Indianapolis vs. New England Divisional Round Preview: A New Rivalry?

While the Colts and Patriots were division foes from 1970 to 2001, their true rivalry ironically didn’t begin until after the Colts switched divisions. And it’s no coincidence that the contemporary battle between these two teams began when Tom Brady got his first start – it's a rivalry that's all about Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

With Peyton in Denver, however, the magic surrounding these clashes has certainly died down. And when Tom Brady’s Patriots put up 59 points against the post-Manning Colts last season, it seemed as though the rivalry had turned into just another game on the schedule.

But now that a trip to the AFC Championship is on the line, perhaps this weekend’s game is exactly what’s needed for a new, different rivalry to be born. Especially if we get the typical nail-biting thriller we’re used to seeing from these two squads.

Do the numbers seem to think that will be the case?