The Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams were both thought of as potential playoff contenders entering the season. The Colts have met expectations thus far and are leading the AFC South at 6-2. St. Louis has gone the opposite direction, dropping to 3-6 with three straight losses. Will the Rams be able to get back on track in Indianapolis this week? SB Nation’s NFL experts don’t think so.
NFL picks and predictions 2013, Rams vs. Colts: Experts picking Indianapolis
The Colts are 6-2 and all six of SB Nation’s NFL experts predicted Indianapolis to improve to 7-2 this week.
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The Colts are a unanimous choice this week with all six of SB Nation’s NFL experts picking Indianapolis to improve to 7-2.
On paper, that appears to be the obvious pick, but the teams may not be as far apart as their records indicate. The Colts have excelled in close games, going 4-1 in games decided by seven points or less. St. Louis hasn’t been able to capitalize on similar opportunities. The Rams are 1-3 in games decided by a touchdown or less.
St. Louis actually allows fewer yards defensively, but the Colts have a significant advantage in scoring offense and defense. Indianapolis is No. 8 in the NFL in offense, averaging 26.8 points per game. St. Louis is 23rd in scoring at 20.7 PPG and is now playing without starting quarterback Sam Bradford. Despite being allowing the 22nd most yards per game, Indianapolis is No. 7 in scoring defense. The Rams are 20th in scoring defense.
Those factors point to a Colts win and that’s before considering the game is being played in Indianapolis. The Rams are just 1-3 on the road this season while the Colts are 3-1 at home, including wins against Denver and Seattle.
CBS Sports’ NFL experts agree with all eight picking the Colts to win.
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