The Indianapolis Colts (5-5) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) in the early slate of week 12 action. These two teams met last year, and it was the Colts who prevailed with a convincing 24-10 win. Both of these teams have been mediocre this year, and Indy will be starting Gardener Minshew, their backup, with rookie Anthony Richardson out for the season. Baker Mayfield has had a decent year and will look to get the Bucs back in the win column. Can the Colts pick up another win, or will Tampa Bay get a much-needed win?
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Odds and Match Details
Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
Tampa Bay | +2.5
-108 |
O44.5
-112 |
+120 |
Indianapolis | -2.5
-112 |
U44.5
-108 |
-142 |
**Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** |
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- Fixture: Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis
- Date and Time: November 26, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Gametime Weather: 50% chance of rain, 37° F
Key Stats
Indianapolis Colts
- Points Per Game: 24.2
- Points Allowed Per Game: 24.8
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 56-143
- 4th Down Efficiency: 8-18
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 218.1
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 6.8
- Passing TDs: 11
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 118.0
- Rushing TDs: 13
- Sacks: 22
- Interceptions: 7
The Colts are currently third in the AFC South standings and, despite the injuries, have been a scrappy team all year. Indy is coming off a 10-6 win over New England in their last game and has won two in a row. Minshew completed 18-28 passes for 194 yards and an interception. Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with eight catches for 84 yards, while Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 23 times for 69 yards and the game-deciding touchdown.
Gardner Minshew has thrown for 1,721 yards, while Zack Moss leads the team with 617 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Michael Pittman Jr. has amassed 677 receiving yards, while fellow teammate Josh Downs has put together a stellar season.
Indianapolis’ defense has been inconsistent all season and gave up over 300 yards of total offense to the Patriots. They do have playmakers like DeForest Buckner, Julian Blackmon, and Kwity Paye, to name a few, and have a few games where they were impressive. Zaire Franklin leads the team with 117 tackles, while Julian Blackmon has secured three interceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Points Per Game: 19.2
- Points Allowed Per Game: 20.0
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 56-138
- 4th Down Efficiency: 7-11
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 227.8
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 6.8
- Passing TDs: 15
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 76.9
- Rushing TDs: 4
- Sacks: 20
- Interceptions: 6
Tampa Bay is currently third in the NFC South standings, while the Saints are first with a record of 5-5. This division is wide open, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. This Bucs team has been a disappointment all year.
Considering the talent they have, they should be at least first in their division. Baker Mayfield has had a decent season, completing 64.6% of his passes for 2,389 yards. He has thrown 15 touchdowns and six interceptions and carries an awful QBR of 55.3.
The running game has been non-existent, while this talented receiving corps of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have stagnated this year. The defense has been good at times, but when the offense can’t score, opponents don’t need to score a bunch to win. The run defense has been exceptional, only allowing four touchdowns all year.
Game Prediction
This game will be a close one, but I think Tampa Bay’s defense is the difference-maker in this one. Mayfield is a better quarterback than Minshew and has way better weapons at his disposal. I am rolling with the underdog in this and taking the Bucs to win outright. I see Mike Evans being a matchup nightmare for Indy, and the Bucs’ run defense will limit the run-heavy Colts.
Final Pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +120 ML
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