As the NFL season heats up, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an exciting matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. Scheduled for 1:00 pm ET on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams struggling this season, there’s plenty at stake, and the betting odds reflect the tight competition expected on the field.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The sportsbooks have set the stage with intriguing odds. At DraftKings, the Colts are favored with a point spread of -2.5, while the Patriots are at +2.5. The over/under is set at 42.5 points. Bet365 offers a slightly different line with the Colts at -3 and the Patriots at +3, maintaining the same over/under. BetMGM mirrors DraftKings with Colts -2.5 and Patriots +2.5. These odds suggest a close contest, with the Colts holding a slight edge.
Season Record
The Colts enter this game with a 5-7 record, placing them second in the AFC South. Meanwhile, the Patriots are struggling at 3-9, sitting at the bottom of the AFC East. Both teams have had their share of challenges this season, making this game pivotal for their respective campaigns.
Recent Form
In their last outing, the Colts suffered a 24-6 defeat at home to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 11 of 28 passes for 172 yards without a touchdown or interception. Despite his struggles, Richardson led the team in rushing with 61 yards, while Michael Pittman Jr. topped the receiving charts with 96 yards on six receptions. The defense, led by Zaire Franklin, failed to secure any interceptions.
The Patriots, on the other hand, lost 34-15 on the road to the Miami Dolphins. Drake Maye, their starting QB, threw for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Antonio Gibson managed only 31 rushing yards, and Demario Douglas led the receiving corps with 62 yards. The defense struggled, with no interceptions recorded.
Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots Preview and Analysis
The Colts are looking to bounce back from their recent loss and improve their 5-7 record. Despite their struggles, they remain in contention for the AFC South title. Anthony Richardson has faced challenges throughout the season, even losing his starting position at one point, but his rushing ability has been a bright spot. The Colts’ recent loss to the Lions, who boast the best record in the NFL, was a tough matchup, but they did manage a victory against the Jets the week before.
The Patriots, with a 3-9 record, are in dire need of a turnaround. Their defense has been porous, allowing 34 points to the Dolphins in their last game. While Drake Maye has improved the offense, the defense remains a significant concern, especially against a Colts team that excels in the ground game.
Colts vs Patriots Prediction
Given the current betting odds, the Colts are favored to cover the spread. Despite their 5-7 record, they have shown resilience and are still in the hunt for the division. The Patriots, however, have been one of the worst teams in the league this season, particularly struggling against the run. This matchup could play into the Colts’ strengths, making them a solid pick to cover the spread.
Colts Patriots Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Sunday, December 1, 2024 (1:00 pm ET start time) is Colts 20 Patriots 13. Don’t miss our expert handicappers’ free picks and insights for more NFL predictions and previews.
NFL Betting Trends
The Colts have been impressive against poor passing teams, boasting a 5-0 ATS record against teams averaging 175 or fewer passing yards per game. They are also 5-1 ATS when facing teams with a win percentage of 25% or less. On the flip side, the Patriots have struggled, going 16-27 ATS in all games and 5-14 ATS at home.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this matchup. For the Colts, T. Lewis (DE) is questionable with an elbow injury, while B. Raimann (T) is out with a knee issue. The Patriots have several players listed as questionable, including C. Gonzalez (CB) with a hip injury and K. White (DE) with a knee problem.
Notable Quotes
Shane Steichen, Colts’ head coach, emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, saying, “We’ve got to take advantage of our opportunities. This league comes down to inches, it comes down to yards, and you’ve got to take advantage of those opportunities.” Meanwhile, Patriots’ coach Jerod Mayo highlighted the challenges of game-day execution, stating, “Once those guys cross the white lines, there’s nothing I can do for them. It’s my job to continue to prepare not only them but our coaches as well.”
Starting Lineups
For the Colts, the starting lineup features Anthony Richardson at QB, Jonathan Taylor at RB, and Michael Pittman Jr. as a key receiver. The Patriots will field Drake Maye at QB, Rhamondre Stevenson at RB, and Kendrick Bourne as a primary receiver.
Statistical Leaders
The Colts’ Anthony Richardson leads in passing with 1,402 yards, while Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 708 yards. Alec Pierce is the top receiver with 629 yards. For the Patriots, Drake Maye has thrown for 1,458 yards, Rhamondre Stevenson has rushed for 598 yards, and Hunter Henry leads in receiving with 535 yards.
As the Colts and Patriots prepare to clash, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see which team can capitalize on their opportunities and come out on top.
