When the Jets have the ball...
22nd in the NFL in passing yards
4th in the NFL in rushing yards
Quarterback - Mark Sanchez (54.8 completion percentage, 3291 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs, 105 rushing yards, 3 TDs)
Sanchez put together a much-improved sophomore campaign. He is much better at protecting the football and is playing with more poise and confidence. Despite a banged-up shoulder, he played some of his best football in Week 16 against a strong Chicago Bears defense. Sanchez thrives at throwing on the run and has really demonstrated his mobility throughout the year. He also throws a good slant route and is accurate on quick passes over the middle. Despite his improvements, he still struggles with inconsistency and can get down on himself if he starts poorly. It doesn't hurt that Sanchez played arguably his best game as a professional in Indianapolis during the AFC Championship Game last year.
Running Backs - LaDainian Tomlinson (914 rushing yards, 4.2 YPC, 6 rushing TDs, 52 receptions, 368 yards), Shonn Greene (766 rushing yards, 4.1 YPC, 2 rushing TDs, 16 receptions, 120 yards)
Despite a strong start, it appears Tomlinson is fading a little down the stretch while Greene looked the best he did all season against the Bears in week 16. Greene's north/south running style should be good against a Colts defense built on speed, not size. Tomlinsonis still a valuable weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. It will be interesting to see if the Jets use rookie Joe McKnight in the game plan after his strong showing in Week 17.
Wide Receivers - Braylon Edwards (53 receptions, 904 yards, 7 TDs), Santonio Holmes (52 receptions, 746 yards, 6 TDs), Jerricho Cotchery (41 receptions, 433 yards, 2 TDs), Brad Smith (299 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards)
The Jets have one of the most talented duos of starting receivers in the league with Edwards and Holmes, both of whom have put together strong years. They should be able to take advantage of a young, banged up Colts secondary. Edwards has been surprisingly reliable over the middle and as a big play threat, while Holmes has the ability to take a slant route and turn it into a 60 yard touchdown. Cotchery has had a disappointing year but was great for the Jets in the playoffs last year. Brad Smith can do it all and will be featured in the Jets version of the Wildcat.
Tight End - Dustin Keller (55 receptions, 687 yards, 5 TDs)
Keller had a disappointing second half of the year but showed signs of life against the Bears in week 16. He is always a difficult match-up for safeties and linebackers and should be able to exploit the Colts cover 2 zone. Keller did catch a touchdown against Indianapolis in last year's AFC Championship Game.
When the Colts have the ball...
1st in the NFL in passing yards
29th in the NFL in rushing yards
Quarterback - Peyton Manning (66.3 completion percentage, 4700 yards, 33 TDs, 17 INTs)
Just about the best in the business, Manning actually had a down year by his standards but still has the ability to completely take over a football game. Rex Ryan has struggled against him his entire coaching career, so it will be interesting to see what the Jets draw up.
Running Backs - Donald Brown (497 yards, 3.9 YPC, 2 TDs), Joseph Addai (495 yards, 4.3 YPC, 4 TDs), Dominic Rhodes (172 yards, 4.6 YPC, 0 TDs)
Rhodes has come out of the UFL to become a key part of the Colts rushing attack the past few weeks. Addai seems to be healthy now after missing extended time this season, while Brown has seen limited work since Addai got healthy and the team signed Rhodes. The Jets have struggled against the run more than usual the previous few weeks but can't afford to let Indy establish a ground game.
Wide Receivers - Reggie Wayne (111 receptions, 1355 yards, 6 TDs), Pierre Garcon (67 receptions, 784 yards, 6 TDs), Blair White (36 receptions, 355 yards, 5 TDs)
Wayne keeps chugging along and producing at an unbelievable rate. Darrelle Revis will be matched up with him 1 on 1. Garcon killed the Jets last year but will now have to deal with Antonio Cromartie, not Dwight Lowery or Lito Sheppard. He can be rattled easily and has a tendency to drop passes. White has filled in for an injured Austin Collie and produced relatively well.
Tight End - Jacob Tamme (67 receptions, 631 yards, 4 TDs)
Tamme has stepped right in for an injured Dallas Clark and not missed a beat, The Jets have been awful at covering the tight all year, so Tamme is a guy to keep an eye on.
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Advantage: Indianapolis - Unfortunately, Peyton Manning means they have an advantage over everybody not named New England in the AFC. However, the Jets have more at receiver and a much better rushing attack. They are way more equipped to score points with this Indy offense than they were in the past.