USA TODAY Sports Network’s NFL Week 15 game previews, predictions

The USA TODAY Sports Network previews Week 15 in the NFL, with Bills-Steelers, Rams-Cowboys and Texans-Titans leading the schedule.

Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints
Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN

Records: Colts 6-7, Saints 10-3

Line: Saints by 9½

Satellite radio: Colts feed on Sirius 81 (streaming 813), Saints feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 821)

Colts’ keys: The 49ers proved in Week 14 that New Orleans could be outplayed on vertical passes, and the Colts need to follow that same game plan. But it’s going to be tough to do that with such a depleted receiving corps, especially if WR T.Y. Hilton can’t go. The Colts will need every break to get an edge over the playoff-bound Saints.

Saints’ keys: CB Eli Apple has to play more like his early-season self, and the linebacker corps could really use a jolt of good health. They missed starters LB Kiko Alonso and LB A.J. Klein against San Francisco. On offense, the Saints need a good option opposite WR Michael Thomas. The Saints hoped that would be TE Jared Cook, but his status is up in the air with a concussion.

Who wins? The Saints can’t overlook the Colts, just like they were shocked by the Falcons a month ago. Saints 30, Colts 21

John Sigler

Lines by BetMGM.com

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.