Hours Before Kickoff: Week 6

Have the mighty fallen? It's too early to say. Maybe they tripped and skinned their knees.

The three best teams in the AFC last year are struggling. The Indianapolis Colts are just .500 as injuries to key players has Indy stumbling thus far. The two other powers face off tonight in primetime, though both teams are looking up at division leaders instead of their typical spot on top.

San Diego is 2-3 thanks to two last-minute losses and a surprising defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. New England has the best record of the three at 3-1, but are behind Buffalo and many believe that without QB Tom Brady the Patriots will eventually fall off.

The season is almost one third done, but there is enough time for these teams to make up ground on the divisional leaders. I'm not a believer in Denver with their 29th-ranked defense. The Colts have a tougher climb up the AFC South as they would have to catch undefeated Tennessee. But Indy can compete with anybody when healthy. The best way to make up ground is head-to-head. They play for the first time in week eight. And the Pats are just behind a young and untested Buffalo team that has four wins over  teams with a combined 4-13 record.

So maybe the Pats, Chargers, and Colts are progressing with a little limp right now. They still have two thirds of a season to hit their stride. I don't count any of them out.

A few things I'm looking for in this game:

I'll Pass, Please: S.D. is ninth in passing offense as QB Philip Rivers matures. On the flip side, the Chargers allow the most yards in the air. Both secondaries will be tested.

Slowing Down?:That's what people believe is happening to RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Will he look worn down against 20th run defense? L.T. won't do it alone. The Pats must contain RB Darren Sproles.

Spot Lights:LB Shawn "Lights Out" Merriman isn't playing, but LT Matt Light and the offensive line have been generous this year (16 sacks allowed). They will have their hands full with LBs Shawn Phillips, Jyles Tucker, and the rest of the Chargers front seven.

The business trip is already a success for the Pats as they won last week. The Chargers want to erase last week's loss to the Dolphins. It will be high scoring, but the Chargers hold off the Patriots.