The Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers meet Sunday in NFL action from Bank of America Stadium. Indianapolis is currently 3-5 on the year. The Colts took a loss to the Saints in their last appearance. As for Carolina, they’re sitting at 1-6 overall following their first victory over the Texans on Sunday. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Indianapolis Colts 

It’s been a tough season for the Colts so far, but there have been a few bright spots along the way. Indianapolis started out at 3-2 but since has lost three straight games. The Colts have scored pretty well overall (with an extra game) tallying 22 total touchdowns—12 rushing and 10 passing. Indy has given up 25 TDs on the other side, though—15 rushing and nine passing. 

Matched up against the Saints last weekend, the Colts were behind by just one point at the break. Indianapolis had just one TD the rest of the way in a 38-27 loss, though. Gardner Minshew provided 213 pass yards with two scores and a pick, while Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards off 12 carries. Josh Downs put up 72 yards on seven receptions as well. 

Indianapolis Colts Team Facts

• The Colts have lost each of their last six games played as favorites on the East Coast.
• The Colts have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games played as favorites on the East Coast.
• The Colts have scored the first touchdown in seven of their last eight Week 9 games.
• The Colts have lost the first quarter in five of their last six games as favorites.
• The Colts have lost the first half in each of their last nine games as favorites.

Carolina Panthers 

Over on the Carolina side, it’s been a rough year to say the least. The Panthers lost six straight to open the year and had trouble finding any consistency on offense. Carolina has just 13 touchdowns this season (nine passing and two rushing), giving up 25 on the other side (14 rushing and 10 passing) in an overall disappointing defensive effort. 

The good news is that Carolina isn’t winless anymore. The Panthers kicked a late field goal to topple the Texans 15-13 in their last outing. Bryce Young threw for 235 yards and a TD in the victory, while Chuba Hubbard managed 28 yards rushing. Adam Thielen put up eight receptions for 72 yards to lead the receivers. 

Carolina Panthers Team Facts

• The Panthers have lost 13 of their last 15 Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Panthers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Bank of America Stadium following a win.
• The Panthers have lost the first half in nine of their last 10 games against AFC opponents.
• The Panthers have scored the first touchdown in 10 of their last 12 games against AFC South opponents.
• The Panthers have won the first quarter in four of their last five November games as home underdogs.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in fumbles recovered this season (1).
• The Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in Q2 opponent points per game this season (9.7).
• The Colts rank 32nd in the NFL in points allowed per game this season (28.6).
• The Colts rank 32nd in the NFL in H1 opponent points per game this season (15.8).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with Indianapolis. There’s not a whole lot to get excited about here though, since both teams are struggling. The Colts gave up a ton of offense to New Orleans in their last outing; 511 total yards (350 passing) and 24 first downs. In general Indianapolis has been putting up respectable scoring totals this year, though. They’ve hit 20 or more points in all eight games and should be able to reach that total here as well. 

As for the Panthers, they benefitted greatly from Houston’s mistakes (10 penalties) in their first win of the year, but get credit for sticking it out. Carolina has 21 or more points in three of their last five games though, so they can score reasonably well when the matchup is right. That said, I don’t see them keeping pace with the Colts on the scoreboard here, even at home.