By Tom James
CNHI News Service

INDIANAPOLIS — Which NFL team was the winningest of the past decade?

It depends on how you look at it.

Counting regular-season games only, the Indianapolis Colts laid claim to the title. From 2000 to 2009, Indianapolis posted a mark of 115-45.

But if postseason results are thrown into the mix, the New England Patriots owned a 126-52 won-loss record and three Super Bowl titles. The Colts were close behind at 124-53 and one Super Bowl win.

Counting this year, New England has amassed a 133-54 record as compared to Indianapolis’ 130-56 (including the playoffs) since the start of the 2000 season.

Interestingly, league spokesman Corry Rush told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the NFL only recognizes victories accumulated during the regular season when it comes to determining the most wins in a decade. Score one for Indianapolis.

While statistics are nice, they don’t really count for much this week as two of the AFC’s premier franchises prepare to face off Sunday afternoon (4:15 p.m., CBS) at Gillette Stadium.

“They definitely have an argument if you count the playoffs. But then you have to count all stats in the playoffs. Who knows [which won-loss mark means more]? They have a tremendous record in the playoffs,” defensive end Dwight Freeney said before Wednesday’s practice.

“I think they have an argument. But, to me, who really cares? When you retire and you look back on it, you can say ‘Wow, we had a great 10 years.’ And that’s just what it is.”

The Patriots come into Sunday’s matchup tied with the New York Jets for first place in the AFC East with 7-2 marks. The Colts, meanwhile, are 6-3 and sit atop the AFC South.

Tom James writes for The Tribune Star in Terre Haute, Ind.