TOO MANY WEAPONS – New Orleans has seven different players with at least 35 receptions this season. That allows Drew Brees’ unmatched flexibility to make plays. He isn’t known for his big arm, but the Colts will have a tough time guarding all of the Saints’ players going out on routes.

SUPERIOR RUNNING GAME – I will take the trio of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Mike Bell over the Colts’ combo of Addai and Donald Brown any day of the week. Thomas is a bruising runner that can catch the ball out of the backfield well. Bush is a one-of-a-kind weapon that gives the team great flexibility and Bell is great in short-yardage situations.

COLTS INJURIES – Much has been made this week of Dwight Freeney’s injury and though he’s expected to play, count on him being limited. The bigger concern for the Colts is in the secondary where the team has been banged up for weeks. Indy simply doesn’t have the personnel to match-up with the high-powered Saints’ attack.

BALL CONTROL – The running game and the Saints’ ability to hit quick screen passes will keep the chains moving and Manning on the sidelines. The key to victory for New Orleans is simple keep scoring and take as much time off the clock as you do it.

OPPORTUNISTIC DEFENSE – They gamble quite a bit and the Colts don’t make too many mistakes, but the Saints have gotten to this point by taking advantage of mistakes forced by their pressure and exotic coverage calls.  Expect them to win the turnover battle once again.

NFL super bowl, new orleans saints, drew brees, pierre thomas, reggie bush, mike bell