Sunday features a matchup of first-place teams as the NFC North’s Green Bay Packers (7-2) will take on the AFC South’s Indianapolis Colts (6-3). The Colts will play host at Lucas Oil Stadium, and kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 pm ET.
The Packers currently sit comfortably in the NFC North driver’s seat, but they would love to get a big win over another playoff-bound team. Their only other impressive win was over the Saints in Week 4, and after a close 24-20 win over the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, Aaron Rodgers and company could use a confidence boost over a tough Colts team.
The Colts come into this week after a big game last week where they beat the Tennessee Titans, 34-17, on the road. With the same record as the Titans, they currently hold the tiebreaker. They have now won three of their last four and will look to stay hot at home, where they are currently 3-1 on the season.
As the home team, the Colts are the slight favorites in this one. They are currently -126 to win while the Packers are +108. The spread features the Packers +1.5 while the over/under for total points is 51.
By The Numbers
Offensively, Green Bay has been one of the best teams in the league this season. They rank 3rd overall in points scored at 30.8 per game. The Colts drop to 14th overall, where they are averaging 26.9 points per game.
Defensively, it is the Colts who hold the advantage. They rank 4th overall as they are allowing just 19.7 points per game to opponents. They are exceptionally tough against the pass, as they rank 2nd overall, allowing just 198.7 yards to opponents. The Packers come in 15th overall as they are allowing 24.9 points per game.
Packers Look For Better Showing Than Last Week
After getting a scare from the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, the Packers are going to need to play significantly better to beat a tough Colts team on the road. Leading the way for the Packers will be quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
On the season, Rodgers has been phenomenal. He has thrown for 2,578 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. His leading receiver this season has been Davante Adams, who has 61 receptions for 741 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the ground, Aaron Jones has led the way with 103 rushes for 493 yards and five touchdowns. Jones also has 28 receptions for 231 yards and another two scores.
Colts Hope To Defend Home Field
The Indianapolis Colts have used their defense to propel themselves into the top spot in their division and will need to do so again on Sunday to take down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
The defensive leaders for the Colts this season have been Bobby Okereke (41 tackles), Denico Autry (6 sacks), and a trio of players (Julian Blackmon, T.J. Carrie, and Kenny Moore II) with two interceptions each.
Offensively, the Colts are led by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers. On the season, he has thrown for 2,395 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Through the air, Nyheim Hines (33 receptions, 265 yards, four touchdowns) and Zach Pascal (28 receptions, 330 yards, two touchdowns) have led the way.
On the ground, it has been Jonathan Taylor who technically leads the Colts (113 rushes, 428 yards, four touchdowns), but they have been mixing it up a little bit, going with the hot hand as of late.
Defense Wins Out For Colts
This should be a really fun matchup as the Colts’ stellar defense takes on Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. This really has the potential to be a low-scoring game, and I think playing at Lucas Oil Field will help the Colts in the long run.
It will be close throughout, but I think that the Colts ultimately not only win this one but cover the 1.5-point spread as well.
