NFL Predictions: Colts vs. Buccaneers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 03 October 2011 17:03

Our preview of the Monday Night Football game between the Colts and Buccaneers includes score predictions.

Things have not gone as planned for the Indianapolis Colts (0-3) this season, but they’ll have a chance to earn their first win in the NFL week 4 Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1).  Legends Sportsbook is indicating a blowout with the Buccaneers as 11-point favorites, and our preview and score predictions will let you know if they are correct in that assessment.

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Indianapolis opened up their winless season with a 7-34 road loss against the Houston Texans before dropping a 19-27 final against the Cleveland Browns.  The Colts were again at home last time out but fell just short as 10.5-point underdogs in a 20-23 loss versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Quarterback Kerry Collins (481 yards, 48.9%, 2 TD, 1 INT) has not been good at quarterback, and the elderly veteran is doubtful to play on Monday night because if a concussion.

The Buccaneers started off their year with a 20-27 home loss against the Detroit Lions before going on the road to pull off a big comeback in a 24-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.  Tampa Bay bested the Atlanta Falcons 16-13 last time out to extend their record to 2-1, but it is interesting to note that the Buccaneers have been outgained in total yardage in all 3 games.  Tight end Kellen Winslow has a sore knee but is expected to be on the field when the 8:30 PM ET start time rolls around.

Curtis Painter (60 yards, 45.5%, 0 TD, 0 INT) will be the likely quarterback for the Colts tonight, and I’m not expecting much from this offense.  The Buccaneers allow nearly 400 yards a game and are a very beatable defense, but how bad is Painter that he couldn’t beat out an ineffective veteran that had little knowledge of the offense?  The Colts are running for 90.0 yards a game and will have to be productive in that department if they want to have a chance to keep this Monday night clash close.

Tampa’s offense has struggled in the run department, but quarterback Josh Freeman (682 yards, 67.9%, 2 TD, 4 INT) has made the necessary plays when needed.  Indianapolis has allowed 251.7 passing yards on average this season, but the Colts’ run “D” has been surprisingly good (3.3 yards per carry allowed).  Defensive end Dwight Freeney (ankle) and cornerback Antoine Bethea (heel) are probable, while linebacker Ernie Sims (knee) is questionable to play for the Colts’ defense.

Although the point spread is huge and the Buccaneers are, in my opinion, a bit overrated, I have to back the home favorite to win big here.  The Colts will see whatever rushing production they had go down the tubes once the Buccaneers realize that Painter isn’t able to make the throws.  Indianapolis’ offense will turn the ball over regularly and they honestly may be shut out.  Tampa has enough weapons to put 17 points or more on the board, and that is about all they’ll need to leave with a victory.

Colts vs. Buccaneers Score Predictions:

Colts 6

Buccaneers 24