Last meeting
In what was supposed to be a marquee matchup between former No. 1 overall picks, Indianapolis' Peyton Manning outplayed Atlanta's Michael Vick in a 2003 showdown that never really got going. Manning threw for 290 yards and five touchdowns, while Vick had only 47 yards passing and an interception in the Colts' **38-7 victory**.
Last week
The sluggish Colts fought their way through a tough game against the Chiefs and beat Kansas City, 13-10, on Adam Vinatieri's last-second field goal. Vinatieri had missed four consecutive field goals before hitting two in a row, including the game-winner from 24 yards out. With a chance to get back into the NFC South race, the Falcons showed they still have quite a ways to go under first-year coach Bobby Petrino. Atlanta lost to the visiting Buccaneers, 31-7, and fell three games behind Tampa Bay in the division.
At stake
After three straight subpar outings -- two losses and Sunday's narrow victory -- the ailing Colts cannot afford to suffer another letdown with Jacksonville hot on their tails, just one game back in the AFC South. For the Falcons, the goals are slightly less lofty, but the stakes remain high. A home Thanksgiving win against the defending champions would re-energize a franchise that has thus far endured a disappointing season.
Key matchup
Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne vs. Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall. With Marvin Harrison out of the lineup with injuries the past three weeks and Dallas Clark banged up, Wayne has emerged as Manning's go-to receiver. Hall, on the other hand, is well established as the Falcons' top cover corner who has enjoyed a stellar season. Last week, however, he was completely fooled on a double-move by Tampa Bay's Joey Galloway and gave up a key early touchdown. Any slip-ups like that against Wayne, and the Falcons could be in for a long night.
Did you know?
The Falcons made their first Thanksgiving appearance in 2005 at Detroit and came away with a 27-7 win. Revisit that game and get complete Thanksgiving coverage here.
