Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL Week 12 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

By Kyle Nishida
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL Week 12 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

TV Schedule: Sunday, Nov. 29, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.

Line: Indianapolis (-3)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday afternoon. Both teams are riding two-game winning streaks. Originally, this game was supposed to be a matchup between Andrew Luck and Jameis Winston, who were both taken first overall in their respective drafts. However, Luck will not play because of multiple injuries. Despite Luck’s absence, this matchup will still be very entertaining.

The Buccaneers have won four of their last six games after starting the season with a 1-3 record. Their solid play has them right in the middle of the NFC playoff race, as they currently sit one game behind the Atlanta Falcons for the final Wild Card spot. The main key to their success has been their running game. The Buccaneers are averaging 142.2 rushing yards per game, which is currently second in the NFL. They will need to use this strength to their advantage against the Colts.

The Colts have been the definition of inconsistency this season. They struggle to play 60 minute consistently, and the quality of their performances varies from week to week. Also, the Colts are being hit hard by the injury bug. Luck is still recovering from multiple injuries, and backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is currently filling in under center. This is Hasselbeck’s second time filling in for an injured Luck for an extended period of time. However, the Colts are currently 3-0 this season with Hasselbeck at QB, and they are hopeful he can deliver another win against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Buccaneers are coming off a 45-17 blowout victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Winston was spectacular as he threw a career-high five passing touchdowns along with 246 passing yards. Meanwhile, running back Doug Martin also showcased his abilities with 235 rushing yards on 27 carries. The Buccaneers certainly have a lot of momentum coming into this game against the Colts. Both Winston and Martin should get an equal amount of opportunities to take advantage of a Colts defense that ranks in the bottom-third of most run and pass defensive categories.

The Colts are coming off of a comeback victory over the Falcons which, oddly enough, the defense helped lead them to. The defense came away with three interceptions against the Falcons, including one that was returned for a touchdown to tie the game in the fourth quarter. On the offensive side of the ball, the Colts have come up with scoring plays when they have needed to. The team has also discovered that running back Ahmad Bradshaw is a solid red zone threat. Bradshaw has three receiving touchdowns in the past two games. The Colts will need a solid defensive performance and timely scoring drives if they want to take their record to 6-5.

Both teams know that a victory will help them stay in position for a postseason spot. With each side still having something to play for, this figures to be a tightly-contested game, but the Colts should come away with the close win.

Prediction: Colts 27, Buccaneers 23

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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