New England Patriots: 3 Bold predictions for Week 5 vs. Colts

The New England Patriots will face off against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night, coming off a short week of practice and rest, eager to build momentum after their previous blowout win.

The New England Patriots will be hosting an Indianapolis Colts team on Thursday Night Football in Week 5 that has been struggling in the first quarter of the season at (1-3). The two franchises have been at odds ever since the AFC Championship Game that sparked the entire “Deflategate” controversy.

The Colts have not had any measure of success against the Patriots since Andrew Luck became their starting quarterback. Tom Brady is 5-0 in regular season and postseason matchups against Luck.

The Patriots will have Julian Edelman back into the lineup after serving his four-game suspension, Edelman’s return will give the receiving corps a boost, not to mention a security blanket for Brady, who will have his most trustworthy receiver back in the slot.

With that in mind, let us break down our three bold predictions for this Thursday night matchup:

1. Brady throws for three touchdowns

Tom Brady will have a chance to make history tonight as he embarks on eclipsing the 500 touchdown mark, he currently has 497 career touchdowns. Brady will have all his weapons available against the Colts including Rob Gronkowski, who was questionable due to an ankle injury but is expected to be active.

The combination of Edelman, Gronkowski and Gordon should make it easy for Brady to complete the task against the Colts mediocre pass defense, which is ranked 18th, giving up 268 yards per game.

Brady will enter the exclusive 500 Club after tonight’s game, joining Peyton Manning, who has (539) and Brett Favre who holds (508). Brady’s offensive onslaught will also lead to a Patriots win that will put them back on track with a 3-2 record and a satisfying win over a rival.

2. Sony Michel rushes for 150 yards 

The rookie running back had a breakout game against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown. Michel’s performance proved the potential he has as a running back who could become a key cog in the Patriots system.

Building upon his onslaught against the Dolphins, Michel will be able to duplicate his performance against the Colts, who historically have had nightmares contending with New England’s running game. Indianapolis ranks 17th in running defense in terms of yards, they allow 109.2 yards per game which could be exploited.

The Patriots offensive line will be able to open gaps in the Colts defensive line more often than not, Michel showed flashes of quick movement plus an ability to change direction in the open field. In addition to James White, who is able to run and catch passes from the backfield, the Colts will have their hands full with the dynamic duo.

3. Edelman makes an impact

New England’s rough start on offense could be due to the slew of new players simply adapting to the playbook. However, the absence of Edelman cannot be brushed aside due to the wavelength and trust he garners from Brady.

Not only is Edelman a security blanket when situations become rough or if the pocket is collapsing around Brady, but he also serves as a target in the slot that essentially keeps Gronkowski from being double teamed on every play. During the 2016 season, Edelman spearheaded the offense with 1,106 receiving yards and 98 receptions.

The shifty slot receiver also makes a difference on third downs with short yardage plays that extend drives downfield. The entire offense benefits from Edelman’s presence on the field, and that will make a difference tonight against the Colts defense.

It will be difficult to discern how many targets Edelman will receive fresh off his suspension and injury, rust could play a factor early in the game, but I fully expect the veteran receiver to make a difference in the second half with four receptions.

Brady will target his favorite receiver on a few key third downs as well, which I expect Edelman to convert on. Beyond the statistics, Edelman will also facilitate and free up Gordon and Gronkowski at times giving them opportunities to make impact plays throughout the game.

Given the previous history between the Colts and Patriots, this game should provide a heightened intensity on the national stage. If previous matchups are any indication, Luck will continue to struggle in Foxboro, this matchup weighs heavily in New England’s favor and the Colts have not displayed any attributes that would result in doubting a Patriots victory.