The New England Patriots will look to see if they can fare better overseas in Week 10 as they take on the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. With both teams playing internationally, adjusting to a new venue and time zone, anything can happen.
With that in mind, here are three bold predictions for Patriots vs. Colts this Sunday.
Patriots vs. Colts Bold Predictions Week 10
1. Rhamondre Stevenson Records First 100-Yard Rushing Game
The 2023 season has been incredibly tough sledding for stud running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Following a breakout 2022 campaign that saw him record a whopping 1,461 yards from scrimmage, including 1,040 on the ground, expectations were high. Instead, Stevenson's production has come crashing down on an offense that's struggled mightily to move the ball.
The third-year pro has posted just 394 rushing yards across nine games, with an average of 3.7 cards per carry leaving a lot to be desired. However, there's some hope on the horizon.
Stevenson finally got going in Week 9, breaking off a 64-yard run against the Washington Commanders and showing he's got that big-play potential in him. He ended that game with 89 yards overall, marking a season high.
Everyone has heard how there could be major consequences if the Patriots lose overseas. That's why I think head coach Bill Belichick will lean on his best offensive player to possibly help save his job. There's no reason not to fully unleash the talented rusher, especially with plenty of positive momentum on his side after a season-best performance.
Facing a Colts defense that's surrendered the ninth-most rushing yards in the league, Stevenson has the opportunity to break the 100-yard rushing mark for the first time in 2023. And at the very least, I'm backing him to go over his meager rushing total after getting going last Sunday.
2. Gardner Minshew Throws 3+ TDs
Gardner Minshew is far from a quarterback who strikes fear into his opponents. With a 10-19 career record as a starter, there's been plenty of losing plays made whenever the journeyman is under center.
Despite his faults, though, Minshew's gunslinger mentality always opens up the door for an impressive performance. Considering the issues going on in New England's secondary right now, this game is ripe for Minshew's best of 2023.
The backup has thrown at least one touchdown pass in each of his past four games as he settles in as Indy's QB1 following Anthony Richardson's injury. He's even got a pair of 2-TD performances in two of his last three outings, showing some clear chemistry being built with his receivers.
Indianapolis is content with letting Minshew let the ball rip as well. He's averaging 36.3 attempts over his past four games despite throwing 5 INTs during that same stretch, showing the high-risk, high-reward play he's become known for.
This hampered Pats secondary, which is missing top guys and will now be without the demoted J.C. Jackson, is the kind of mess Minshew could do some serious damage against. Top wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs shouldn't have any major troubles getting open against this group, and I think Minshew goes off for a season-high three passing TDs as a result of this matchup.
3. New England Gets Blanked
We all know the Patriots aren't a good football team. They enter every week at a (sometimes serious) talent disadvantage, which has led to this 2-7 start to the year.
However, it's not easy to hold even the worst teams scoreless in the NFL. All it takes is one playmaker (like a Stevenson) to break off a big gain and at least get a team in field goal range. We've seen New England stumble its way into scoring opportunities despite its truly horrific offense, leading to just one shutout performance in 2023.
This week, though, seems to be the perfect storm for another. Bill Belichick's job is reportedly on the line, and it appears his grasp on the locker room is slipping by the day after it was revealed two veterans were late for curfew prior to their last game. Now this undisciplined group is expected to perform at its best while going overseas, which has been difficult for even the top squads in the league.
It'd be no surprise at all if this group comes out playing even worse than it has in 2023 given the uncertainty circulating throughout the building.
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