There’s plenty of reason to back the Patriots here given they have won and covered six straight, but they’ve also been up against one of the NFL’s easiest schedules over the last stretch. The Colts have also upped their play significantly and are coming off a bye in straight desperation mode to make the playoffs as a wild card. Both teams will be looking to stop the run and make the opposing quarterback win the game. The scariest part about taking Indianapolis is the nagging feeling of Carson Wentz doing something boneheaded against Bill Belichick’s defense. But Mac Jones is still a rookie despite his improved play, and with the line falling a point and again becoming reasonable, there is value in the Colts at home in primetime.

I don't understand why the Patriots, who are red-hot and have won seven straight games, are underdogs. The Colts have beaten only two decent teams this season (49ers and Bills). I realize RB Damien Harris is out for New England, but Bill Belichick always seems to find a way. I'm on the Pats.

I'm skeptical that the Patriots, in their attempt to take away what an opponent does best, can completely bottle up the best RB in the game. However, the Patriots offense looks capable of hanging around against good defenses. In fact, the Pats have lost by at least three points just once in regulation all season, and if you throw out the Buffalo wind game, the Patriots went eight straight games scoring at least 24 points. With a lowish total of 45, the Patriots could very well win this game if they get to 24 again here. I love getting points with Bill Belichick having two weeks to prepare for a game; how often do we get that opportunity?