Colts go for revenge

THE Indianapolis Colts, with seven wins under their belts look set to move comfortably into the play-offs, but the team that stands in their way on Monday night is the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have beaten the Colts in each of their last six meetings - but that was before Indy had a defence.

In the last two play-off contests the Colts had a defence that was barely above the worst in the league - this year their D is ranked number four and have two defensive ends in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis that are notching up sacks.

But before Monday's titanic clash there are plenty of intriguing match-ups in tomorrow night's fixtures.

For instance the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers both have 5-2 records in the NFC South. They face off tomorrow in Florida, and something has got to give.

And if Tampa are to stand any chance of keeping in the chase they will have to stop the league's leading receiver in the shape of the Panthers' Steve Smith - who is proving his worth as the main target man for QB Jake Delhomme.

It is an old adage that November is when the NFL realty starts - when the battle for play-off spots takes shape.

Take for example the Oakland Raiders. Their season started off with three losses. Since then four straight wins. If they can overcome the Kansas City Chiefs tomorrow night - one of the teams that ruined their opening - they are looking to be serious contenders.

And who would have credited that the Chicago Bears would go into November as NFC North leaders? A win against the New Orleans Saints tomorrow will not only reinforce their place as divisional leaders, but also puts them in prime spot for play-off position.

But, November is also the month many teams will be finally concluding that it is going to be a losing season!