The Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and Atlanta Falcons (6-8) are just about set to face off for a Week 16 matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
The sportsbooks have the Colts sitting as road underdogs while the experts around the league are heavily siding with the Indy to win on the road.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 16 matchup shaking out:
Kevin Hickey: Colts 20, Falcons 17
I would have much more confidence in this prediction if WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) was playing, but the Colts still can find a way to get the job done. They will simply need to lean on the services of rookie WR Josh Downs and the tight end room a little more.
Getting RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) back is a key piece for the offense. That should help the heavy RPO script against a stout Falcons defense that ranks top-10 in several defensive categories. Where the Colts can win is defensively.
Taylor Heinicke will be under center after Desmond Ridder’s second benching of the season. Making him beat the defense while focusing on rookie RB Bijan Robinson can lead the way to a tough road win.
With the playoffs on the line, Shane Steichen’s crew finds a way to get it done.
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
Cody Manning: Colts 24, Falcons 21
The Indianapolis Colts offense starts the game hot riding Jonathan Taylor in his return from a three-game absence. The star back explodes in the first half to help set up a couple of touchdown drives.
It looks like it will be the Colts’ day until the Atlanta Falcons find life with Bijan Robinson. He helps set up a big third quarter for their offense to take the lead entering the fourth quarter.
Indianapolis finds a way to win it after DeForest Buckner gets a strip-sack fumble to set up a game-winning drive. It’s Taylor that closes out the game with a go-ahead score.
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CodyTalksNFL)
Meghan Hall: Colts 28, Falcons 14
The Colts have a chance to help themselves this week by getting an out-of-conference win against a team that is struggling to maintain consistency. Look for Minshew to exploit the defense with a returning Jonathan Taylor and Alec Pierce deep down the sidelines as Michael Pittman Jr. is on the mend. Also, this defense should have plenty of opportunities to pressure Taylor Heinicke and cause havoc. I’m boldly predicting a touchdown from the unit.
Follow Meghan on Twitter (@ItsMeghanLHall)
Cody Felger: Colts 24, Falcons 17
This Atlanta squad definitely has talent on its roster. With Arthur Smith on the hot seat, expect him to try to get some of the stars involved. However, don’t think it’ll be enough to overcome the shortcomings of the disappointing 2023 Falcons
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CPFelger55)
Season Standings
| Writer | SU | ATS |
| Kevin Hickey | 10-4 | 10-4 |
| Cody Manning | 10-4 | 9-5 |
| Meghan Hall | 10-4 | 10-4 |
| Cody Felger | 8-4 | 8-4 |
