Predictions: New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass while being hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the third quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots will visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night in an AFC showdown. Both the Patriots and Colts currently lead their respective divisions. The two teams are viewed as legitimate playoff contenders. All eyes will be on future hall-of-fame quarterback Tom Brady and the up-and-coming stud Andrew Luck.

Without further adieu, Matthew Rewinski and myself took a stab at predicting this week’s clash. Here’s how we see things playing out at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Matt’s Take:

Stats-wise, the Colts are packing some of the most offensive firepower around. The Patriots defense is going to have to draw a line in the sand when it’s time for red zone defense. Indianapolis’s Coach Pagano likes to mix up offensive formations just like the Patriots do – we could see 3-WR packages with TY Hilton, Reggie Wayne, and Hakeem Nicks one play, then see a 2-back set with the reinvigorated Ahmad Bradshaw and the not-so-reinvigorated Trent Richardson the next, and even a 2-TE package with Indy is dangerous due to Colby Fleener and Dwayne Allen‘s sticky hands and size advantages.

Defensively, the Colts are way better than most people expected them to be this year, but without Robert Mathis, they’re manageable. The Broncos defense had more intimidating players up front, and New England’s fledgling offensive line held together pretty well, for the most part. Look for the Patriots to pull out different offensive tactics in what has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout. Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, and maybe even Danny Amendola or Aaron Dobson/Bryan Tyms (if they travel with the team) should all be getting looks at some point or another, especially as the Patriots try to re-establish their run game.

Andrew Luck is one scary dude, and Pagano has done wonders coaching the team, but they’re not quite Brady and Belichick’s equals yet.

Final: Colts 34, Patriots 42

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Frank’s Take:

Andrew Luck and the Colts offense will surely rack up their fair share of yards, but what they won’t rack up is points. One week ago we saw a stingy Patriots defense limit Peyton Manning‘s high-powered attack to just 21 points. Bill Belichick’s defensive unit stacks up well against Chuck Pagano’s offense. Darrelle Revis should have little trouble in handling an aging and banged up Reggie Wayne. TY Hilton should be held in check, especially if Revis is the one who matches up on him.

Look for Brandon Browner to be the one who slows tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen. Points will be at a premium for the Colts if New England can force a few turnovers. Luck is prone to a mistake or two. The Colts running game is far from intimidating. Expect the Patriots to dial up the blitz as they did against Denver.

Rob Gronkowski will be the difference in this game. He should face little resistance in facing the Colts defensive unit. There’s no single player who will be able to slow Gronkowski in this matchup. Look for Julian Edelman and and Brandon LaFell to continue their recent successful play. Some say the Colts defense deserves more credit than it actually gets. I’m sorry, with elite pass rusher Robert Mathis sidelined, Brady will have an opportunity to stand in the pocket and pick apart the opposition all game long.

Final: Colts 20, Patriots 38

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