Sports Thread #1 and #2 Combined for 10/19/08: The Inaugural "Clash of Clashes": Colts-Packers

(Photos from NFL.com) Greg Jennings has proven himself to be as elite of a receiver as Reggie Wayne is so far this season

Now, the "Clash of Clashes" Segment, where James and I not only disagree with how the spread of the game will go, but even sometimes the outright winner. In even shorter terms,I think it is a guarantee for me, he thinks it is a guarantee for him. That leads to a "clash", and if it is between us, then it has to be the biggest clash of all the clashes

That game is the Colts at the Packers
James definitely feels that Indianapolis has finally gotten on track for good after their shellacking they gave Baltimore last week. Peyton Manning finally had his usually normal Hall of Fame day, and the defense of Tony Dungy's side harassed rookie Joe Flacco all day last week.

But despite the great job Flacco has done in his first year in the league, the Delaware standout is certainly no Aaron Rodgers at this point. Even with a shoulder problem, and a little growing pains along the way, Rodgers has proven all the skeptics of the Packers decision to finally give him the keys to the offense, and ending the Brett Favre drama of the summer, wrong.

He's among the league leaders in all passing categories, and the former Cal standout has an almost 3:1 Touchdown to interception ratio (11 TD's, 4 INT's), slightly better than the legend's shoes he had to replace (13 TD's, 6 INT's).

Benefiting from Rodgers consolidation as a solid quarterback in this league so far has been Greg Jennings, who stunningly leads the league in receiving yards with 653 yards (even more of a jaw dropper is Falcons' much maligned wide receiver Rodney White in second place after Jennings with 566 yards). Jennings has had a field day with Rodgers under center, and with the Colts not having Bob Sanders, I think that will be the difference titling this game in Mike McCarthy's favor.

Now granted, both teams may not stop each other, as the Packers' defense has been atrocious outside of a few plays made by Charles Woodson getting into vintage Charles Woodson mode. But to me, they are due for a breakout.

However, Mr.Eddy thinks the Colts are on the right track after their win last week, as the Super Bowl champions from two seasons ago look to retain their elite status in this league.

The line has been fluctuating between Packers favored by 1.5 or 2, so you could get a nail bitter that may or may not go with who you think would win this game outright. But winning it against the spread is the first choice here at TWD, and I think the Packers will cover the 2 (we will go with the bigger line). James thinks the other way, saying that the Colts will get the outight win in cheese head land.

So, for the inaugural edition of "Clash of the Clashes", I talk the Packers while James goes with the Colts.

Enjoy the games everyone.