The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) hit the road on Sunday for a Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) at Raymond James Stadium looking to end their recent skid.
Though both teams are likely out of the playoff race, they are still competing as well as they can with four games remaining. The experts and oddsmakers are siding with the Bucs in this matchup for the most part.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees the game shaking out in Week 14:
Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Bucs 28, Colts 20
Though they technically aren’t out of the playoff race just yet, there are long odds for the Colts to make the postseason. Still, they continue their season with a tough road matchup against a Bucs team that has been finding more success than not over the last month.
Being on the road without wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and cornerback Kenny Moore will make it difficult for the Colts and likely will be too much to overcome for the Colts. We know what Hilton’s absence to the offense means. They’ve averaged just 19.8 points over the last four games.
On defense, they should have their opportunities to grab turnovers with Jameis Winston under center, but Moore’s absence will give Chris Godwin plenty of chances to run free against a defense that has been giving up big plays recently.
Though it should be competitive, the Colts simply don’t have enough to keep up with the Bucs.
Arden Franklyn (@ArdenSportsTalk): Bucs 27, Colts 21
This is the first time in weeks, I’m picking against the Colts and rightfully so. Besides having noticeable injuries at various, key positions, this is a Colts team that is reeling in their latest string of losses/poor play and now they have a tough road game at Tampa Bay.
Barring any self-inflicted mistakes, the Buccaneers are going to challenge the Colts via their vertical passing game and stout rushing defense; and chances are, they will breakthrough with their efforts.
John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Bucs 26, Colts 17
This one might not be the most popular prediction but the way this offense has been struggling without a fully healthy T.Y. Hilton can not be ignored. The Bucs offense is built on homerun, big yardage plays, something the Colts have struggled to stop all season.
Injuries to the secondary and receiving corps have hindered this team’s success. Not to mention Jacoby Brissett struggles to make over the top plays himself which isn’t always necessary but it is a characteristic of most elite teams not named the Patriots.
The Colts will struggle to stop the dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin all afternoon. Evans is a very big target and Godwin is a speedy slot receiver. They are second and third in receiving yards this season. Kenny Moore is also out leaving a huge question mark on coverage plans.
The run game will fail to get going again and the Colts offense will look stagnant. One good takeaway will be newly signed kicker Chase McLaughlin will be perfect on the day. This failed road test will expose some of the weak spots of this team.
Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Bucs 27, Colts 20
Not a whole lot of confidence with the Colts this week after back-to-back brutal losses that will greatly affect if the colts make the playoffs. Thankfully for the offense, they’re getting Marlon Mack and Parris Campbell back, but they’re still missing their top offensive threat in T.Y. Hilton. With how explosive the Tampa Bay offense is, and how good their run defense is I just don’t see how the Colts keep up on the scoreboard.
The defense has been playing well ever since week 4, but recently they’ve been exposed by the deep throws. Houston was able to expose them deep with Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins, and Tennessee was timely with their deep throws. Tampa Bay with Bruce Arians as HC will look to go deep with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, we will see if the Colts will be ready for it, hopefully the ballhawk, Malik Hooker, plays in this game.
Playoffs are not out of reach for the Colts but they have to win out and get a lot of help. This game could go a lot of ways, Indianapolis blowout, Tampa blowout or a close game that could come down to the right leg of Chase McLaughlin.
Either way, I don’t see the colts keeping up offensively, I’ll take Tampa Bay.