2006 Indianapolis Colts Predictions

The Indianapolis Colts came within a 46-yard field goal of tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and forcing overtime in their second-round playoff loss last season. The Colts were the favorites to win the Super Bowl heading into last season's playoffs, but they again couldn't get over the hump and reach the Big Game.

In the off-season, Indianapolis made only one significant free-agent signing, but it was one the team hopes will push it over the top, enabling it to win those close games. The Colts parted ways with kicker Mike Vanderjagt, the NFL's all-time leader with an 87.5 accuracy rate, but one who didn't always come through in the clutch. In his place, the Colts signed arguably the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history, former New England Patriot Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri has never missed in the RCA Dome (10-for-10) and is 37-for-41 all-time in domed stadiums.

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Key Additions: PK Vinatieri, RB Joseph Addai (rookie), CB Tim Jennings (rookie).

Key Subtractions: RB Edgerrin James, WR Troy Walters, PK Mike Vanderjagt, LB David Thornton, DT Larry Tripplett.

Sportsbook Odds: The Colts opened the off-season as the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl. They have since dropped behind the Patriots as the second favorite, but are still a popular pick to win it all. WagerWeb.com has Indianapolis as -$385 to win the AFC South, +$300 to win the AFC championship and +$600 to win Super Bowl XLI.

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Player To Watch: The biggest issue for the Colts is finding someone to replace James at running back. The Edge rushed for more than 1,000 yards in five of his seven seasons as a Colt, topping the 1,500-yard mark four times, including both of the last two seasons. Indianapolis is hoping first-round choice Addai and six-year veteran Dominic Rhodes will be able to combine to replace James' production. Addai is the running back of the future, but Rhodes will probably get the first crack at starting. He actually filled in quite capably for James in 2001, rushing for 1,104 yards after James tore his ACL in the 6th game of the season.

Outlook: The Colts are still an offensive juggernaut led by all-world QB Peyton Manning and his two outstanding wide receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. The Colts defense returns nine of 11 starters from last season, when it was second best in the league allowing just 15.4 points per game. The only thing between the Colts and a Super Bowl may be overcoming the stigma that they can't win the big one. "[Coach] Tony Dungy has no interest in dealing with last year," Manning said. "We have a new group of players on this team. Joseph Addai doesn't understand. He finished his season gaining 180 yards for LSU in the Peach Bowl. Adam Vinatieri comes from New England and certainly doesn't have any hangover from last season. You better be able to move on from what happened last year."

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb