The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) are preparing for a battle at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday in what is a make or break matchup for both teams.
As the Colts try to fight their way out of a slump that includes four losses over the last five games, the Buccaneers are trying to keep their ship sailing in the right direction having won three of their last four contests.
The Colts are underdogs on the road, but here’s how some of the experts around the league are picking this game:
| Expert | Pick | Score (if applicable) |
| Nate Davis (USA TODAY) | Bucs | 23-20 |
| Mike Jones (USA TODAY) | Colts | 22-20 |
| Jarrett Bell (USA TODAY) | Colts | 28-27 |
| Mike Clay (ESPN) | Bucs | N/A |
| Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) | Bucs | 30-20 |
| Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) | Bucs | 27-21 |
| Jared Dubin (CBS Sports) | Colts | N/A |
| Todd Haislop (Sporting News) | Bucs | 27-24 |
| NumberFire | Bucs | N/A |
| Pro Football Focus | Bucs | N/A |
| Bleacher Report | Bucs | 24-20 |
Like Vegas, most of the experts have an eye for the Buccaneers this week. They are on a solid streak over the last month, which includes the team averaging 27.9 points per game over that stretch. The Colts have hit 27 points just three times this season and once in the last six games.
The Colts are expected to be without wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who suffered a setback with his calf injury—it isn’t clear if he will return this season because of it. They should see the return of running back Marlon Mack and rookie wide receiver Parris Campbell, both of which underwent surgery to repair a fractured hand.
This is a big game for the Colts even though they are most likely already out of contention for a playoff spot. Should they lose this week, their chances of making the postseason will crawl close to zero.