The Indianapolis Colts (7-3) take on the Arizona Cardinals (6-4) this Sunday in Phoenix, AZ. Arizona is 4-1 at home and Indianapolis is 4-1 on the road. The Cardinals are riding a three game winning streak, but the teams they have beaten during the streak have combined for five wins on the season. The Colts are their toughest opponent in over a month.
The Colts have a good record at 7-3, but their last three games have been rocky. In week nine, the Colts needed a fifteen point fourth quarter to beat the struggling Houston Texans. In week ten, the Colts had their worst game of the season with Andrew Luck throwing three interceptions in a 38-8 loss at home to the St. Louis Rams. Last week, the Colts got back on track with a 30-27 win against the Tennessee Titans. It was a good bounce back win, but a pattern of first half deficits seems to be forming.
A glaring statistical difference between the two teams is their rushing defenses. The Cardinals are second in the league, limiting opponents to 81.4 yards per game while the Colts are 28th , allowing 126.1 yards per game. Indianapolis’ rushing defense may not be exploited by Arizona because the Cardinals have the 25th ranked rushing attack at 85.6 yards per game.
I believe predicting a winner in this game comes down to the x-factor. Colts QB Andrew Luck is the x-factor. His leadership and overall skill level make up for being on the road against a good team. Not having WR Reggie Wayne will make it a close game, but the Colts will pull it out in the end. Colts win 24-21.
Game information
Date: November 24, 2013
Start time: 4:05 PM ET
Location: Phoenix, AZ
TV: CBS
Line: Arizona -1
Over/Under: 45
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