Crystal ball: Saints @ Colts prediction

New Orleans Saints: 31
Indianapolis Colts: 27

Here are three reasons why the Colts will lose at home tonight (notice that none of them have anything to do with a Super Bowl hangover):

The Colts can't stop the run: I don't care if Bob Sanders is healthy or not. The Colts can't stop the run. In case you missed it the first two times: The Colts can't stop the run. Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister will light 'em up.

Tony Ugoh: Until he retired this offseason, Pro Bowl LT Tarik Glenn was the only left tackle with whom Peyton Manning has ever played. Glenn has been replaced by rookie Tony Ugoh, who will now be responsible for protecting Manning's blindside and playing the most important position on an offensive line that last year gave up a league-low 15 sacks.

The Saints' run defense: Unlike Indianapolis, New Orleans is strong against the run, so if Colts RB Joseph Addai is going to have a breakout sophomore campaign, it is going to have to wait at least until week two.

2007 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints (3.88)

Nice pickup in the third round by the New Orleans Saints: Akron G Andy Alleman.

2007 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints (1.27)

The New Orleans offense potentially just got a whole lot better with the selection of Tennessee WR Robert Meachem. Meachem is reported to have minor injury issues (shoulder and knee) but if he stays healthy, the New Orleans Saints will be adding a guy who knows how to make difficult catches. Strangely, he didn't seem that psyched to get picked by New Orleans. Who wouldn't want to go to the Big Easy and play with Reggie Bush and Drew Brees? Especially in an NFC that's so weak the Bears can make the Super Bowl?

He should be counting his blessings. And his money.

NFL Draft preview: Andy Alleman (Akron G)

Andy Alleman, G, Akron: Expected to be a day-one pick, Alleman recently said "Baltimore would be a natural fit for me." He reportedly needs to improve his footwork, but he plays with a mean streak that lasts until after the whistle blows, and he's explosive. The University of Pittsburgh transfer also said, "I've been watching guys like Ray Lewis for years, and it would be an honor to play there." Also, playing for Baltimore means not having to play against its defense, except in practice.

That sounds like a guy the Ravens could use in the trenches. Alleman began his career as a defensive end at Pitt, which means that footwork isn't the issue, but more likely footwork specific to offensive guard, which he's only played for two years.