Colts vs. Saints: Staff picks and predictions for Week…

Colts vs. Saints: Staff picks and predictions for Week 8

The Indianapolis Colts (3-4) will be hosting the New Orleans Saints (3-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for a Week 8 matchup.

The sportsbooks have the Colts sitting as home underdogs and the experts around the league lean slightly with Indy in this matchup, though it’s a close decision.

Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 8 matchup shaking out:

Kevin Hickey: Colts 23, Saints 21

This is shaping up to be a close game that comes down to the wire. Both teams have a knack for competing closely in one-score decisions, and it’s likely to be the same on Sunday.

Both teams are dealing with some injuries, and they’ll both be looking to feature star power at the running back position and plenty of talent in the trenches. The Saints defense will provide a tough test, but Shane Steichen has proven he’s capable of scoring points even when there are some tough obstacles.

Gardner Minshew avoids turning the ball over another four times, and it’s enough to hold a small lead while the defense forces Derek Carr and the Saints to be one-dimensional.

Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

Cody Manning: Colts 28, Saints 24

The Indianapolis Colts get off to a strong start behind Jonathan Taylor creating a few explosive plays in the first half that lead to a couple touchdown drives.

But the New Orleans are able to match that with Alvin Kamara giving the Indy defense fits in the passing attack. It’s a back and forth matchup that is a close one late in the fourth quarter.

Shaquille Leonard comes up with his biggest play of the season by punching a ball out to force a fumble to set up the offense with great field goal position. Gardner Minshew ends up connecting with Alec Pierce for the go-ahead score and the defense closes it out I the final minutes

Follow Cody on Twitter (@CodyTalksNFL)

Meghan Hall: Saints 24, Colts 21

I don’t know what it is, but the Saints have the Colts’ number. It doesn’t matter who is at quarterback, the team simply struggles. (Super Bowl anyone?) Also, the team is a bit banged right now and Gardner Minshew is turning the ball over at a bit of an alarming rate. Eight turnovers in two games is not great. It just doesn’t bode well. Unfortunately, I’m taking the Saints, as gross as that feels.

Follow Meghan on Twitter (@ItsMeghanLHall)

Cody Felger: Colts 28, Saints 17

It seems like both these teams are headed in opposite directions despite the same record. With how well the Colts moved the ball against the Browns last week, I expect them to continue where they left off. If Minshew can take care of the football, I forsee the Colts dominating this game, especially on the ground.

Follow Cody on Twitter (@CPFelger55)