The Indianapolis Colts are 5-5, within reach of their first winning record of the season. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the AFC North stand in the way. The Steelers sit a 5-5 as well, and both teams need a victory to stay alive in the race for their respective divisions. This is the final NFL game of Thanksgiving. Kick off is 7:30 P.M. CT, at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers come into this game as nine point favorites. Now, let’s take a look at the Indianapolis Colts Week 12 keys to victory.
Indianapolis Colts Week 12 Keys to Victory
Scott Tolzien
According to ESPN, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck entered concussion protocol on Monday. Which means he probably will not be starting Thursday’s game. Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Scott Tolzien is expected to get the start. Tolzien, who started two games with the Green Bay Packers in 2013, threw for 717 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions. The Colts are hoping he can minimize the turnovers this week.
Luck has been such a big part of this team the entire season, and his loss will be felt. Tolzien will have to rely on his supporting cast, and wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief will have to play well. Running back Frank Gore getting over the century mark for the second time this season would also help the Colts cause.
Generate Turnovers
With Luck out, the Colts will have to get opportunities elsewhere. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has struggled in losses. If the Colts can keep this game close, then they could possibly draw a few turnovers to win the game. In losses this season, Roethlisberger has thrown for five touchdowns and four interceptions. In wins, he has thrown 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions. One area of opportunity for the Colts is the pass rush. The Colts got to Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota five times last week. It was one of the few times that the Colts have had more sacks than their opponents this season. Overall, the Colts are going to need to take advantage of their defensive momentum generated from last week’s win.
Protect the Quarterback
The Colts offensive line did a much better job protecting Luck last week. He was only sacked twice, which is ironic because he might miss his first game of the season this week. Tolzien will need as much help as he can get, but the Steelers have a few players who can get to the quarterback frequently. Cameron Heyward, Arthur Moats, and Stephon Tuitt all have at least three sacks this season.
If the Colts offensive line plays well, it should allow Gore to have an easier day as well. He will most likely get a season high in carries this week, which could open up the entire offense to a Steelers defense that is vulnerable to letting up heavy yardage (Average of 378.4 allowed per game). Also, the Colts have one of the highest scoring offenses in the NFL, averaging 26.3 points per game.
Prediction
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Steelers have a 52.4 percent chance to win. Yet, the nine point spread seems a bit large. The Steelers have struggled in recent weeks, and have lost four of their last five games. The Colts defense will help the them win the turnover battle to keep the game close. However, Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell give the Steelers too much firepower for the Colts to keep up with.
Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Indianapolis Colts 20
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