The Indianapolis Colts actually match up pretty well with the Buffalo Bills. The Colts' biggest weakness is their pass defense, and the Bills don't necessarily have the offense to expose that. Indianapolis also has the size up front to slow down the run.
Running the ball is what Buffalo wants to do on offense.
On the other side, Jacoby Brissett is capable of making some big plays in the passing game. However, this is a good Buffalo defense. The Bills play a zone scheme that works well against a passing game like Indianapolis'. The Bills keep things in front of them and force opposing offenses to execute in increments all the way down the field.
Buffalo hasn't been great against the run, but running the ball isn't exactly a strength for the Colts. The Bills secondary will be able to limit big plays, while guys like Jerry Hughes and Kyle Williams will make life tough on Brissett.
Expect the Bills to escape with a win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Bills 27, Colts 23
MDS's take: It hasn't exactly been a successful season in Buffalo, and yet here they are likely to win this week, improve to 7-6 and find themselves right in the thick of the wild card race down the stretch. The Bills are still playoff contenders and have a good chance of finishing 9-7.
MDS's pick: Bills 28, Colts 20.
Florio's take: The playoffs remain elusive, but the Bills are good enough to beat a team that has been in a full-season free fall.
Florio's pick: Bills 24, Colts 14.
The Colts can't stop the run. The Bills can't stop the run. One team has LeSean McCoy, and the other has venerable Frank Gore. Should Tyrod Taylor miss the game for Buffalo, it won't be easy with Nathan Peterman. But expect the hosts to keep it simple and feed McCoy often to keep their front from being exposed by Gore, Marlon Mack and some Jacoby Brissett. A lot of running, a lot of field goals, a little Bills victory.
PICK: Bills win 19-16.
