Colts vs. Ravens: Preview, score prediction for Week 16
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens remain very much in the playoff hunt and look to stay alive on Saturday afternoon at home when they take on the Indianapolis Colts. Chuck Pagano’s team has dropped five straight games and is just 1-6 on the road this season.
Without Andrew Luck taking the field this season, it’s hard to blame the Colts for their struggles, especially as it pertains to new general manager Chris Ballard. Having said that, Jacoby Brissett and company have a chance to play spoiler against a Ravens team that has been lackluster just as often as they’ve been impressive.
Taking the field on Saturday in this matchup for Week 16, how do things shake out?
Keys to Victory
The Colts defense remains one of the worst in the league and is but one of the numerous reasons the club is suffering through its worst showing since 2011. Only two teams in the NFL have allowed more total yards per game and only the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers have surrendered more yards per game on the ground.
Led by running back Alex Collins, the Ravens’ running game has enjoyed a slight revival this season. In eight of their 14 outings, Baltimore has totaled at least 125 yards rushing. It’s hard to imagine Pagano’s defenders slowing down Collins, who has run for 844 yards and five touchdowns this year.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Ravens (-14.5)
Moneyline: Colts -130, Ravens +110
Over/Under: 41
Prediction
It’s been a bit of an up and down year for John Harbaugh’s veteran squad. But it is that time of the year when we usually see Joe Flacco and company play their best football. This year it’s been more about a team that has totaled an NFL-high 33 takeaways.
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As for the Indianapolis Colts, it’s a third consecutive year in which they won’t be going to the playoff. And it’s very difficult to find many positives when it comes to the team these days. It figure to be another long outing for Pagano and this club.
Final Score: Baltimore Ravens: 30, Indianapolis Colts: 7