New York Jets

Colts at Jets: Preview, Prediction, Odds

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets

Time for Todd Bowles and the embattled New York Jets to play out the string in the spoiler role as they play host to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The Jets are coming off of a spirited effort in a week 12 loss to the Patriots, dropping them to 3-8. The Indianapolis Colts enter the game 5-6 after a loss to the Steelers on Thanksgiving night. They remain in the mix, sitting one game behind in the AFC South race.

Andrew Luck looks to make his return, missing last week in concussion protocol. He has practiced all week so far and just needs to be cleared from protocol to be able to go. T.Y. Hilton has missed a couple of days of practice this week. With the difficulty the Jets have had defending the big play, he is a necessary weapon at Luck’s disposal. Ryan Fitzpatrick played better last week, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns against New England. He will need another efficient performance to give New York the chance for the upset.

The Colts lead the overall series between these two teams with a record of 40-28. They met in September 2015 when the Jets came away with a 20-7 road victory. Fitzpatrick threw for two scores that day, one to Brandon Marshall.

Keys To Victory

The Jets need to control the tempo on offense. That starts with a solid evening from Matt Forte. Fitzpatrick is at his best when the running game is effective and that means they must have a solid ground attack. He has rushed well against the Colts in the past, averaging over 101 yards per game in two previous contests. New York will be looking for more of the same out of their lead running back.

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On defense, they need to do something they haven’t done all season. They must get to the quarterback. Muhammad Wilkerson has been silent since signing his mega contract in the offseason. The Jets were supposed to have a dominant front four and we just haven’t seen it. If they are silent on Monday night it will be a long game for them.

The Colts need to get downfield on the Jets. Make them stop the long ball. They have not proven that they have been able to do so, so make them try. If T.Y. Hilton plays, make sure he is in your fantasy lineups as it will be a big night for him.

I can’t believe I am saying this, but they must attack Darrelle Revis. Who would have thought that would be in a game plan for an opposing offense? Receivers have been eating him up all season long, right up to last week when rookie Malcolm Mitchell torched him for two touchdowns. He can’t stop a nosebleed right now, and Andrew Luck needs to abuse him until he proves he can stop a receiver. He even avoids contact at times, which is a sad state of affairs for Jets fans.

Odds

Point Spread: Indianapolis -2.5
Moneyline: Indianapolis -135, New York +115
Over/Under: 49

Prediction

New York will show up in this one. Jets fans, you will not feel compelled to turn this one off at halftime. The Jets always play the Colts tough in the Andrew Luck era. The game against the Patriots tells us they haven’t quit. However, they don’t have the firepower to convert this into win number four.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts: 20, New York Jets: 17

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