Peyton Manning and the Colts can cross the finish line in the AFC East race Sunday.

An easy pick for this non-conference showdown in Indianapolis?

Maybe, although the Colts opened as eight-point favorites, and enough money has come in to drop the spread down to 6½.

This is a test for both teams, particularly the defenses.

The Redskins won't shut down Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison, not at home in an indoor stadium where the weather will be no factor.

But the Colts' strength is not defense, particularly against as good an offense as Washington's.

Still, Indianapolis' goals are rising.

If the Colts win this week and once more, they will set a record for the best turnaround in a season -- 10 games better than last year. Suddenly the banned words "Super Bowl" have become a stated goal.

"This team is still very hungry," Manning says. "We still have some football to be played, and a lot of things to play for." Colts 34, Redskins 24.

Green Bay (plus 4½) at Minnesota (Monday night): The loser probably doesn't make the playoffs. Vikings 31, Packers 24.

New York Giants (plus 10½) at St. Louis: This is the toughest game left for the Rams, who could clinch home field throughout the playoffs with a win. The Giants are playing well and need it more, but won't get it with a depleted secondary at the Trans World Dome. Rams 27, Giants 17.

Tampa Bay (minus 1½) at Oakland: The Bucs have won six in a row. Law of averages. Raiders 13, Bucs 10.

Buffalo (minus 3) at Arizona: Plummer vs. Flutie should entertain the prime-time audience. Bills 24, Cardinals 20.

New York Jets (plus 6) at Dallas: The Cowboys are magic in Texas. Cowboys 10, Jets 6.

Seattle (plus 1½) at Denver: The Seahawks' free fall has to end some time. Seahawks 17, Broncos 13.

Jacksonville (minus 14½) at Cleveland: The Jaguars are good, but the schedule also helps. Jaguars 41, Browns 3.

San Diego (plus 7½) at Miami: The Dolphins' skid ends. Dolphins 16, Chargers 10.

Detroit (minus 3½) at Chicago: Not that easy for the Lions, who need this badly. Lions 20, Bears 19.

New England (minus 3½) at Philadelphia: Even if New England wins, its playoff hopes are questionable. Patriots 22, Eagles 20.

New Orleans (plus 8) at Baltimore: Too bad for the Ravens the season didn't start a month ago. Ravens 27, Saints 10.

Atlanta (off) at Tennessee: The Titans clinch a playoff spot. Titans 24, Falcons 12.