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Colts at Jets: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Nov 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands off to New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands off to New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 5-6 Indianapolis Colts still have a shot at the AFC South title. They need a win over the New York Jets on Monday night to change their fortunes.

The last we saw the Indianapolis Colts, Chuck Pagano’s Andrew Luck-less club was busy being pushed around by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving night.

Three days later at MetLife Stadium, the New York Jets also lost at home. The team couldn’t hold on to a slim lead against the New England Patriots and came up short, 22-17. A team that finished with 10 wins a year ago sports a 3-8 record and is currently riding a three-game losing streak.

Now these two clubs prepare to clash for the second straight year on Monday Night Football. A year ago, New York won at Indianapolis, 20-7, in Week 2. This year, the Colts remain in the running for a division title. Meanwhile, Todd Bowles’ club has already been mathematically eliminated in the AFC East.

Odds

Line: Colts (-2.5)
Over/Under: 49.5

Can the Jets help spoil Indianapolis’ season? Only if quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick can come through with a mistake-free effort and running back Matt Forte and the running game dominates this contest. Meanwhile, the Colts’ run defense is its usual suspect self, ranking 23rd in the NFL after 12 weeks of play.

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To be honest, the Jets are the better team in the trenches. And don’t expect veteran running back Frank Gore to have much of an evening against the league’s fourth-ranked run defense. However, we have seen the New York secondary burned deep on far too many occasions this season. With Luck having T.Y. Hilton at his disposal, it will be interesting to see how many shots the Colts’ offense takes downfield against Darrelle Revis and company.

All told, this doesn’t figure to be a thing of beauty as neither team is playing quality football. But we think that Luck will connect on a few of those deep throws. Meanwhile, the Jets remain too self-destructive and will find another way to give one up.

Pick: Colts 17, Jets 16

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