Carolina @ Indianapolis preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 2, 2015 ) Indianapolis 26, Carolina 29

What shaped up as a marquee quarterback matchup five months ago has devolved into a meaningless game between a pair of also-rans when the Carolina Panthers visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon. The stunning retirement of Andrew Luck and a season-ending injury to Cam Newton have left both teams facing uncertain quarterback situations.

Jacoby Brissett received a three-year contract extension in the aftermath of Luck's retirement but he has faltered badly down the stretch for Indianapolis, which has lost six of seven. “We’re still fighting to get better. Jacoby is a second-year starter and he’s done a lot of good things this year," Colts coach Frank Reich said. "We have two games (left). That’s really an opportunity for him to work to get better.” Carolina also is in a free fall with six consecutive losses, leading to another change at quarterback with rookie Will Grier set to make his NFL debut in place of Kyle Allen. "I'm extremely excited to get that game experience," said Grier, a third-round draft pick out of West Virginia. "I'm excited to actually play in a real game."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Colts -6.5. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (5-9): Allen did not throw an interception in winning his first four starts for Carolina, but he was picked off 15 times over the last eight games, leading interim coach Perry Fewell to turn the offense over to Grier. No matter who is under center, the focal point of the Panthers' offense is running back Christian McCaffrey, who set a franchise record with 2,121 yards from scrimmage after rushing for 87 yards and two scores and hauling in eight catches for 88 yards in last week's 30-24 loss to Seattle. Carolina's defense has buckled during the losing streak, allowing an average of 31.0 points over the last six contests.

ABOUT THE COLTS (6-8): A calf injury that rendered top wideout T.Y. Hilton all but useless over the second half has been a major factor, but Brissett had another woeful performance in Monday night's 34-7 drubbing in New Orleans, throwing for only 165 yards while failing to reach a passer rating of 77.0 for the fourth time in five games. Running back Marlon Mack has struggled in his return since missing two games following surgery on a broken hand, rushing for a combined 57 yards on 24 carries over the past two weeks. After holding five opponents to 20 points or fewer in a seven-game span, the Colts have yielded 34.3 points in the last three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. McCaffrey, who has scored 18 touchdowns, is the second running back in history with 90 catches in back-to-back seasons.

2. Colts LB Darius Leonard, who had 12 tackles Monday night, has a sack in three of his last four at home.

3. Panthers WR D.J. Moore has 86 catches for a team-high 1,174 yards, including four 100-yard games.

PREDICTION: Colts 23, Panthers 20