Yes, we’ve got Peyton Manning and the Colts finally reaching the Super bowl. Their opponent? The Dallas Cowboys. The Tuna’s brain and TO’s mouth against Peyton’s arm. Guess you already know our answer.

Offseason: Losing one of the top 5 RBs in the league, Edge James, isn’t a good thing. Neither is losing one of the best kicker’s in the league, Mike Vanderjagt, or steady LB David Thornton, or bullish DT Larry Tripplett. One could argue no team had more significant free agent losses. The only replacement was New England kicker Adam Vinatieri. The draft was decent – Joseph Addai is a solid first-round pick who should get significant touches immediately.

Schedule: Three potentially difficult non-league road games – Giants, Broncos, Cowboys – and a handful of challenging home games (Redskins, Eagles, Bengals, Miami) looks treacherous.

Projected record: We’re guessing 12-4, but that’s probably a best case scenario. Like if Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai combine for 1,300 yards and the defense reacts well to losing two starters.

What they’re lacking: Mettle in big games.

Why they’re in the Playoffs The Colts have had a pretty impressive run under the stewardship of Manning, but they have yet to reach the Super Bowl. Why is this finally Indy’s Super Bowl year? Because New England and Pittsburgh won’t be as good, and expectations aren’t through the roof this year for Indy with James now in Arizona.

Why they’ll lose in the Super Bowl: We keep thinking of the excruciating home loss Pittsburgh last year. Why can’t Indy run in the big games? Why does Manning look so flustered deep in the playoffs? Will things be different in the Super bowl?

Recommended Blog: Colt Power
Video: If you can stomach listening to 30 seconds of some annoying boob at ESPN, you’ll watch Marvin Harrison getting the treatment from the Patriots on the sideline following a Peyton Manning interception.

3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Miami Dolphins
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. New England Patriots
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Washington Redskins
11. Denver Broncos
12. Chicago Bears

Earlier: The teams that won’t make the playoffs.