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Colts on verge of fifth straight division title

Dec 16, 2007 - 1:08 PM Indianapolis (11-2) at Oakland (4-9) 4:05 pm EST

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Indianapolis Colts couldn't beat the New England Patriots, but the defending Super Bowl champions are where they expected to be - on the verge of another division title.

The Colts look to wrap up their fifth straight AFC South crown on Sunday when they visit the Oakland Raiders.

An Indianapolis win, coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, will give the Colts a first-round bye.

The Colts went through a slump in early November, suffering back-to-back losses to the Patriots and San Diego Chargers, then struggling to beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

But Indianapolis has regained its dominating form, crushing the Baltimore Ravens, 44-20, last week for their fourth straight victory. The win enabled the Colts to clinch a playoff spot.

It was a milestone game for Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw four touchdowns, including the 300th of his career - all in the first half.

Manning, who left in the third quarter quarter, joined John Elway, Fran Tarkenton, Dan Marino and Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks with at least 300 career TD passes.

In addition, Colts coach Tony Dungy will be making his ninth straight playoff appearance, dating to his days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dungy matched the late Tom Landry for the longest string of consecutive postseason appearances since 1970.

Since Dungy's arrival in Indianapolis in 2002, the Colts have been a model of consistency. A win on Sunday would give them at least 12 wins for an NFL-record fith straight season.

The Raiders' two-game winning streak ended with a thud as they suffered a 38-7 loss at Green Bay last week. Josh McCown made his second straight start but was ineffective, completing only 7-of-15 passes for 110 yards before being replaced by Andrew Walter in the fourth quarter.

Oakland coach Lane Kiffin did not name a starter for this week but indicated that rookie JaMarcus Russell with play against the Colts.

This year's top draft pick who did not sign with the Raiders until after the season start, Russell made his NFL debut two weeks ago in a 34-20 win over the Denver Broncos.

Russell played two series in the second quarter against the Broncos, completing 4-of-7 passes for 56 yards.

Oakland starter Daunte Culpepper remains sidelined with a quadriceps injury.