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Comparing these teams' recent stats may be misleading. The Colts allowed a median of only 268 total yards in their last four outings, but those outings were against the Titans, 49ers, Rams and Texans.....Not exactly the cream of the league. The Patriots allowed a median of 426 total yards, but that was against the Chargers, Falcons, Broncos and Bills.....A much better level of competition. (The average NFL team allows 335.3 total yards per game.) The Colts gained a median of 371 offensive yards and the Patriots gained a median of 350 yards.
Just comparing the stats would indicate Indianapolis should win by a mile until one considers the strength of opponents. Nevertheless, all things considered, Indianapolis figures to win this game by more than a touchdown, maybe by double digits. The Patriots appear vulnerable to a ground attack, allowing a median of 165 rushing yards while gaining a median of only 92 rushing yards of their own. While the average NFL team gains about 112 yards on the ground, the Colts have rushed for a median of 205 rushing yards per game. Moreover, the Colts have been extremely difficult to throw against. Don't think the Patriots can launch a prolonged effective air attack against the Colts, even though that was New England's most effective weapon against recent opponents.
I'm taking Colts...
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