November 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) huddles up with teammates during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
This week the Bills take on first overall pick Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in a game that could jump start the team into playoff contention. We talked to Naptown’s Finest editor Jeremy Nicholas about this weeks matchup.
Andrew Luck experienced the most adversity he’s likely faced in his young NFL career last week against the Patriots. How do you think he bounces back from that this week?
Luck has played very well at home, but has struggled mightily on the road. This team has been galvonized by the ailment to head coach Chuck Pagano, and home games have been very exciting affairs. Luck was very upset with his sub-par performance against the Pats, and I’d expect him to be studied-up from the film and ready to come out slinging.
Where does the Colts defense stand at this point?
On very shaky legs. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis played their first full game of the season together last week, and it almost seemed like they weren’t there. Cornerback Vontae Davis will miss another game, and Jerraud Powers has been put on IR, so the seconday might be wide open for Ryan Fitzpatrick and Stevie Johnson.
The Colts are still very in the playoff race. What do you think their chances are of making the playoffs in the first year of the Andrew Luck era?
I picked this team to go 8-8 this season, but 9-7 looks very possible. I didn’t expect them to make the playoffs, but with the AFC being so muddy in the middle, I could very well see them making the playoffs if they win this week and remain strong at home. The Colts control their own destiny, and I’m thinking they took last week’s loss to heart.
From a Colts fans perspective, what is it like seeing Peyton Manning’s success with the Broncoes this season?
Manning’s success is bittersweet. As good as it is to see him healthy, it’s hard to see him doing pizza commercials in an orange jersey. A lot of people around Indy are still pulling for Peyton, and if the playoffs started today, the Colts would be traveling to Denver. I’m not sure how to feel about that match-up just yet. It’d be like inviting your ex-girlfriend to your wedding.
Whats your prediction for this week’s game?
It’s hard to say which Bills team and which Colts team we are going to see on Sunday. Both teams have had up-and-down seasons so far. I’m expecting big days from Fitzpatrick and Johnson on offense, and from Mario Williams on defense. I could see a high-scoring game, with the Colts coming out on top at home 26-23, but my predictions have been pretty bad for the most part this season.
Take the Jump to read my answers for Naptown’s Finest, including my thoughts on C.J. Spiller and the current position of the Buffalo Bills.