Colts vs Patriots Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/1/24
- J.A. Cavalier
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Colts vs Patriots (IND -2.5, 42.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
Indianapolis vs. New England | Sunday, December 1, 2024
This matchup features two highly regarded prospects from the last two NFL drafts. Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, will look to rebound after a tough loss to the Lions. On the other side, Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 Draft, will be seeking his first win since Week 10, when the team faced the Chicago Bears. While both teams have had disappointing seasons, they each have promising young quarterbacks to build around for the future. Though the 2024 playoffs may be out of reach, this game offers another opportunity to develop these quarterbacks and gain valuable experience for the future.
The Indianapolis Colts dropped to 5-7 after a tough loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 12, but they’re still very much in the hunt for the AFC South title, sitting just two games behind the Houston Texans. Despite investing heavily in Anthony Richardson with the 4th overall pick, the Colts' offense has struggled, averaging only 20.2 points per game (21st in the NFL) and 316.4 yards per game (22nd in the NFL). Richardson's development has been uneven, and the coaching staff even lost confidence in him earlier this season, benching him in favor of Joe Flacco. However, after back-to-back losses in Weeks 9 and 10, they returned to the second-year quarterback out of Florida, who began with a win in Week 11 against the Jets. Despite the challenges, a win in Week 13 would keep the Colts alive in the race for the AFC South, especially with Houston facing tough matchups against the Chiefs and Ravens in the coming weeks.
The New England Patriots made the switch to Drake Maye in Week 6, and while the results haven’t been ideal, the No. 3 overall pick has shown why the team drafted him so highly. The Patriots’ offense remains near the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category, ranking 32nd in Yards Per Game (280.2) and 31st in Points Per Game (16.4). Despite this, they may fancy their chances this week, going up against a Colts defense that is ranked 18th in yards conceded per game, with 375.8.
The Colts are particularly susceptible to the run, giving up the sixth most rushing yards with 142.6, but Maye has received little help from his running backs. New England are 28th in Rushing Touchdowns Per Game, with 0.6, and his wide receivers haven’t been much use either, with Ja’Lynn Polk leading the team in touchdowns with just 2. At 3-9, the Patriots are positioned for the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they’ll likely target reinforcements for their offensive line or perhaps an elite wide receiver, such as Travis Hunter, Luther Burden, or Tetairoa McMillan.
While many fans will be focused on other games around the league with greater playoff implications, this matchup will be a great display of young quarterbacks poised to shape the future of the NFL. Drake Maye and Anthony Richardson may not yet have the early career success of CJ Stroud or Jayden Daniels, but both have shown flashes of brilliance that hint at their immense potential. With their teams just a few key pieces away from contention, this game could serve as a glimpse into what’s to come as these rising stars continue to develop and elevate their franchises in the seasons ahead.
J.A. Cavalier NFL Triple Crown 6-0 NFL Guarantee. 3 straight, 3 parlays. One Week NFL $99 must go 6-0 or entire NFL season free. Straight through Super Bowl.
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Patriots +3