Entering this week, there wasn't much time to reflect on 2013. With the Bengals losing to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, it set up another Patriots-Colts playoff match-up after Indianapolis beat the Kansas City Chiefs last Saturday in stunning fashion. Though it has been a while since the two teams have played in January, there is much anticipation for Saturday's match-up due to the playoff history between Indianapolis and New England. But for the first time, Peyton Manning will not be there. This game features an up-and-coming quarterback that is just as dangerous as his predecessor. Andrew Luck talked about playing Tom Brady and much more in conference call on Monday.
As game continued to draw near, we highlighted a key matchup to look for and a possible x-factor on Saturday. Paul Perillo gave his insight on the game and broke down the keys to success for the Patriots. Also, Jackie Brittain reminds us that a successful running game may be more important than big passing day for Tom Brady -- especially considering Aaron Dobson may be out. Dobson did not participate in practice all week, putting his status for Saturday in doubt. View the injury report here.
On Monday the team announced that Brandon Spikes had been placed on season-ending injured reserve, putting the Patriots without two of its best linebackers. Dont'a Hightower talked about what Spikes meant to the Patriots defense. Many expect that Hightower's role will increase with the loss of Spikes, but maybe even more so for Dane Fletcher and Jamie Collins. Despite the injuries, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger believes the Patriots defense is still dangerous. Baldinger and Solomon Wilcots debated whether the Patriots defense was the best remaining in the AFC.
Below you will find complete coverage from Patriots.com:
Patriots set to face Colts in AFC divisional round
News Blitz 1/6: Bring on the Colts
Patriots place LB Brandon Spikes on injured reserve
Game Preview: Patriots host Colts in divisional playoff game
News Blitz 1/7: Gronk's knee surgery set for Thursday
Ask PFW: Playoff Edition
Mankins, Dennard return to practice; new WR added
Patriots not taking Colts defense lightly
Patriots Charitable Foundation auctioning off VIP Playoff Package
News Blitz 1/8: In Spikes absence, Collins and Fletcher must step up
Fletcher likely to fill in for Patriots LB Spikes
In 14th season, Brady still fired up for playoffs
Dobson remains practice no-show
Postseason Inside the Numbers
What to look for in the 2013 Postseason
Blount part of Patriots deep group of running backs
News Blitz 1/9: Is Brady back to being an underdog?
Patriots - Colts Injury Report
What They're Saying: Indianapolis Colts
News Blitz 1/10: Hulk Hogan preaches that the Patriots will dominate
Samsonite Make Your Case: In the Crosshairs
Tough guy Mankins is ready
Former Patriots Cheerleader shows her love for Patriots during her battle with cancer
REPORT: Patriots sign LB Ja'Gared Davis to active roster; Sign WR Reggie Dunn to practice squad
VIDEO: One-on-one with Siliga
VIDEO: 2013 in Review
VIDEO: Previewing Patriots vs. Colts
VIDEO: Tale of the tape: New England vs. Indy
VIDEO: Postcards from Paradise: Leigha Marie
VIDEO: Patriots bring practice indoors
VIDEO: Brady 1/7: These are the moments you dream about
VIDEO: Ninkovich 1/7: It's all about winning
VIDEO: Inside the Locker Room - Prepping for Indy
VIDEO: The state of the linebackers
VIDEO: Mind-blowing stats: Forget QB Tom Brady, the New England Patriots win by running
VIDEO: Belichick 1/8: Colts can score from anywhere
VIDEO: A Team Built on Adversity
VIDEO: Dobson remains absent
VIDEO: Solder 1/8: We all depend on each other
VIDEO: Slater 1/8: We have a sense of urgency
VIDEO: McCourty 1/8: We take it one play at a time
VIDEO: Patriots chat Colts
VIDEO: Catching up with Collie
VIDEO: Perillo talks Colts
VIDEO: Colts vs. Patriots: Rise to Glory
VIDEO: New England Patriots top defense remaining in AFC?
VIDEO: Preview: Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots
VIDEO: Divisional Round X-Factor: New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount
VIDEO: Matchup to Watch: Talib vs. Hilton
VIDEO: Jones 1/9: Everyone has to do their job
VIDEO: Mankins 1/9: Anything can happen in the playoffs
VIDEO: Gostkowski 1/9: My approach is one kick at a time
VIDEO: Patriots practice for Indy
VIDEO: Final thoughts before Saturday
VIDEO: One-on-one with Dierdorf
VIDEO: Top quarterbacks in the playoffs
VIDEO: PFW TV - 1/9/2014
AUDIO: Belichick 1/5: Colts are explosive, dangerous team
AUDIO: Tom Brady on WEEI - 1/6/2014
AUDIO: Kyle Arrington on WEEI - 1/6/2014
AUDIO: McDaniels 1/6: Focus is on the Colts
AUDIO: Patricia 1/6: Luck is difficult to prepare for
AUDIO: Belichick 1/6: Peparations have begun on Colts
AUDIO: Rob Ninkovich on WEEI - 1/6/2014
AUDIO: Bill Belichick on WEEI - 1/6/2014
AUDIO: Solder 1/7: Robert Mathis is an incredible player
AUDIO: Fletcher 1/7: With Spikes out, we have to step up
AUDIO: Gregory 1/7: Colts have a lot of talent
AUDIO: Talib 1/7: Luck is a really smart Quarterback
AUDIO: McCourty 1/7: Luck keeps getting better
AUDIO: Edelman 1/7: Excited to play the Colts
AUDIO: Hightower 1/7: Spikes brought a spark to the team
AUDIO: Luck 1/7: Brady set the standard for quarterbacks
AUDIO: Pagano 1/7: Patriots have had a fantastic season
AUDIO: Arrington 1/8: Hilton is a tremendous talent
AUDIO: Gregory 1/8: Luck is like a RB outside the pocket
AUDIO: Ryan 1/8: I'm just focused on doing my job
AUDIO: Davis 1/8: Veterans have helped me a lot
AUDIO: Blount 1/8: Really excited for first playoff game
AUDIO: Harmon 1/8: Everyone is dialed in for this game
AUDIO: Collie 1/8: Colts have a great group of guys
AUDIO: Vereen 1/8: Blount is playing with more confidence
AUDIO: Mulligan 1/8: Focused on helping the team
AUDIO: Collie 1/9: Excited to be one of few teams left
AUDIO: Blount 1/9: Means a lot to be playing in January
AUDIO: Jones 1/9: Colts are a well-rounded team
AUDIO: Amendola 1/9: We're Ready
AUDIO: Develin 1/9: Colts have a very explosive team
Patriots.com Radio: Patriots Playbook - 1/7/2014
Patriots.com Radio: PFW In Progress - 1/7/2014
Patriots.com Radio: Football Nation - 1/7/2014
Patriots.com Radio: Bill Polian on Football Nation - 1/7/2014
Patriots.com Radio: Patriots Playbook - 1/8/2014
Patriots.com Radio: PFW In Progress - 1/8/2014
Patriots.com Radio: PFW In Progress - 1/9/2014
Patriots.com Radio: Patriots Playbook - 1/9/2014
Patriots.com Radio: Football Nation - 1/9/2014