Patriots-Colts AFC Divisional Round Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) - The 98.5 The Sports Hub, WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and WBZ-TV Sports teams make their predictions for the Patriots' Saturday night AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Just by Shane Vereen's response when he was on our show, when he said "we run the ball now," I think that is going to be the trend going forward. It's going to be Blount, Ridley and Vereen leading the way on the ground.
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Dane Fletcher will also play better than what Andy Gresh says he will. It's going to be the defense doing a great job of bending but not breaking. Andrew Luck may have his 300 yards at the end of the day, but it's going to be the Patriots advancing to the AFC Championship.
Patriots 28, Colts 17
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
This one is a lot like the Bills game; running game, defense and special teams. That's how the Patriots are going to win this game.
Read: Patriots-Colts — How Do They Match Up?
I think the Patriots will lean on a light Colts' front, and while I do think the Colts will get 23-24 points, I'll take Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Patriots 34, Colts 21
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
The Colts may have a win under their belt and Luck on their side.
But the Patriots have Brady on their side, so I'll go with New England.
Patriots 42, Colts 24
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
I like the Patriots in this match-up a lot. Barring turnovers, I think the Pats should roll.
The Pats should be able to run for a ton of yards which should open up the passing game. On defense, the secondary is healthy and should find a way to match up against Luck, Hilton and company.
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I see the Pats opening up a lead and then it will be up to their defense to keep the Colts at bay.
Patriots 34, Colts 24
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
These teams hold something in common: Neither one of them understand the word quit. Both teams have numerous comebacks in the fourth quarter this season, and Saturday night will be a test of wills.
The Pats are best at making teams play left-handed, so they will do their best to take away T.Y. Hilton on offense and slow down Robert Mathis on defense. If they succeed at only one them, they win the game easy.
Andrew Luck is a special player, no doubt about it. He has a strong arm and he can punish you with his feet. His time is coming soon, I just don't think it's this weekend.
The Pats are the better team and they are tough at home. Expect LeGarrette Blount to run tough but Shane Vereen will be the big player here. The Colts have trouble defending running backs who catch the ball out of the backfield, so look for Vereen to have a big evening.
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
The Pats will do their best to shut down Hilton but they might have problems with tight end Coby Fleener. That still won't be enough for Indy though.
This game will be close, but then New England will force a turnover and break it open.
The Patriots win and get a chance to play the AFC Championship at home, because Denver loses to San Diego on Sunday. Peyton Manning throws a costly interception and on his way out of the stadium, hears the fans are chanting "Favre... Favre...."
Patriots 34, Colts 24
Tune in to Patriots-Colts Saturday night on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV — the flagship stations of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage begins on 98.5 at 5pm and on WBZ-TV at 7pm, with full postgame shows following the game.