There was a time when the Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots game would have been the biggest game on the NFL schedule. But with the Colts stuck in the mushy middle and the Patriots going through a rebuild, the game has lost almost all of its luster. Especially from the Patriots side, where they are nearly a field-goal home underdog.
How to watch Colts at Patriots
While things look bleak for the Patriots overall, there is a huge bright spot emerging in the presence of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Despite the team’s record, it is easy to see why the Patriots used the No. 3 pick of the draft on him and why they are excited about his development. He has a chance to really shine on Sunday going against a Colts defense that is allowing 233.3 passing yards per game (27th in the NFL).
On the opposite side of the field, things are not quite as rosy for the Colts quarterback situation. Anthony Richardson is still going through growing pains as a young passer. He got his starting job back, and after an impressive come-from-behind win on the road against the New York Jets, he quickly reverted back to inconsistency against Detroit, completing just 11-of-28 passes. He has completed under 50 percent of his passes in four of his eight starts this season, with two additional games where he was at exactly 50 percent.
The Patriots defense was supposed to be a bright spot this season but has badly underachieved. If Richardson can’t put up numbers against him, it will be really concerning for the Colts.
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots odds
Expert picks for Colts vs. Patriots
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Read more about NFL Week 13
Odds, picks for weekend games: Eagles-Ravens anchors rich post-Thanksgiving plate
Some games mean more: The Week 13 matchups that will have biggest impact on playoff odds
(Photo of Anthony Richardson: David Berding / Getty Images)