Nick's take:
Now is the time of year the Patriots slam down the gas pedal and all but completely shut the door on the division race, which hasn't been much of a race to begin with. It starts when Tom Brady and the Patriots host the Andrew Luck-led Colts in the friendly confines of Foxborough. New England's offense will have its way with Indianapolis' subpar defense, so Luck's likely stellar work against the Patriots' awful pass defense won't have much effect.
Prediction: Patriots 35, Colts 24
Dan's take:
Luck's been impressive of late, but he hasn't faced an opponent as complete as the Patriots since Week 1 in his ugly debut against the Chicago Bears. Luck and receiver Reggie Wayne will get their shots downfield against a terrible big-play defense, but running back Stevan Ridley and New England's dynamic passing attack will be too much for an Indianapolis defense allowing 350 yards per game.
Luck's been impressive of late, but he hasn't faced an opponent as complete as the Patriots since Week 1 in his ugly debut against the Chicago Bears. Luck and receiver Reggie Wayne will get their shots downfield against a terrible big-play defense, but running back Stevan Ridley and New England's dynamic passing attack will be too much for an Indianapolis defense allowing 350 yards per game.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Colts 27
As a rookie, Luck has proven that he will be near the top of the next generation of NFL passers. He will show that he is a worthy opponent for Brady, but in the end, the future hall-of-famer will engineer a victory for the hometown Patriots. But this game will be a thriller, and may be a playoff-matchup preview.
Prediction: Colts 24, Patriots 21
Sean's take:
As a rookie, Luck has proven that he will be near the top of the next generation of NFL passers. He will show that he is a worthy opponent for Brady, but in the end, the future hall-of-famer will engineer a victory for the hometown Patriots. But this game will be a thriller, and may be a playoff-matchup preview.Prediction: Colts 24, Patriots 21
