Bodog Beat

Amazing what injuries can do to a season. (AP Images)

The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts are usually two of the favorites in the AFC, but not this year. The Patriots enter Sunday night's contest in the better shape of the two, looking to win their third straight game, while the Colts try to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

Even thought the Pats are 6-point underdogs they have taken three of the five regular-season games against the Colts since 2003. Peyton Manning has put up mediocre numbers, with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and his 61.1 completion percentage and 79.0 passer rating are both his lowest since he was a rookie.

On the other hand, Matt Cassel seems to be getting comfortable at QB for New England. The fourth-year veteran threw for a career-high 267 yards in last week's 23-16 victory over St. Louis.