Stampede Blue
Neither team is setting the world on fire, but the Colts are looking to capitalize.
The Indianapolis Colts facing off against the New England Patriots used to be prime time T.V. If it wasn’t the Sunday Night Football game, you could bet it would at least be in that 4:25 timeslot. All eyes would be on the matchup, but that was then. This is now. Both teams have fallen from grace and are coming off uninspiring losses on Sunday. FanDuel Sportsbook sees the Colts as the better team and is giving them a 2.5-point spread advantage.
The money line comes in at -156 while the over/under sits at 42.5.
After a solid start in which the Colts were able to put three on the board with their first drive, the offense went completely silent. Additionally, the defense was able to keep the Detroit Lions in check for the majority of the first half. Then the wheels fell off. Although the Colts were never really so far out of the game that they couldn’t come back, you got the sense that the Lions were in total control. Anthony Richardson looked better than his final stat line showed as penalties and drops took passes and even a touchdown off his totals. The theme seemed to be, make a big play and have it called back for a penalty. Maybe that is why the big play happened in the first place, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
Meanwhile, the Patriots got absolutely dusted by the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots have fully turned to Drake Maye who is having his rookie issues. The score was 31-0 in favor of the Dolphins heading into the fourth quarter, and the Patriots were only able to start putting something together in garbage time. Engineering some late drives and a fortunate fumble recovery for a touchdown helped create the visual of a closer game than it was. That was just one of several beatings for this team over the course of the season. Our friend, Jacoby Brissett, showed he wasn’t the answer, but then again maybe it is just the team overall as Drake Maye has also put up some stinkers.
The last time the Colts visited the East Coast to battle a downtrodden team, things went well. These aren’t the Patriots of old, and the Colts will have plenty of opportunities to leave with a win. If they want any chance at the postseason, this one is looking like a must win. Play like they did against the Jets and all will be well. Play like they did against the Lions and this season is essentially over.
