The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) are looking to rebound from their most lopsided loss of the season last week, as they host the Buffalo Bills (4-6) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are still in the playoff hunt, but both are unlikely to win their respective divisions. If the Colts or the Bills expect to make the playoffs, they will most likely have to shoot for a wild card spot, which makes this game even more important.
Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck had a rough day against the New England Patriots in week 11, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns, but also accounting for four turnovers. Luck has played much better at home this season than on the road, and the Colts have only lost one home game this year. Luck has already thrown for over 300 yards in five games this season, which breaks a rookie record, set by Peyton Manning in 1998.
The Colts defense has been beaten up all season, and could see a struggle to contain a Buffalo offense that can score big points when clicking, but a defense that is the second-worst in the league against the rush, and has given up 35 points or more five times this season.
This game, which means a lot for the future of both teams, could be both sloppy and high-scoring. The Colts have fought hard at home, and the Bills are 2-4 on the road, but anything can happen when a team has players on offense that can break the game open at any given time. With two suspect defenses up against two explosive offenses, this game could come down to who makes the most big plays on Sunday.
Prediction – Colts 26, Bills 23