Indianapolis Colts (8-6) vs. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)
Colts vs. Falcons December 24, 2023 – As the NFL’s Week 16 unfolds, an intriguing matchup is set to take place between the Indianapolis Colts, with a commendable record, and the Atlanta Falcons. This Sunday encounter on Sunday, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, promises to be a captivating contest, with kickoff at 1:00 PM ET. Broadcasted on FOX, this game is a significant one for both teams, especially for the Colts who are eyeing a playoff spot. NFL free predictions are abuzz with speculation about the outcome of this closely matched battle.
Colts vs. Falcons December 24, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Gardner Minshew QB vs. Desmond Ridder QB
Gardner Minshew has brought a spark to the Indianapolis offense since taking over the starting quarterback job. Displaying accuracy, mobility, and confidence, Minshew is completing over 63% of his throws 195.6 passing yards per game. He has built quick rapport with his pass-catchers and already accounts for 14 aerial scores. Minshew has the arm talent to attack any level of the field and manipulates defenses with his eyes. He seems to be getting more and more comfortable running head coach Jeff Saturday’s system each week. Riding a hot streak with 5 wins in his last 6 starts, Minshew could be poised for another big outing against a vulnerable Atlanta secondary.
On the other side, rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder has experienced predictable first-year growing pains for the Falcons. While he has flashed exciting playmaking talent, Ridder has also committed his fair share of mistakes. He has already thrown 10 costly interceptions to just 10 touchdown passes. The young gunslinger is averaging 194.5 yards per game through the air as well. If Ridder hits road blocks early versus the Colts’ aggressive pass rush and ball-hawking secondary, calls for backup Marcus Mariota could increase. The home crowd may grow restless if the rookie struggles to find his footing.
Colts Rushing Attack Could Steamroll Falcons Defense
Behind a powerful offensive line, the Colts boast the league’s 8th-best rushing offense. Running back Zack Moss is averaging a solid 58.8 yards per game on the ground with 5 touchdowns. His physical running style allows Indianapolis to control time of possession and wear down opponents. Facing a Falcons rush defense that ranks 31st in yards allowed per carry (5.3), Moss is positioned for a productive outing. If the Colts build a lead, they can salt the game away with a relentless ground game.
Falcons Lack Rushing Punch to Keep Up
While rookie Bijan Robinson flashes intriguing talent, Atlanta’s rushing offense has been stuck in neutral all season. The Falcons rank just 26th with an average of 103.9 team rush yards per contest. Robinson is averaging a mediocre 57.2 yards per game himself with just 4 scores. Against the Colts’ stout 3rd-ranked run defense allowing 104.4 yards per game, he could struggle to get going. The Falcons will likely have to rely heavily on Ridder and the passing attack to move the chains.
NFL Betting Odds: Indianapolis Colts -130, Over/Under: 43.5
The odds slightly favor the Colts with a moneyline of -130 and an over/under set at 43.5. This slim margin indicates a closely contested game, with the Colts having a marginal edge.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trends
Indianapolis are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indianapolis’ last 5 games.
Indianapolis are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
Colts are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Atlanta.
Indianapolis are 15-2 SU in their last 17 games against Atlanta.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Indianapolis’ last 11 games on the road.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
Atlanta are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Atlanta’s last 20 games.
Atlanta are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games.
Atlanta are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games at home.
Falcons are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Indianapolis.
Atlanta are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Picks
Considering the trends, the Colts seem to have an edge, especially with their balanced offensive approach. However, the Falcons’ home-field advantage and potential for an upset should not be overlooked.
For bettors on the best online sportsbook, considering the Colts to win appears to be a prudent choice, but the narrow spread suggests it could be a close game. The over/under is a tough call, but leaning towards the OVER might be wise, given the Colts’ recent scoring trends.
Receiving Yards Prop: Colts 27, Falcons 23.
