Colts at Seahawks
Series: Colts lead 5-3
The line: Seahawks by 9.5
TV: CBS, with Jim Nance, Phil Simms and Bonnie Bernstein
Radio: 920-AM, 1080-AM, with Steve Raible and Warren Moon
COACHES
Seattle: Mike Holmgren, 62-48, 7th season; 137-85 overall, 14th season
Indianapolis: Tony Dungy, 47-15, 4th season; 101-57 overall, 10th season
FAST FACT
Seattle’s 12 wins are more than divisional rivals St. Louis, Arizona and San Francisco combined (11).
ANALYSIS
This highly anticipated matchup might not last more than a quarter, with Indianapolis expected to rest numerous starters. Now there are somber overtones with the death of Tony Dungy’s son, James. The Colts’ run at a perfect regular season ended when they couldn’t contain San Diego’s pass rush last week. Quarterback Peyton Manning was sacked four times by the Chargers and three times the week before, so the Colts will be out to re-establish offensive rhythm. They’ll be without Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison, and Manning and Edgerrin James probably won’t play more than a couple of possessions. Seattle needs a win or a Chicago loss to secure home-field advantage in the NFC, meaning starters will be employed throughout, unless the score becomes lopsided. That’s a possibility with Indy’s top players likely to be spectators for half the game or more.
Prediction: Seahawks 31-16.
INJURIES
Seahawks
Out: CB Kelly Herndon (knee), CB Andre Dyson (ankle). Questionable: DT Chartric Darby (knee), S John Howell (hamstring), WR Darrell Jackson (knee).
Probable: LB Kevin Bentley (neck).
Colts
Out: T Ryan Diem (knee), LB Cato June (ankle/groin/knee), WR Marvin Harrison (hand).
Doubtful: DE Robert Mathis (foot), DT Montae Reagor (knee), S Bob Sanders (back), DT Corey Simon (foot).
Questionable: S George Sapp (back), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle/foot).
Probable: CB Nick Harper (ankle), QB Peyton Manning (knee), G Jake Scott (neck), DE Josh Thomas (shoulder), K Mike Vanderjagt (groin/calf), CB Marlin Jackson (stomach virus).
Jim Meehan, staff writer