INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PREDICTION & PREVIEW
Indianapolis Colts (12 – 5) @ New England Patriots (12 – 4)
Saturday January 11, 5:15 PM PST
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
The Indianapolis Colts visit the New England Patriots in the first game of the AFC Divisional Playoff Round. The Patriots are a 7.5 point home favorite. The total is set at 53.5.
The Colts come into New England riding a high of all highs as they erased a 28 point second half deficit to the Chiefs. Some might recall when the Bills rallied from 32 down against the Oilers to win, however it took the Bills OT to win that one. Some might actually say this Colts comeback is more impressive, I disagree.
The Colts winners of 5 straight will have their hands full against the Patriots, especially on the road in less than ideal weather conditions. Luck lit up the Chiefs throwing for four TD’s on 436 passing, he also added 45 rushing yards. T.Y. Hilton had 224 receiving and 2 TD’s. The Colts ground game was ineffective has they had to pass the entire second half as they were chasing the Chiefs. Undoubtedly, All Pro Aqib Talib will be covering T.Y. which should neutralize the Colts only offensive playmaker.
New England likes to spread the ball around taking the 5 – 7 yard underneath plays, eat clock and move the chains. Nothing fancy about the Patriots offense, playing keep away to sustain long drives. Tom Brady who was sacked 40 times on the year would rather go down then throw a pick. New England will get theirs as they were second in the AFC in scoring at 28 points per game.
Give Bill Belichick and Tom Brady time to prepare and given how the Patriots needed some rest we have to go with the home team in this one. Talib shuts down Hilton as the Luck runs out in New England as the Patriots tack on a late score to cover the number.
PREDICTION: Patriots 34, Indianapolis Colts 24
Play New England -7.5
* 2 - 0 record in the Wild Card Round
Hot Forum Topics
