1. Stay patient » This is one of quarterback Peyton Manning’s greatest strengths. The Jets will blitz and try to take away the deep pass. But Manning excels at taking what’s available — and then hitting a homer. He’s facing a better defense this week, but he’s also had a lot of success vs. Rex Ryan defenses in the past.

2. Make quarterback Mark Sanchez win » That means stopping the potent New York ground game. Indianapolis’ defensive speed must slow Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene. Opposing backs have hurt the Colts, but their offense can help by controlling the ball (as they did using the pass vs. Baltimore last week). This will force New York to do more in less time; not its favored approach.

Jets’ keys to the game

1. Score early » The Jets have to follow a simple formula — force a turnover (Manning has thrown 17 interceptions; one in all but five games) and grab the early lead. If they fall behind by more than a score, it’s trouble. Sanchez does much better when the Jets’ running game works. An early lead would allow New York to play exactly as it wants.

2. Force field goals » Hey, opposing kickers are zero for five this postseason vs. the Jets. So be careful, Matt Stover. However, the Colts have scored touchdowns on 17 of their last 21 trips in the red zone. If they convert at that rate, they’ll win comfortably. The Colts will move the ball; but will they convert?

Key matchups


Dwight Freeney • Colts • DE » Quick off the edge; has 13 1/2 sacks. Can dominate games with his presence.

vs.
D’Brickashaw Ferguson • Jets • LT » If the former first-round pick has a good day, the Jets have a great chance.

Reggie Wayne • Colts • WR » He caught 100 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. But he’ll need help from teammates Sunday.

vs.
Derrelle Revis • Jets • CB » Arguably the best corner in the NFL this season; he quietly smothers receivers.

Dallas Clark • Colts • TE » He also caught 100 passes during the regular season and is dangerous down the seams.

vs.
Jim Leonhard • Jets • SS » Won’t be solely responsible for covering Clark. Leonhard is a tough hitter who causes turnovers.

State of the teams


COLTS » The Colts are playing at home and have the NFL’s MVP at quarterback. How would you feel? Yep, pretty darned good. Indianapolis showed last week that resting its starters in the final two games was not costly.

JETS » The New York Jets have to feel as good as anyone. They weren’t supposed to be here. If they win it’s a bonus in the eyes of their fans. So the pressure on them is much, much less.

Examiner predicts


The Jets’ grittiness is admirable, but Peyton Manning is 4-0 vs. Rex Ryan defenses and faced a similar defense last week in the Ravens.

Colts 21, Jets 10

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