Terry Bannon’s pick

THE MATCHUP: SAINTS (2006: 10-6) AT COLTS (2006: 12-4)

7:30 p.m. Thursday

TV/radio: WMAQ-Ch. 5, WSCR-AM 670

Line: Colts by 6

Last meeting: Colts won 55-21 at New Orleans on Sept. 28, 2003.

KEY STAT: Reigning Super Bowl champs are 26-13-1 in openers.

FANTASY FACTOR: Colts’ Peyton Manning could get off to fast start against secondary that still has work to do. Saints’ RB Reggie Bush, multi-purpose weapon, could have big night unless Colts defense plays like it did in playoffs.

THE BUZZ: It’s one of those potential Super Bowl preview openers, and offenses could put on show. Saints QB Drew Brees will test Colts’ new-look secondary, but Indy’s offense has too much.

THE PICK: COLTS 31 SAINTS 23