It's a new year, a new decade, but the Buffalo Bills have one last game before they'll get a chance at a fresh start. Bills fans are already looking ahead to next season, especially with the hiring of GM Buddy Nix yesterday. This game against the Indianapolis Colts has become more than an afterthought.

The intrigue that could have surrounded the game vanished when Colts head coach Jim Caldwell decided to rest Peyton Manning and the rest of his starters in the second half that led to a loss to the Jets, erasing a chance at a perfect season.

A game will be played, however, though the eyes of many are focused on next season in Buffalo. With the slate cleaning that's expected, it's the last chance for current Bills players to prove their worth to Nix and the higher-ups.

Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part, but I don't think Nix and the next head coach will hold on to any guys due to longevity or popularity. Like I've said, it's been a month of evalution, and Sunday's the final audition for all the Bills. Keep an eye on the young guns.

Manning and the rest of the Colts first-teamers are expected to play some, then we'll most likely see Curtis Painter and friends.

Brian Brohm or Ryan Fitzpatrick will probably start at quarterback for the Bills, as they'll hope to garner enough attention to be considered for training camp next season.

I'm watching the effort of some of the Bills' fringe players like Marshawn Lynch and Donte Whitner. It's a safe bet that neither will be shipped this off-season, but if a poor showing in the finale wraps up an extremely disappointing campaign in 2009, they could be dangled as trade bait during the summer months.

I'll watch with an unusual relaxation on Sunday. Seeing the remarkably average team that Buffalo will field only helps me to contrast with the team I envision for next season. I'm not expecting much, after all, do you really think the Bills' backups are better than the Colts guys? You know what though? At this point, it doesn't really make a difference.

We've got to bank on Nix's history of good decision-making and intelligent drafting to build for the future. What a coincidence. Buffalo against Indianapolis. Two teams that probably couldn't have more different decades.

CHRIS TRAPASSO