Game of the week? Without a doubt. This contest between two of the hottest teams in the AFC right now could be a preview of a game we see again deep into the playoffs in January. Let’s take a look at the New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts Week 15 matchup, the NFL odds, and make a pick and prediction.
New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts pick, prediction | Week 15
- Spread: Colts -2 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Colts -135, Patriots +115
- Over/Under: 46
This game provides a matchup between two teams who center their offenses around running the ball effectively — and open up the game through the air as a result. It also features two of the league’s best defenses.
[bet-bonus id=”164810″ ]The Patriots are first in points allowed per game (15.4), 2.1 points better than the next team in the league. The Colts rank ninth in that category, and they too can shut out the opposition when required.
So with two highly effective offenses and two stubborn defenses, who’s going to crack first? Expect a highly tactical game, with methodical drives and calculated decisions that affect the time of possession and field position.
Both teams are getting solid quarterback play
The Patriots have found a gem in Mac Jones, and he has landed in an ideal circumstance for a rookie quarterback. Going from Nick Saban to Bill Belichick is pretty much as good as it gets, and Jones has reveled in the opportunity to start for the Patriots since he took over for Cam Newton.
Carson Wentz has also returned to form after reuniting with Frank Reich in Indianapolis this season. If anybody was going to revive Wentz, it was going to be Reich, who has been a QB coach for a long time and was Wentz’s offensive coordinator the year they won the Super Bowl with the Eagles.
But the star of the show for Indianapolis has been Jonathan Taylor, who’s having an MVP-caliber season.
Taylor has a cool 1,348 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground this year. He also has another 336 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. JT has been at the core of the Colts’ success this season, and the Patriots will need to silence him if they want to win this game.
Patriots vs. Colts betting trends
Since the Patriots hit form, they’ve been seemingly unstoppable. As a result, they’re now on a seven-game win streak against the spread (ATS). That run puts them 9-4 ATS for the season. As for the over/under, there is less of a trend. What is clear is that New England doesn’t allow many points. They’ve not conceded more than 13 points in any of their last five games, resulting in an average of 7.2 points allowed per game. Stunning.
The Colts, who started the season a surprising 1-4, have turned things around as we head towards the final stretch. There are no obvious trends in recent weeks for the Colts. In the last five weeks, they’re 3-2 ATS and 2-3 on over/unders. They’re 8-5 in both categories for the season.
Patriots vs. Colts prediction
This is a really tough one to call. I like Jones and the Patriots’ offense, but this will be one of their toughest matchups yet. Taylor and the Colts are solid, but the Patriots are no slouch against the run. I love this game as a football fan. It’ll be a highly technical chess match.
I’ll take the Colts against the spread and the under for the game.
Patriots vs. Colts Prediction: Colts 24, Patriots 16