The New Orleans Saints host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 on Monday Night Football and this is a favorable chance for them to bounce back from a disappointing loss against the San Francisco 49ers.
It's important to remember, this is a must-win game for the Saints if they want any chance at the home-field advantage. They are going to be motivated to get the job done.
Let's breakdown four reasons the Saints will defeat the Colts.
4. Key Injuries to the Colts
The Colts are really banged up on the offensive side of the ball and there aren't a ton of playmakers left. When looking at the names on the injured reserve list, it's concerning as they include the following; Parris Campbell, Chester Rogers, Devin Funchess, and Eric Ebron.
Let's not forget, T.Y. Hilton has also missed the Colts' last two games with a calf injury and it's unclear if he is going to be able to play against the Saints. Even if he does, it's difficult to imagine that he is going to be healthy enough to make a major impact. That will prove to be a significant blow to Indianapolis.
Other players like Marcus Johnson have stepped up for the Colts as of late, but it won't be enough. Jacoby Brissett is the type of quarterback that needs a lot of talented playmakers around him and right now, that is now what he has to work with.
3. Latavius Murray & the Saints' Running Game
Many still focus on Alvin Kamara when discussing the running game of the Saints, and for good reason. However, there can be an argument made that the most impactful running back on the team lately has actually been Latavius Murray.
Against the 49ers, Murray only had seven carries and still finished with 69 yards. Both Kamara and Murray are a picture-perfect complement to one another and that will be on full display against the Colts. There is no reason they can't be a strong one-two punch in this matchup.
2. The Precision of Drew Brees
The Saints might have lost last Sunday against the 49ers but that wasn't Drew Brees' fault. He completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 349 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. His performance resulted in an impressive passer rating of 138.4,
Meanwhile, the Colts are coming off a display that featured allowing Jameis Winston to pass all over the field. Winston finished the game throwing for 456 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. Keep in mind, he couldn't really grip the football in the second half due to a fracture in his thumb, too.
Brees is going to light up the scoreboard against this Colts defense and he is going to have a game a lot like Winston. He isn't going to throw four interceptions, but don't be surprised if he passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns.
1. Michael Thomas's Individual Excellence
During their loss to the Buccaneers, the Colts allowed Chris Godwin to catch seven passes for 91 yards. Now, imagine what's going to happen when going up against a quarterback like Brees who is throwing to a receiver like Michael Thomas?
Thomas is playing like the best wide receiver in football. So far this season, he has caught 121 passes for 1,424 yards and seven touchdowns. He is coming off a game against the 49ers where he caught 11 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.
The Colts' secondary is going to have no answer for Thomas and won't be able to stop him from running wild all over them. Don't be shocked if he has a bigger game than he had against the 49ers.
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