFC East as the New York Giants invade Philadelphia, which is a 3- to 3½-point favorite.

If the Giants were thinking of giving quarterback Eli Manning a contract extension, they should wait until Monday. After learning of the laughable money the Washington Redskins threw at Donovan McNabb on game day last week, the Eagles' Michael Vick stole the spotlight.

Vick, who is in the Most Valuable Player discussion and pursuing a new contract, went wild while accounting for six touchdowns in a 59-28 massacre. Can a fierce Giants pass rush corral Vick and his scrambling ability?

Two months ago, Green Bay at Minnesota seemed to shape up as a game worthy of top billing today. Not now, with the Vikings (3-6) three games out of first in the NFC North and in disarray.

The Packers, 3-point favorites, are riding a three-game winning streak. The money is mostly on Green Bay.

Two losers cross paths when the Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions. Were the Cowboys, 6-point favorites, a one-week wonder, or will their talent come to the surface on a regular basis with interim coach Jason Garrett running the show?

Both teams play again in four days. It's tough to figure two 2-7 teams can be in look-ahead mode, but on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys host New Orleans and the Lions entertain New England.

At least we can look forward to turkey.

Brian Blessing, host of Sportsbook Radio on ESPN (1100 AM, 98.9 FM), can be reached at blessproductions@yahoo.com.