The hype has begun for Patriots-Colts, and last weekend was any indication, the game should be as good as advertised. The Pats’ win over Washington was impressive, but the Colts’ victory over Carolina wasn’t shabby, either. This will sound trite, but whatever defense plays better Sunday should win. And my condolences to people in Oakland and Houston who will get that game on CBS instead of the the pre-AFC Championship. Where’s the hype for Raiders-Texans?

More observations from October’s conclusion:

– I’m still wired after the Brett Favre launched an 82-yard TD pass to beat the Broncos on Monday night. The Packers could enter their Thanksgiving matchup against Detroit with a 9-1 record. Look ahead to Nov. 29 — the Packers play at Dallas, which might be the 2007 NFC version of Pats-Colts.

– On the flip side, can the Broncos recover from a loss like this? With the Chargers picking up steam and what should be a tough game at Detroit (never thought I’d type that), Denver is in danger of getting left behind the AFC, which this year more than ever, can’t happen if you want to get a playoff berth.

– New England has a 4 1/2-game lead over the Bills, so the Pats can lose and still run away with the AFC East. The Colts, on the other hand, have Jacksonville and Tennessee breathing down their neck — this game is more important to them. I don’t think the Jags or Titans would catch them anyway, but it just shows that Indy has more pressing things to worry about than 16-0 on Sunday.

– Feel sorry for the Texans — they are playing the best football in their history and are stuck in the toughest division. Too bad they can’t switch to the NFC West.

– Finally, why is ESPN inviting celebrities into the broadcast booth? Last week it was Russell Crowe, this week, Vince Vaughn, an improvement for sure, but unnecessary. It’s Monday Night Football, and though it lost something when it moved to ESPN, it still stands on its own — it doesn’t need celebrity help. On a side note, if you want to see Vaughn play football in a movie other than “Wedding Crashers,” rent “Rudy,” where you might not recognize him as a skinny backup Notre Dame quarterback.