Buccaneers (7-3) at Colts (6-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Buccaneers by 2 1⁄2
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: The biggest key for QB Tom Brady and the Buccaneers is to keep the ball safe. The Colts lead the NFL with 25 takeaways and have the knack to force turnovers in clutch situations. Brady has been efficient but must keep the momentum. Leaning on the stellar WR duo in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans should help move the offense while RB Leonard Fournette needs to continue to balance out the offense. The offensive line has to keep Brady clean in order to find holes against the zone-heavy defense. DE Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul have to get constant pressure to keep the Colts’ offense out of rhythm while making the run game a priority.
Colts’ keys to victory: The offense starts with RB Jonathan Taylor. The league leader in rushing yards (1,122) and rushing TDs (13) will need to be the engine against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. QB Carson Wentz must handle pressure well while avoiding costly turnovers. Getting consistent pressure from rookie DE Kwity Paye and DT DeForest Buckner will be key to keeping the Bucs’ offense in check.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers LT Donovan Smith vs. Colts’ Paye: If the Colts want any chance at an upset, Paye has to continue his development as a pass rusher as he’s done over the last few weeks.
Who wins? The Colts have been playing well over the last two months and the Buccaneers have proved to be beatable, but it’s hard to bet against Brady and how well he’s playing
Bucs 28-24