Indianapolis Colts

No deflating the focus when Patriots meet Colts

Published Oct. 3, 2018 5:51 p.m. ET

Pardon us, but there's no deflating the focus whenever Andrew Luck and the Colts head to Gillette Stadium.

Like everyone else, Pro Picks would be leaving its readers flat if it didn't mention the saga of footballs without enough air that penetrated the AFC championship game in the 2014 season when New England hosted Indianapolis.

It would also be shirking our responsibility to ignore the fact that, like four years ago, this is pretty much a mismatch. The Patriots get back Tom Brady's favorite wideout, Julian Edelman, a few days after seemingly fixing their problems on both sides of the ball as they routed Miami.

The Patriots have won the past five regular-season matchups and the past seven overall.

New England, No. 7 in the AP Pro32, is a hefty — some might say inflated — 10½-point favorite over No. 25 Indianapolis. We think it's no problem giving up that many.

PATRIOTS, 33-19

KNOCKOUT POOL: The Jaguars did the job rather easily against the Jets last weekend. This week, we'll get it out of the way early with the PATRIOTS.

No. 27 (tie) New York Giants (plus 7) at No. 9 Carolina

The Giants are showing no reason to think they can stay with the fresh and skilled Panthers.

BEST BET: PANTHERS, 27-13

No. 11 Green Bay (minus 1) at No. 24 Detroit

This line basically means who will win. Detroit will.

UPSET SPECIAL: LIONS, 26-24

No. 3 Jacksonville (plus 3) at No. 2 Kansas City

The Jaguars have a defense to slow Chiefs Express, end KC's unbeaten season.

JAGUARS, 23-21

No. 1 Los Angeles Rams (minus 7) at No. 18 Seattle