Do you get the feeling the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts have already played their game, which is scheduled for Sunday afternoon?

With hype that began about two weeks ago, the teams enter the game with records of 8-0 and 7-0, respectively.

Apparently, the burden of pursuing an undefeated season will be pared down. Somewhere the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated team in NFL history, are ecstatic).

Yes, this will be a big game and most definitely could give the winning team an upper hand in home-field advantage throughout the AFCplayoffs.

New England's Tom Brady has been a monster this season, throwing for 30 touchdowns and wo interceptions to go along with 2,431 yards passing and completing 198 of his 267 passes.

What could put New England over the top is its new trio of wide receivers: Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth.

Moss and Welker have combined for 103 catches for 1,392 yards and 17 touchdowns. And don't forget tight end Ben Watson, who has 18 catches, including five for touchdowns.

The Patriots have scored at least 34 points in all eight games and have won each by at least 17 points. The Patriots are on pace to score 662 points, which would destroy the Minnesota Vikings' record of 556 set in 1998.

About the only weakness the Patriots seem to have is a lack of consistency at the running back position.

Sammy Morris has 85 carries, 384 yards and three touchdowns, all of which lead the team, and a banged-up Laurence Maroney (74-358) has yet to get on track.

The Colts have started the season 7-0 for the third consecutive year and were able to win their first Super Bowl in Indianapolis last season. They defeated the Patriots in the AFCChampionship Game to reach the Super Bowl.

Compared to Brady, Peyton Manning's statistics are relatively pedestrian (152-of-232, 1,832 yards, 13 TD, 3 INT), but they are more in balance with the running game.

Joseph Addai (123 carries for 592 yards, seven TD) and Kenton Keith (72-344-3) have allowed the team to mount time-consuming drives than they had in the past.

Still, the Colts have a trio of receivers of their own in Reggie Wayne (44-668-5), Dallas Clark (32-388-6) and a hobbled yet Hall-of-Fame caliber player in Marvin Harrison (20-247-1).

The game is in Indianapolis, which favors Indy, and the Colts' defense is slightly better than the Patriots.

Still, the Patriots don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon and may very well join that 1972 Dolphins team. They seem to have a better chance in the long run.

Still, as big as this game is, the two could meet in the playoffs, where home-field advantage will make a difference.

As for Sunday's regular-season game, it won't.

Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.