Colts vs. Cowboys: Game predictions

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter defended by Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter defended by Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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The Colts will play the Cowboys on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium. This will be yet another tough opponent for Indy, but they must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Playing two hot teams in a row is never ideal for a team. But that is what the Colts have to do. They were able to stop Houston’s 9 game winning streak last week, and now they are tasked with stopping Dallas’ 5 game winning streak. Can they do it?

If they are going to do it, the running game needs to be a factor. Marlon Mack has had a couple of lack luster games in a row. He needs to bust a few runs and keep gaining consistent yards so that the Colts have more balance on offense. Otherwise, Dallas will tee off on Andrew Luck.

As for how the game will play out, expect the Colts to gain a lot of yards. Doing so will force the Dallas defense to take chances. They will start blitzing more and try to throw off Luck’s timing. If that occurs, he should be able make life even worse for Dallas.

But the Dallas offense will have something to say about that. Ezekiel Elliott will be able to gain yards, and will probably score a couple of touchdowns as well. He is a great runner and a fantastic receiver. If the Colts are to win this game, they need to slow him down as much as possible.

Game Prediction: Colts 24 Cowboys 21

If this game was in Dallas, it might have a different outcome. But the home field advantage is important in a game like this. The Colts are well versed in close games by now. They should be able to close a tight one out on the golden leg of Adam Vinatieri.

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If the Colts win the game, they increase their playoff chances yet again. That is the only thing they can do at this point.