NFL Preview: Manning Bowl II is Here

We’ve waited four long years since Peyton Manning and Eli Manning last faced off. Finally the schedule makers have brought them together at Lucas Oil Field and Eli wants some payback.

Home advantage matters
This is the kind of game that shows why the NFL is the best sport around. Two brothers, both quarterbacks and both Super Bowl MVPs, will put all family ties aside solely for the sake of victory. Unlike Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, the Ukrainian brothers who hold most of the major Heavyweight Boxing championships, the Mannings have no problem taking each other on. This kind of fiercely competitive spirit is reminiscent of the Kennedy clan, battling with siblings in the pursuit of excellence.

This Sunday it’s tough to see who will excel more. Eli has a slightly better set of receivers but Peyton is quicker releasing the ball, and remains the better quarterback of the two. The tools around Eli will certainly aid the younger Manning. He has a stout offensive line, something Peyton would kill for, and a more menacing defense. There is one intangible that weighs heavily in Peyton’s favor; Lucas Oil Stadium. You can be certain the domed arena will make enough noise to force Eli to work off a silent count. That could be all the edge Peyton needs to go 2-0 in his career against his little brother. Bet on the Colts as -6.0 favorites with Sports Interaction.

Texans ready to roll
Houston conquered the Colts for just the second time in 17 attempts last Sunday and now moves on to Washington for a date with the Redskins. Arian Foster had a brilliant performance on the ground against Indianapolis and I expect him to once again feature strongly on Sunday. NFL betting fans should however expect a bigger performance from Matt Schaub in week 2. A quiet 9 of 17 for 107 yards with a touchdown and an interception is not your typical Schaub day at the office. Andre Johnson should click with his quarterback more on the road at Washington.

For the Redskins a 2-0 start would be miraculous. Unfortunately for Washington fans I can’t see it happening. Donovan McNabb failed to complete half of its passes and the running game was far from intimidating. Against this Houston defense that simply won’t do. The Texans will make hard work of this game but I like them to record an important road win. Bet on Houston at -3.0 with Sports Interaction.

XL: Gabriel Morency previews Manning Bowl II

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oFI0JaA6zM[/youtube]