The Patriots are 8-5 against the Colts since coach Bill Belichick arrived in 2000, which includes a 2-1 playoff record. But they have lost four of the past five meetings, including last year, an 18-15 setback in Indianapolis. A victory would help tilt the matchup back in the Patriots’ favor.

Of course, as the Patriots began their preparation for undefeated Indianapolis yesterday, Belichick insisted all of that is irrelevant.

“Right now, the most important thing is what it means to our football team,’’ Belichick said. “We’re 6-2 and it’s a big game for us on the road. We know it’s an outstanding team. They are undefeated this year. They’re pretty good. It’s a big challenge for us. That’s really where we’re at.’’

Some players contended this is a regular week, hype be damned. But the challenge the Colts present, independent of the attention the game will be paid, demands a deeper focus.

“With playing Indy, it’s kind of like you have to quickly change gears, get ready on Monday to play them,’’ Banta-Cain said. “It’s not like you start preparing on Wednesday. You’ve got to start getting ready now.’’

Some players will experience their first Colts-Patriots game, among them cornerback Leigh Bodden. He played for the 0-16 Lions last season, making the chance to play in a marquee game significant.

“Everybody is going to be watching,’’ Bodden said. “It’s great to play against Peyton Manning and the Colts. It’s great for me to come to a program like this and be a part of it. I definitely appreciate it. I’ve been on some not-so-good teams. To be able to come here and compete at a high level against teams like this, it’s definitely great.’’

Bodden, who faced the Colts last season as a member of the Lions, called Manning “the ultimate quarterback.’’ Manning’s ability to call ideal audibles is well-documented, and it amazed Bodden last year.

“There’s a route and a run to beat every coverage and defensive front,’’ Bodden said. “He looks at it, he surveys it, and he checks out of whatever play he is to go to [for] better plays. He has a lot of great weapons, and he can put the ball on the money in tight coverage. There’s a lot to say about Peyton Manning.’’

His targets have changed this season without Marvin Harrison. With young wide receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon complementing Reggie Wayne on the outside, tight end Dallas Clark has become a primary option. His 60 receptions ranks second in the NFL - one behind the Giants’ Steve Smith, and one ahead of Wayne. On Sunday, Clark caught 14 passes, eight in the first quarter alone.

“You just got to know where he’s at on the field, know the situation,’’ Banta-Cain said. “When you’re playing tight coverage on him, you’ve got to use all your fundamentals and techniques. It’s definitely not a guy you can have sloppy fundamentals against.’’

Safety Brandon McGowan, like Bodden, will get his first taste of the rivalry. “I never thought of it like that, but yeah, it’s pretty cool,’’ McGowan said. “It’s a pretty cool game.’’

Injuries to Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris presented Maroney an opportunity to reclaim prominence in the Patriots’ backfield, which he lost last year when a shoulder injury derailed his season. In the three weeks the Patriots have played without Taylor and Morris, Maroney has rushed 49 times for 248 yards, an average of 5.1 per carry.

“Laurence is ready to play every week,’’ Belichick said. “He came into the season healthy. He had a good spring. He had a good offseason program, a good training camp. He’s been out there every day working hard. He hasn’t had any limitations. He’s been on the field on a consistent basis. He’s worked hard, and he’s been ready to go every week.’’

Maroney may not have the backfield to himself much longer. Morris, out with a knee injury, walked through the locker room yesterday without a limp. Belichick declined to speculate on his projected availability, but Morris might be close to returning.

The Patriots worked out a pair of running backs last week, but they did not add either to the roster. It seems the Patriots will not be adding any high-profile help in the backfield, either. Asked during his weekly appearance on WEEI if the Patriots would consider bringing in released Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, Belichick replied, “I would doubt it.’’

For now, the Patriots continue to count on Maroney. On Sunday, they made clear they had no qualms making him a focal piece of the offense. Maroney carried on six of the Patriots’ first 13 plays, gaining 36 yards with a touchdown.

Maroney averaged more than 4 yards despite having a long of 10. He may not have broken any game-changing plays, but he consistently moved the ball. Maroney did not lose ground on any of his carries.

“The bottom line is, I think Laurence has run the ball pretty well all year,’’ Belichick said. “When he’s had space, he’s been able to make yards. When he hasn’t, he’s run hard and kind of gotten what’s there. When he’s had opportunities, he’s made good yardage.’’

During the week, Brady’s teammates also insisted Porter’s talk had no effect. Yesterday, though, Brady said Porter’s chatter helped them during their 27-17 victory.

“It’s really motivating for our team throughout the course of the week and into the game when you hear that kind of stuff,’’ Brady said during his weekly appearance on WEEI. “I think the guys take it to heart and the coaches take it to heart.’’

Porter finished with zero tackles. Brady threw for 332 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 37 passes.

Adam Kilgore can be reached at akilgore@globe.com.