The NFL playoff race is starting to heat up. While most media platforms are focusing on the Seattle against Buffalo and Tampa Bay against New Orleans games, the biggest game of the week could be in Indianapolis. The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. Each team comes into the contest with 5-2 records and second in their respective divisions.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are coming into this game on a two-game winning streak following a comeback win over Cincinnati two weeks ago and a 41-21 victory over Detroit last week. Surprisingly, the defense and balanced offense have been the two biggest reasons. Another surprise has been the fact that there is a three-headed backfield. Jonathan Taylor hasn’t been as great as many expected, and as a result, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins are getting more valuable touches. Philip Rivers has been fantastic recently with over 600 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception in the last two games. Unfortunately for Rivers, T.Y. Hilton will miss Sunday’s game, as well as Ashton Dulin. That makes more room for Michael Pittman, who is returning from an injury of his own this week. It will be a lot of Pittman, Zach Pascal, and the trio of tight ends for Rivers to target this week.
The defense for Indianapolis has been great this season. Finally, the pass rush appeared against Detroit last week and will have to be a main focal point this week against a depleted Baltimore offensive line. The run defense for Indianapolis will force Baltimore to pass more with Lamar Jackson as the defense stifles Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins led by Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke. The secondary for Indianapolis has been another surprise led by the resurgence of Xavier Rhodes and the inspiring play of Julian Blackmon. The only options in the passing attack will be Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews. Andrews might have a quiet game as both Leonard and Okereke match up well against him.
Baltimore Ravens
The last few days have been horrible for the Ravens. They lost Ronnie Stanley for the year and are now down to their backups for at least two positions. Then, Marlon Humphrey got COVID-19, leaving him out for Sunday’s game and sending Patrick Queen, Tyus Bowser, Malik Harrison, L.J. Fort, and DeShon Elliott onto the COVID list for the week. All of those players other than Humphrey will be available for the game. With Humphrey out, the Ravens will be relying on Marcus Peters and Jimmy Smith as starters. Smith is also dealing with an injury and may not play, leaving Terrell Bonds, who was also on the COVID list, as a starter. Mark Ingram will be missing another week as well as Chris Moore. Devin Duvernay is the team’s returner and has gotten more snaps recently, and he’s also dealing with an injury.
Tensions seem to be rising as Brown has gotten frustrated with Jackson in the passing attack. Against a tough Indianapolis defense, Jackson and the offense could become frustrated quickly and more tension amongst the offense.
Game Info
Date: November 8, 2020
Start Time: 12:00 P.M. CST
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: BAL -1 (-110) | IND +1 (-110)
Moneyline: BAL -125 | IND -105
Over/Under: O 47.5 (-110) | U 47.5 (-110)
This game is either going to go one of two ways. The first is that the Raven defense makes Rivers force some throws, and the Colts lose as a result, or the Colts defense makes life difficult for Jackson. Either team you choose, take the spread and take the under as this will be a defensive game.
Prediction
A game of this caliber is key to the playoff race for both teams. Indianapolis has to get after Jackson to have a chance in this game due to Baltimore’s injury woes on the offensive line. The Colts are getting healthy while the Ravens are struggling with injuries. Ultimately, the Indianapolis defense is too much and makes the game frustrating offensively for Jackson.
Final Score: Baltimore Ravens 17, Indianapolis Colts 21
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