Colts Turn to Hasselbeck Again this Sunday Against Buccaneers

The AFC South is one of the weaker divisions in the NFL. On Sunday, the division leader looks to stay atop the division, when the Indianapolis Colts host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Entering this game, Tampa Bay has an overall record of 5-5 straight up and 6-4 against the spread. The Buccaneers on the road are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. Indianapolis overall on the season is 5-5 SU and ATS. At home, the Colts are 2-3 SU and ATS.

Indianapolis has gone undefeated with Matt Hasselbeck the 40-year old under center filling in for the injured Andrew Luck. The Colts with their less than stellar record are still at the top of the AFC South, but must face Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston the talented rookie signal caller.

Hasselbeck had two touchdown passes while helping the Colts beat Atlanta 24-21 last week. Winston threw five touchdown passes for Tampa Bay last week in the Bucs 45-17 rout of Philadelphia. He has led the Bucs to 4 wins over their past 6 games.

The passing game for Tampa Bay has been helped due to the success its running game has enjoyed. Tampa Bay ran for 283 yards last week against the Eagles with Doug Martin running for 235 yards. It was the first time in NFL history, a team had 200 yards or more of rushing and five passes for touchdowns in the same game.

Hasselbeck is filling Luck’s role until Luck can return from kidney and abdomen injuries. It is still not known when Luck will return.

Anthony Castonzo the starting left tackle, a key part of the Colts offensive line, will not play due to an MCL sprain. His status is week to week.

Tampa Bay’s Martin needs only 59 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the season for the second time in his career.

Ahmad Bradshaw a running back for Indianapolis has three touchdowns receiving in the Colts’ past two games.

The OVER has cashed in each of the past 4 games between the Buccaneers and Colts.

Indianapolis has covered the spread in each of the past 4 games played between the two teams.

Both teams are not that strong on either side of the ball this season. The loss of Luck will hurt the Colts. Winston’s confidence is growing each week and with a ground game that helps his passing game, Tampa Bay could give the Colts a tough game.

Prediction: Tampa Bay to cover