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The 5-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to stay in position for an NFC wild card spot. A win Sunday afternoon will help their odds immensely. However, they face a stiff challenge in the 5-5 Indianapolis Colts, a team that is battling for the AFC South Division lead. With both teams in the thick of playoff races, it should be a very competitive game.
The Buccaneers have been on a roll lately. They have won four of their last six games, and are recently coming off of a 45-17 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The reason for the Buccaneers’ turnaround has been Jameis Winston. After throwing seven interceptions in his first four games, Winston has only thrown two interceptions in his last six games. As a result, the Buccaneers have put themselves in better positions to win games. They will need to protect the football against a very opportunistic Colts defense that has been forcing a lot of turnovers lately.
The Colts overcame a 14-point second half deficit en route to a gutsy 24-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who was replacing an injured Andrew Luck for the third time this season, struggled to find open receivers and protect the football. Thankfully, the Colts’ defense and special teams stepped up and came up with key turnovers. The Colts’ defense and special teams forced four turnovers combined. Without those turnovers, the Colts would not have earned a huge road win. They need to replicate this defensive performance against the Buccaneers if they want to win Sunday.
The Buccaneers rely on a balanced offensive attack. Winston has solid receivers like Mike Evans to throw to, but the Buccaneers definitely make it a point to run the football consistently. Running back Doug Martin has been a very solid running option for the Buccaneers. He just had 235 rushing yards on 27 carries against the Eagles. The Buccaneers will most likely continue to mix up their play calling to keep the Colts defense off guard. While the Colts defense can force a lot of turnovers, the unit does give up big plays on the ground and through the air from time to time.
Obviously, the Colts are not going to win if Hasselbeck plays poorly again this Sunday. However, there is a good possibility of Hasselbeck having a solid rebound game. The Buccaneers’ defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 69 percent of their total pass attempts and has given 21 passing touchdowns this season. If Hasselbeck is able to find his receiving options like T.Y. Hilton, the Colts offense can control time of possession and come away with quality scoring drives.
All in all, this should end up being a close game because both teams are still fighting for postseason spots. The key to this game will obviously be the turnover battle. The Buccaneers have been successful recently because they have protected the ball better. Meanwhile, the Colts are on a two-game winning streak because they are forcing turnovers. It is certainly an intriguing battle to watch but the Colts should come away with this one in the end.
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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