For the first time since their AFC Championship Game beatdown that sparked Deflategate, Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts are making their way to Foxboro for a head-to-head with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots come into this game on the heels of a 38-7 whopping of the Miami Dolphins last Sunday, while the Colts dropped a 37-34 overtime final against Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans in Week 4.
Historically speaking, and including postseason meetings, the Colts have wins in just two of their last 16 trips to New England, and have not won at Gillette since Nov. 2006.
Here’s how the 98.5 The Sports Hub staff sees the game breaking down…
Matt Dolloff (Writer/producer, 985TheSportsHub.com)
I don’t see the Patriots offense lighting it up right out the gate like some may be expecting. It’s a short week and there should be just a little rust to work off. But I have zero faith in the Colts’ coaching staff to have this team fully ready to go for this spot. Andrew Luck looks great right now and will make some plays to keep the game interesting for a while, but eventually the Patriots find their groove and pull away.
Patriots 28, Colts 10
Ty Anderson (Writer/columnist, 985TheSportsHub.com)
This is Foxboro, and this is the Indianapolis Colts without T.Y Hilton, Jack Doyle, and Marlon Mack. Oh, and Julian Edelman is back and probably ready to run through a wall after missing the first four games of the season due to his PED violation suspension. Unfortunately for the Colt defense, they are not a wall.
Patriots 27, Colts 17.
Christian Arcand (Co-host, The Adam Jones Show)
Pats keep it rolling tonight against a Colts team that I expect to look sluggish and unprepared. No T.Y Hilton means no real serious threats for Andrew Luck in the passing game although I do think he’ll lead a drive or two. Even if Gronk does not play I expect Brady and the offense to build off of what they did against the Dolphins on the ground and in the air, and they should, because the Colts defense stinks.
The Patriots are at home on a short week. The Colts are banged up and stink. Don’t think, just throw.
If it’s possible, Colts may have fewer weapons than Miami did – so don’t get too excited. Real test will come against KC in Week 6. In the meantime, Pats should slap around another softy.
Patriots 27, Colts 13.
Mike ‘Sarge’ Riley (98.5 The Sports Hub)
With the short week and Kansas City on the horizon, the Patriots need to rest Rob Gronkowski after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday. And not to worry, Julian Edelman is back I see #11 with over 100 yards receiving and a Touchdown in his debut. I think the Colts and Andrew Luck will have their hands full with the Patriots pass rush, led by Trey Flowers. And if they can get to him early, that could spell out I-N-T city for the secondary.
A “Sarge stat” for you: Since Thursday Night Football became a regular thing in 2006, the Patriots are 7-1 on the short turnaround. That one loss came in 2008 against Brett Favre and the NY Jets.
Pats improve to 8-1 on Thursday’s and 3-2 overall this week.
Patriots 27, Colts 20.