2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 14

Indianapolis Colts (6-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)

Sunday, December 8, 1PM ET

I did not expect to be saying this at this point in the season, but it’s nearly time to stick a fork in the Indianapolis Colts. Since Jacoby Brissett was sidelined earlier in the year, it’s been all downhill for the Colts, who haven’t even bounced back since their starting quarterback’s return.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been half back in recent weeks. It’s too little, too late, as they only have a one percent chance of making the playoffs at this point — they’d need the Minnesota Vikings and a number of other clubs to essentially lose out while they win the rest of their games. That’s unlikely, which means they’re just playing for pride in Week 14.

The Colts aren’t, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to win. In fact, I’m predicting the opposite. Jameis Winston has been playing solid ball in recent weeks, and the Tampa Bay running game is helping. Tie that in with the Buccaneers defense led by young playmakers like Devin White and Shaq Barrett, and you’ve got a team that is more than capable of playing spoiler.

And they do just that to the Colts on Sunday. It’s a disappointing development for Indianapolis, a team that offered so much upside at the start of the season. A win here would help their cause, but I believe the Buccaneers will have other plans.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 41-28