Peyton's return to Indy (and other NFL Sunday stuff)

Get used to hearing about Peyton Manning's return to Indianapolis today, folks. The Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts won't be playing until 8:30 tonight.

That's not to say the Denver-Indy game doesn't deserve to be hyped. It's a huge mid-season match-up between the high-scoring 6-0 Broncos and the AFC South-leading Colts. A win tonight would give the Colts the shot in the arm they need after a horrible performance in a 19-9 loss to the San Diego Chargers Monday night. A Broncos win would give Manning a chance to prove to the Indy fans that he still has that magic touch.

Unfortunately, I don't think the game will live up to the hype. Manning has too many weapons at his disposal between Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas. He'll pick apart Indy's secondary, and with Von Miller back from suspension, the Broncos defense will turn in a good-enough effort to keep the Colts at bay.

Elsewhere on NFL Sunday ...

Rob Gronkowski FINALLY has the green light to play in an NFL game, which is good news for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots as they visit the better-than-expected New York Jets in an AFC East battle. Gronk may not have a huge game in his return, but he'll do enough to spark the Pats to a victory.

If you're looking for a marquis wide receiver match-up, look no further than today's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions. Cincy receiver A.J. Green is coming off a 103-yard receiving day against the Buffalo Bills, and Detroit's pass defense isn't particularly great (25th in the NFL in yards allowed). Meanwhile all eyes in Detroit are on Calvin Johnson, who has been bothered by knee injury lately. If healthy, Johnson can put up huge numbers.

The "sneaky good" match-up is in Green Bay where the Cleveland Browns pay the Packers a visit. The Packers are missing several key starters due to injuries, including Randall Cobb and Clay Matthews. And the Browns have one of the top 10-ranked pass defenses in the league, which may make life tough for Aaron Rodgers. Good thing the Packers have discovered they have a running back in the form of Eddie Lacy, or they'd be in real trouble. Still, look for the Browns to make the Packers work hard for a home win.

Finally, keep an eye on the Baltimore-Pittsburgh game. I know the Steelers only have one win this season, but they've improved to the point where I believe they can take down the Ravens. It's just a hunch on my part, but I think the Steelers are poised for a big divisional win.