The New Orleans Saints play host to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night in the final game of Week 15.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Spread: Saints -9
Moneyline: Saints -430/Colts +330
Over/Under: 46.5
In a rare matchup that we see just once every four years, the Indianapolis Colts travel to New Orleans to play against the New Orleans Saints, who have already clinched the NFC South title.
Colts
The Colts (6-7) have just a three percent chance of making the playoffs. They have lost five of their last six, with their last victory coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars four games ago.
Defense: Allowing 22.7 points per game, the Colts’ defense has their work cut out for them if they want any chance at pulling out an upset this week. However, Indianapolis’ rushing defense in one of the best in the league, allowing just 99.7 yards per game to opposing rushers. Defensive end Justin Houston leads the team with nine sacks. Houston is known for being just one of 11 players with 20 or more sacks in a season when he had 22 for the Kansas City Chiefs a handful of years ago. The Colts have Darius Leonard with four interceptions on the year, and he’ll be eager to get another pick-six on Monday night.
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett was thrust into a starting role after Andrew Luck retired unexpectedly during the pre-season. Brissett has shown inefficiency throughout the year and his second-half struggle has coincided with the Colts’ depressing season.
Running Back: Marlon Mack is looking for 100 yards to get to the 1,000-yard milestone for the year. While he is not a threat in the receiving game, he keeps defenses accountable when he’s on the field as the Colts are ranked No. 6 as a rushing offense thus far.
Wide Receiver: Brissett has four receivers who have combined for 1,320 yards total as Zach Pascal leads with 547 yard and T.Y. Hilton, Marcus Johnson and Chester Rogers are the other big names behind him.
Tight End: A top target for Brissett in the receiving game is Jack Doyle, who is second on the team in yards.
Saints
The Saints, having already clinched their division, are looking to keep the momentum with a win over the Colts and it should be an easy feat at home.
Defense: Defensive end Cameron Jordan rested early in the week with an abdomen injury and leads the No. 5 defense in the league, allowing 94.2 rushing yards to opposing teams. With both teams in the top 10 in rushing defense, it will be a good battle to see if a running back can break through the defensive front.
Quarterback: In another potential record-breaking game, Drew Brees needs just three touchdown passes to surpass Peyton Manning’s career throwing scores. Brees was injured earlier this season.but, in the eight games he’s played, he has three or more touchdowns more than half. In a prime-time game, Brees like to shine and play his best.
Running Back: Alvin Kamara needs a breakout game to get out of this slumping year. He does have 1,074 yards this season but the fans are missing his electrifying play from the backfield. He will attempt to overcome a stout defensive front from the Colts to help secure a team win.
Wide Receiver: The best receiver in the league, Michael Thomas is just a blast to watch. He has a record of his own within sights as he needs 23 more receptions to break the record with 144 season receptions. Thomas also leads the league with 1,424 receiving yards.
Tight End: Jared Cook will play Monday night after sustaining a concussion last week against the 49ers. He’s “Mr. Reliable” when the receivers are covered.
The Saints just have too many weapons plus a coach who won’t overlook a slouching Colts team for any upset this week. In a game that has huge potential to break more records, this is an exciting yet boring game to predict.
Prediction: Saints 34, Colts 13
