New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 8:30 PM (ET) on NBC
Favorite: Indianapolis (open: 2.5 / current: 3 | over/under: 58)
For once, the biggest game on an NFL Sunday is its NBC prime-time match-up. The New England Patriots travel to Lucas Oil Stadium for an epic meeting against the Indianapolis Colts. Following their week 9 demolishing of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, Tom Brady has his collective see another pivotal AFC meeting and top 5 QB in the league today. Andrew Luck has all of the potential to become the league’s best quarterback, as well as succeeding both Manning and Brady when they eventually retire in a few years; but he will be looking to send a team statement to the rest of the AFC today, with a major home win.
They’re being dubbed the favorites for the Sunday finale later on this evening, but also have an extremely favorable schedule remaining after this one to potentially give them a playoff bye in a few weeks. New England doesn’t have that same luxury, however, as they have upcoming tough games against Detroit, Green Bay, San Diego, Miami, and Buffalo. The Patriots also play their first road game in nearly five weeks among many more upcoming, so the outcome of this game could say a lot about they’re team heading forward.
Today, they’re biggest task will be defensively, in getting past Luck’s nearly flawless protection he’s received this year. With time in the pocket, he’s been able to have much success down the field to expose secondary players and create on-the-go plays. We’re not questioning whether Brady will be able to put up numbers throughout the game, but this one will be out of his control – completely.