Today’s Game

Tennessee at Indianapolis

1 p.m., Channel 2

* Story line: Let’s face it. If it weren’t for the most unbelievable, unlikely, controversial play since the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Franco Harris found a deflected pass heading his way in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders almost three decades ago, the Titans would be sitting home, wondering how they let their offense disappear last week against the Buffalo Bills. But, allowed to stay in the game when the Bills struggled, thanks to the ill-advised benching of quarterback Doug Flutie, Tennessee won on the memorable 75-yard kickoff return after the hotly debated lateral from Frank Wycheck to Kevin Dyson. Tennessee is going to have to come up with a more conventional game plan today because there is no way, barring injury, that Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning won’t be playing. With running back Edgerrin James and receiver Marvin Harrison at his disposal, Manning led an offense that was the best in the AFC and also No. 1 in passing.

* Key offensive stat: Two of the top three rushers in the AFC will be on the field. James was the conference leader with 1,553 yards, along with 13 touchdowns. Second was the New York Jets’ Curtis Martin, followed by Tennessee’s Eddie George--1,304 yards, nine touchdowns.

* Key defensive stat: A little more than a yard separates these two defenses, neither of which has been exceptional. The Colts gave up an average of 326.3 yards a game, the Titans 327.8.

* Potential star of the game: Manning. The Indianapolis quarterback, playing with a poise far beyond his years, finished with a conference-leading 90.7 quarterback ranking. There is no reason to think he will take a step back today, considering his talent and the talent around him.

* But keep an eye on: Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse. In the regular season, his 14.5 sacks enabled him to become the first rookie to lead the conference in that category. He wasn’t shy in his playoff opener either, getting two sacks and a safety last week against Buffalo. If anybody can force Manning to take a step backward, it’s Kearse.

* History says: The Colts haven’t won a home playoff game since 1970. That season, Baltimore was their home, Johnny Unitas was their quarterback and a victory in Super Bowl V over the Dallas Cowboys was their final triumph.

* Injury update: Quite a few Titans are hurting, the most notable being quarterback Steve McNair (toe) and George (ankle). Others include: Wycheck, the tight end and leading receiver (knee), wide receiver Derrick Mason (concussion), tight end Mike Roan (neck), tackles Brad Hopkins (toe) and Jason Mathews (back), and punter Craig Hentrich (neck). All of them are listed as questionable. The only significant Colt definitely out is linebacker Cornelius Bennett, who has a knee injury.

* Line: Indianapolis by 5 1/2.

* And the winner is: Indianapolis. The Titans, with that weak offense, have about as much chance of winning as they do of re-creating their miraculous kick return.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

LOGS

TENNESSEE (13-3, 1-0)

Tennessee Opponent

36 Cincinnati 35

26 Cleveland 9

20 At Jacksonville 10

22 At San Francisco 24

14 Baltimore 11

24 At New Orleans 21

24 St. Louis 21

0 At Miami 17

24 At Cincinnati 14

16 Pittsburgh 10

33 At Cleveland 21

14 At Baltimore 41

21 Oakland 14

30 Atlanta 17

21 Jacksonville 14

47 At Pittsburgh 36

22 Buffalo 16

INDIANAPOLIS (13-3)

Indianapolis Opponent

31 Buffalo 14

28 At New England 31

27 At San Diego 19

31 Miami 34

16 At N.Y. Jets 13

31 Cincinnati 10

34 Dallas 24

25 Kansas City 17

27 At N.Y. Giants 19

44 At Philadelphia 17

13 N.Y. Jets 6

37 At Miami 34

20 New England 15

24 Washington 21

29 At Cleveland 28

6 At Buffalo 31