Quick Take: Colts-Ravens

Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 04:40 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting: Indianapolis jumped out to a 24-0 lead and coasted to a 31-3 victory on Oct. 12, 2008.
» Streaks: The Colts have won six in a row and own a 7-2 overall series edge, including the playoffs.
» Last week:Bill Belichick's decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 backfired, and the Colts capitalized, driving 29 yards for the winning score in a 35-34 victory over the Patriots. ... The Ravens' defense was dominant in a 16-0 win over the Browns on Monday night.

Keep your eye on ...Indy's lucky horseshoe: The Colts may be 9-0, but they have enjoyed some very good fortune over the past three weeks. They got a fourth-quarter TD pass from RB Joseph Addai to edge the Niners, were aided by a bizarre fumble right before halftime and a missed field goal as time expired to nip the Texans and then came last week's magical rally from 17 points down in the fourth quarter against the Patriots. All three of those games were at home, however, and it won't be easy to duplicate such heroics in Baltimore.

Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis matching wits: Manning is known as one of the best offensive strategists in the game. On the flipside, Lewis is recognized as one of the best defensive minds in the league. Whoever wins the chess match between Manning and Lewis, may win the game.

Ray Rice's determination: The Colts' biggest weakness over the past few years has been their inability to stop the run. They rank 14th in rush defense this year, and they have struggled against some of the league's elite backs like Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown and Maurice Jones-Drew. Rice has evolved into the Ravens' featured back and he could cause some problems for the Colts.

Did you know?

The Colts have won a club-record 18 consecutive regular-season games. ... With one more catch, Dallas Clark will pass Hall of Famer John Mackey for the most receptions by a tight end in Colts history. ... Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a 96.9 passer rating at home this season. ... Baltimore's Jarret Johnson has a career-high six sacks this year.

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