NFL Playoffs

INDIANAPOLIS (13-4)

at KANSAS CITY (13-3)

When: Sunday, 10 a.m., Channel 2.

Line: Chiefs by 3.

Story line: After starting the season with nine consecutive victories, Kansas City was 4-3 over the final seven weeks. The Chiefs’ main threat is running back Priest Holmes, who established an NFL record with 27 rushing touchdowns. The Colts crushed Denver at home last week. These are the NFL’s top two scoring teams.

Key matchups: Indianapolis’ Manning vs. Kansas City’s Greg Robinson: Manning’s biggest strength is his ability to read coverages, and Robinson, the Chief defensive coordinator, loves to mix things up. Kansas City’s Dante Hall vs. Indianapolis’ Hunter Smith: Hall is the most dangerous kick returner in the league, and he will hurt the Colts if Smith has a bad game punting.

When the Colts have the ball: Manning may be the focal point of the offense, but the key for them is running back Edgerrin James. The more times James touches the football, the better it is for the Colts.

When the Chiefs have the ball: Quarterback Trent Green is one of the NFL’s best play-action passers, and his ability to throw downfield is crucial to the Chief offense. Thanks to a dominant offensive line led by guard Will Shields, Kansas City usually does not have problems scoring. The Chiefs count on Holmes’ ability to break tackles for extra yards.

Injuries: INDIANAPOLIS -- out: TE Dallas Clark (knee); questionable: S Cory Bird (leg/shoulder); S Mike Doss (ankle); CB Donald Strickland (knee); probable: S Idrees Bashir (shoulder/upper arm); CB Nick Harper (low back/thigh); CB Walt Harris (knee); LB Jim Nelson (collarbone); RB Dominic Rhodes (knee/shoulder); WR Brandon Stokley (ankle); LB David Thornton (ankle). KANSAS CITY -- doubtful: LB Mike Maslowski (knee); questionable: LB Monty Beisel (groin); probable: RB Derrick Blaylock (ankle); LB Fred Jones (foot).

HOW THEY MATCH UP

*--* Indy CATEGORY K.C. 27.9 (2) Points 30.2 (1) 21.0 (20) Points allowed 20.8 (19) 261.1 (1) Passing offense 248.8 (2) 105.9 (19) Rushing offense 120.6 (15) 367.1 (3) Total offense 369.4 (2) 175.6 (5) Passing defense 210.2 (20) 123.8 (20) Rushing defense 146.5 (30) 299.3 (11) Total defense 356.7 (29) 20 (2) Turnovers 18 (1)

*--*

Note: League rank in parentheses

Bottom line: The Colts looked great at home last week, but things will be different on the road against the Chiefs, who will ride Holmes into the AFC championship game.