NFL Week 15 picks, predictions: Colts vs. Patriots are a mixed bag
The Indianapolis Colts have a tenuous hold on an AFC playoff spot. The New England Patriots have a tenuous hold on the No. 1 AFC playoff spot.
The teams meet Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium with a lot on the line.
The Colts (7-6) have ridden a powerful rush-oriented offense after losing their first three games of the season. The Patriots (9-4) have been dominant on defense, especially in their five most recent games, when no opponent has topped 13 points.
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So which trend will carry the night in NFL Week 15 action?
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Colts 24-20
This is a huge game for both teams and both are coming off the bye, so there is no advantage. The Patriots were dominant in the wind last game against the Bills with their run game. They will try and use that again here to key the offense, but it won't be nearly as successful. The Colts will do the same with Jonathan Taylor. I think the Colts get the best of it.
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Patriots 27-24
In a battle between one of the league's hottest defenses (New England) and hottest offenses (Indianapolis), I'd typically lean offense. The Patriots' defensive front can be moved in the running game and the Colts can match power with power. Indianapolis' defense, however, is often too willing to give up the short stuff in hopes of avoiding a big play. Mac Jones is happy to take what's given, and I still trust Bill Belichick more in a close game where situational football rules. These are two of the top four teams in turnover margin, so it probably will come down to which side makes the bigger mistake. I trust Jones a bit more than Carson Wentz on that front.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Patriots 20-14
The Patriots continue to roll, and they continue to relish any win they can get over the team that sparked #Deflategate.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Patriots 24-21
As good of a coach as Frank Reich is, he's not Bill Belichick, who is the master at devising game plans. Furthermore, New England's defense has the size to at least slow Jonathan Taylor and the Colts' running attack. Throw in the Patriots getting 2.5 points and it's an easy decision.
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 29-27
It's no longer Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. Mac Jones and Carson Wentz will have to do, and the Patriots will look to slow down Jonathan Taylor coming off a bye week. The Colts are hanging in the AFC Playoff race, but New England has won the last eight meetings. Make it nine in a row.
Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Colts 31-27
The Patriots are the hottest, if not the best, team in the league. They are unbeaten on the road (6-0) and their average margin of victory during their seven-game winning streak is 22 points. Both teams are coming off a bye. The Colts have scored at least 31 points in seven of their past eight games.
Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times: Patriots while getting 2.5 points
New England is mediocre against the run, allowing an average of 136 yards over the last three games, but against the Colts, coach Bill Belichick needs only to focus his game plan to combat Taylor (hint: Make Carson Wentz win it.). Opposing defenses have yet to stop the Patriots’ offense, and until someone offers a blueprint, it’s safer to bet with the Patriots.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Week 15 picks, predictions: Colts vs. Patriots
