This game has been likened to a battle of Good vs. Evil, and I'm always delighted to be aligned with the forces of Good.

The Colts are at home, they're the defending Super Bowl champions and they're undefeated, but they're underdogs today. Incredibly they've still managed to fly under the radar. That's just fine with them: The "no respect" factor has surely been just one more motivator this week.

The style of this game will depend on how much ego plays into it. Both offenses can light up the scoreboard and both defenses, while unsung, have weaknesses. If ego is a factor for coaches Tony Dungy and Bill Belichick and quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, then we're likely to see a pinball game with two high scores. However, if either team can check its ego at the door today and play to keep the other team's offense off the field, one team may be able to take an advantage.

I think that team could be the Colts. The Patriots have left no doubt this season about their ability to score points. Just ask Joe Gibbs; New England didn't stop scoring on his Redskins until Tuesday or Wednesday. The Colts can rack up the points, too, but I really think they have more options offensively, especially if Marvin Harrison is able to play.

If Indianapolis can use running backs Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith effectively, they can hold onto the ball longer and keep New England's offense off the field. When Manning and the Colts do decide to pass, remember tight end Dallas Clark leads the team in touchdown receptions (six). Harrison's presence, even if not at full strength, makes it more difficult for the Patriots to defend against the pass, since they'll have to worry about him, Clark and wide receiver Reggie Wayne. Addai caught a touchdown pass last week and ran for two others.

The Colts defense must come up big against the phenomenal season Brady is having, especially how he has been able to connect so well with newcomer Randy Moss. Colts safety Bob Sanders, however, can force offenses to change their usual strategy.

If the game comes down to kicking, I'll definitely take Colt (and former Patriot) Adam Vinatieri, one of the game's all-time clutch performers.

The Colts win today.

— Jim Carlisle is a staff writer for The Star. E-mail address: jcarlisle@VenturaCountyStar.com.