Colts' Dwight Freeney 'would love to hit' Peyton Manning in the playoffs

If the season ended today (which it doesn't for nine more weeks, I know, but still let's go along with this feature NFL.com likes to unveil super early), the Indianapolis Colts would be in the playoffs.

Hard to imagine that happening when the season does actually end, but the Colts do have a manageable second-half schedule. For now, at least, they're in!

On the flip side, it's easy to imagine the Denver Broncos not just making the playoffs, but winning the lowly AFC West.

So can you imagine the intrigue of Peyton Manning facing his old team in a playoff game the year after Indianapolis dumped him for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck?

That question was posed to Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney on NFL.com's Dave Dameshek Football Program on Tuesday, and Manning's former longtime teammate didn't shy away from sharing his thoughts.

"Peyton obviously is the staple of Indianapolis and this organization for years," Freeney said. "I went after him in practice year in and year out and never got a chance to hit him. So, yeah, I would love to hit him. ...

"If you think about it, that'll be strange, but I'll be excited."

We'd be excited, too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's still plenty of football left to be played.