Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets 2016: Prediction, Betting Odds For Week 13 Monday Night Football

It hasn’t been an easy season for the Indianapolis Colts, who are under .500 and in third place in the AFC South entering Week 13 of the 2016 NFL season. As they prepare to play the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football,” however, the Colts might be the favorites to win the division and make the playoffs.

Playing in the NFL’s worst division, Indianapolis is just one game behind the first-place Houston Texans. They trail the second-place Tennessee Titans, whom they’ve already beaten twice, by a half-game. Indianapolis has made the playoffs in three of Andrew Luck’s first four seasons, and the quarterback gives them a good chance to make it back to the postseason.

Luck missed the team’s last game with a concussion, and his absence was glaring in a 28-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving night. Backup quarterback Scott Tolzien had a 62.8 passer rating with two interceptions and the Colts scored in single digits for the first time this year. After 10 days in between games, Luck will return in Week 13, and he should be able to propel Indianapolis to a road victory.

The quarterback has led the way in two recent impressive road wins for the Colts. He threw for 353 yards and three scores in a key divisional win in Tennessee, followed by a victory at Lambeau Field two weeks later. Now the Colts visit New York as two-point favorites, facing a Jets team that has nothing to play for.

The Jets are the only team in the AFC East that is out of playoff contention, sitting in last place with a 3-8 record. Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the team’s starting quarterback, even though he’s arguably been the NFL’s worst starting signal caller in 2016. He’s tied for dead last among all starters with a 72.2 passer rating and 13 interceptions, and only Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick have a lower completion percentage.

Fitzpatrick might have one of his best games this season, considering the Colts rank 31st in opponents’ passer rating, but it will be difficult for him to match Luck. New York’s secondary has been a major disappointment in 2016, highlighted by the decline of cornerback Darrelle Revis, and the team has struggled mightily against top signal callers.

In games against Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady, the Jets have surrendered 10 touchdowns and no interceptions, allowing an average of 322 yards per game. Luck has played very well against poor pass defenses, throwing for 15 scores and five picks when facing pass defenses that don’t rank in the top 14.

New York might be able to move the ball and push the score’s final total past the over/under of 48.5, but it will be difficult for them to pull off the upset against a team that could be headed for the playoffs.

Prediction: Indianapolis over New York, 30-23