The Indianapolis Colts (5-7) will be on the road in Week 13 to visit their old rivals New England Patriots (3-9).
Gillette Stadium hasn’t been a favorable venue for Indianapolis. The last time they left New England with a victory came back in 2006. This should be viewed as a must-win for the Colts. It can give them some momentum heading into their bye week, but a loss would make it challenging to push for a playoff spot in the season's final weeks.
The Indy offense will likely be without their leading receiver, Josh Downs. It has been reported that it is a long shot for him to suit up with the shoulder injury he is dealing with.
The Colts open the week as two-and-a-half point road favorites against the Patriots. Most experts have Indianapolis winning and covering the spread but there is one that thinks New England can get the victory.
NFL picks, predictions Week 13: Colts vs. Patriots
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 19, Patriots 14
Bender: "The Colts are road favorites at New England, where the Patriots have lost three of four since turning to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson also is still developing, and that makes this a low-percentage passing attack on both sides. New England is 1-1 ATS as an underdog of three points or less, so there is a toss-up feel to it."
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Patriots 23, Colts 20
Iyer: "The Patriots can become more competitive here as they face an inconsistent offense at home. They will be able to run the ball well and get Drake Maye comfortable in the intermediate passing game at home. Jonathan Taylor's running gets a little better, but the Patriots outrush the Colts to win with help from Maye.”
Jeremy Cluff, USA Today Sports: Colts 20, Patriots 17
Cluff: “This is pretty much a must-win game for the Colts if they want any chance at making the NFL postseason. Anthony Richardson will make a big play late to keep Indianapolis' playoff chances alive."
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Colts 27, Patriots 21
Johnson: "The Indianapolis Colts at least made things a little competitive for three quarters with the Detroit Lions. Now, Anthony Richardson draws a much easier matchup against the New England Patriots. Offensively, this should be one of the Colts’ best games this season and Indianapolis should also have a fair amount of success getting pressure on Drake Maye."
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Colts 23, Patriots 20
Rolfe: "This is another game where trusting either team with your money feels somewhat foolish. The New England Patriots have shown multiple times this year that they are capable of laying an absolute egg at any point, and the Indianapolis Colts’ performances swing wildly from week to week, regardless of who is under center.
It’s impossible to put money on Anthony Richardson as a road favorite, but backing the Patriots at all feels very risky. Numerically, this game favors the Colts slightly, but the weather could be the equalizer for a quarterback with a warm-weather background in Florida playing in close-to-freezing conditions."
