Colts at Patriots 10/4/18 - NFL Picks & Predictions

The week five NFL schedule will get underway with a Thursday night matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots from Gillette Stadium. The Colts have lost three of their first four games to start the season and are coming off a questionable 37-34 home loss versus Houston. Indianapolis failed to convert a fourth down from their own 43 yard line with less than a minute that allowed the Texans to score the winning field goal. Andrew Luck threw for 464 yards and four touchdowns in defeat.

Through four games, Indianapolis ranks 24th in the league in total offense and is scoring 23.5 points on average. New England has looked a step slow on defense, ranking 12th in yards allowed and giving up 21 points per contest. Reports of the New England Patriots’ demise have been greatly exaggerated and they remain the team to beat in the AFC until they are dethroned. On Sunday, New England dismantled visiting pretenders Miami during an easy 38-7 victory. The Patriots outgained the Dolphins by a 449-172 margin and forced two turnovers. Tom Brady threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns to lead the New England offense.

For the season, New England ranks 23rd in total offense and is scoring 23.8 points per game. Indianapolis will look to bounce back with a defense that ranks 19th in yards allowed and surrenders 25.0 points per game.