The Indianapolis Colts will travel to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to take on the Saints for Monday Night Football. New Orleans is a 9.5-point favorite at home, while the over/under is set at 47.5.
Costly Slump
The Colts are now sitting at 6-7 this season after losing four of their last five games. In their most recent matchup, Indianapolis lost a shootout to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-35. The Colts started the season with some promise but have not been able to play to their potential and put it all together for four quarters since the start of November.
Leading the Colts on offense has been quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The young signal-caller took over for Andrew Luck after Luck’s surprise retirement in the preseason. He has thrown for 2,496 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Marlon Mack has been the Colts’ leading rusher this season. Mack has been battling injury once again this year and has been limited to 205 carries for 900 yards and five touchdowns. Now that he is back and healthy, Mack will look to make an impact against the Saints, who are allowing 94 rushing yards per game.
With Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton also battling injuries this season, Zach Pascal has stepped up to lead the Colts in receiving. Pascal has 35 receptions this season for 547 yards and five touchdowns. Hilton is still listed as questionable for this matchup with the Saints.
The Colts are averaging 22.8 points per game this season while allowing 22.7. They are just as close in yards, averaging 354 while giving up 360. With Mack back in their lineup at 100 percent, the Colts will look to control the ball more than they have in the past month and keep their defense off the field.
More To Play For
The Saints enter this matchup 10-3 and with a playoff spot already locked up. They will be looking to stay healthy over the last few weeks of the season as they gear up for what could be a deep playoff run.
Despite missing some time with a thumb injury this season, Drew Brees leads the Saints once again. He has thrown for 2,140 yards with 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. With Brees back to 100 percent and having a reliable backup in Teddy Bridgewater, if this game gets out of hand, don’t be surprised to see Brees on the bench in the fourth quarter.
The Saints’ leading receiver is Michael Thomas, who is having an extraordinary season so far and is on pace to break the record for most receptions in a year. He currently has 121 catches and 1,424 yards; both totals lead the NFL. He has also reeled in seven touchdown catches.
New Orleans is averaging 26.5 points a game while allowing 22.8. The Saints are averaging 381 yards per game while giving up 360. The Saints have the better roster in this game, and if they play to their full potential, they should not have too much of a problem in this one.
What To Expect
The Saints are favored in this game for good reason. They should be able to handle the Colts even with a healthy roster. The 9.5-point difference seems a little steep to me now that the Colts do have Mack back and especially if Hilton plays. I like the Saints to win, but not cover the spread. Take Indianapolis +9.5. I would also take the over in this one.
