NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Line: Indianapolis (-4.5)
The 2-4 New Orleans Saints hit the road after an impressive 31-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. The Saints hope they have built momentum off of this win, because they are facing the 3-3 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
These two teams are relatively unfamiliar with one another because they do not play very often. Their last regular season meeting was in 2011, and the Saints beat the Colts 62-7. This Sunday’s game should be much more competitive, and both teams will likely have a good idea of what the other wants to do.
The Saints have had a rocky 2015 season. Their season started with three straight losses, and quarterback Drew Brees had to miss a game because of a bruised rotator cuff. However, the Saints have won two of their last three games. Brees has totaled 1,616 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and three interceptions in five games. It is pretty clear that if Brees plays well, the rest of the Saints’ offense does also. The Saints need Brees to maintain his high level of play if they want to get a road win in Indianapolis.
The Colts are in a similar situation as the Saints. They dropped their first two games of the season, but have rallied to win three of the last four games. Quarterback Andrew Luck has not been playing well this season, and he has missed two games because of a shoulder injury. Fortunately, Luck looked solid in his return start against the Patriots. He totaled 312 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. If Luck can duplicate this performance against the Saints, the Colts will control much of this game.
The Colts’ offense should look to exploit the Saints’ run defense. New Orleans is currently 31st in the NFL in run defense. Frank Gore is currently averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has three rushing touchdowns, so the Colts will want to give Gore a lot of opportunities to rip through the Saints’ defense. Meanwhile, the Saints should test the Colts’ vulnerable cornerbacks. Greg Toler and Darius Butler have been mildly inconsistent this season. If Brees is able to capitalize on the Colts’ weaknesses, the Saints will be in a good spot to win late.
Overall, this matchup should be a good game to watch, and it would not be surprising if it was close from start to finish. However, the Colts need this game more, and the Saints do not have enough defensive players to cover all of the Colts’ offensive weapons. Luck is going to build off of his last performance and have good day against the Saints’ defense. Also, the Saints have still not won a road game this season, so Indy should hold on for the win and move to 4-3 on the season.
Prediction: Colts 30, Saints 24
Kyle Nishida is an Indianapolis Colts beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kyle_Nishida, “Like him” on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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