Date: October 29, 2023 

Time:  1:00 PM ET

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium 

Television: FOX 

New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts

The New Orleans Saints will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. In the end, both teams come into the game with a 3-4 record, so it should be a close and competitive matchup.

The Saints have struggled on offense this season, averaging just 19.0 points per game. However, they have a solid defense that ranks seventh in the league in points allowed. On the other hand, the Colts have been more productive on offense, averaging 25.4 points per game. However, their defense has been a liability, ranking 30th in the league in points allowed.

Saints vs Colts Key Players

All in all, both teams have some strong players. Here are some of the key players to watch in the Saints-Colts matchup:

Derek Carr, QB, Saints

Saint’s quarterback, Derek Carr has had a mixed bag of results this season. He has thrown for 1,456 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He will need to be more consistent if the Saints want to win this game.

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints

Kamara is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL. In addition, he can run the ball between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and even line up as a wide receiver. Overall, he will be a key factor in the Saints’ offense.

Chris Olave, WR, Saints

Olave is a rookie wide receiver who has been one of the few bright spots for the Saints’ offense this season. Consequently, he has caught 22 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, he will need to have a big game if the Saints want to win.

Gardner Minshew, QB, Colts

The Colt’s quarterback, Gardner Minshew has been a pleasant surprise for the Colts this season. Overall, he has thrown for 1,654 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. In the end, he is also a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his feet.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts

Taylor is one of the best running backs in the NFL. In total, he rushed for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. All in all, he has been slower to get going this season, yet he is still a threat to break a big run at any time.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts

Pittman is the Colts’ top wide receiver. He has caught 33 passes for 459 yards and three touchdowns this season. Furthermore, he will be a difficult matchup for the Saints’ defense.

Saints vs Colts Matchups to Watch

Derek Carr vs. Colts’ Pass Rush

This season, the Colts have a good pass rush, led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive end Kwity Paye. Meanwhile, Carr will need to be able to protect the ball if he wants to have time to throw.

Alvin Kamara vs. Colts’ Defense

The Colts’ defense has been struggling against the run this season. Therefore, Kamara should be able to have a big game on the ground.

Chris Olave vs. Colts’ Secondary 

The Colts have a good secondary, led by cornerback Kenny Moore II. Meanwhile, Olave will need to be able to get open against him if he wants to have a big game.

Gardner Minshew vs. Saints’ Defense

So far, the Saints’ defense has been playing well this season. Yet, in the end, they will need to be able to pressure Minshew and force him into mistakes.

Saints vs Colts Prediction

All in all, this is a tough game to predict. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Saints have a better defense, but the Colts have a better offense. In the end, I think the Colts will be able to win this game at home, but I don’t think the Saints will go down without a fight.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.
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