New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis Colts: Keeping up with the best

No.1 seed

Saints need this win to get into a three-way NFC tie for the No.1 seed with San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers that comes along with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They were actually at the very top of the conference before last week, but San Francisco knocked them out of it in a direct duel between two Superbowl contenders. That game had everything to be in consideration for the game of the year. A lot of scoring, both QB's on fire, changes of lead and a field goal to win the game with no time left on the clock.

Saints are obviously disappointed after losing that one at home, but they have a favorable bounce back spot here. Even though it looked like Indianapolis will make a playoff run, everything fell apart for them in the last three weeks, losing three games in the row. But even before that, they were barely clinging on. The defense was just not as good as last year. Brissett was also not on a level that everybody expected from him. Injuries to some skill players played a role in all of that, but the bottom line is that they were just not good enough.

Thomas in double digits again?

The good news for them is that TY Hilton might be back tonight. But on the other side of the ball, Kenny Moore is out and Pierre Desir is questionable. Especially Moore will be dearly missed. He was graded as one of the best corners this year and he mainly plays in the slot, where Michael Thomas often lines up. Without Moore, Colts' defense is in for a long night vs one of the best receivers in the game.

Known for his sure hands, football IQ and smooth route running, this is a perfect matchup for Thomas. Colts' are mostly playing zone defense, which can be exposed by receivers like Thomas who has a great understanding of where are the soft spots in that zone and where he needs to cut off his route and sit in that soft spot. Also, his chemistry and timing with Drew Brees is amazing, which is very important.

Saints vs Colts best bet

Speaking of traditional markets, pretty much everything related to the situation on the injury report should help the scoring in this game. As I mentioned, Colts might be without two of their best cornerbacks Kenny Moore and Pierre Desir, but might get TY Hilton back on offense. New Orleans' left tackle Terron Armstead shed the walking boot this week and could be back protecting Brees' blind side in this game. But, safety Vonn Bell is out, which could help Marlon Mack get back on track after a mediocre performance in Tampa Bay last week. Bell is one of the best safeties in the league when talking about defending the run.

Sportsbooks haven't hung up a line for TY Hilton yet, but if that happens later in the day, I'd seriously consider betting the under. Hilton will most likely get shadowed by Marshon Lattimore, who is a very good cornerback. Also, Colts' were looking out for his star wide receiver when he playing with minor injuries earlier this season, limiting his snap count and also the number of deep routes that he ran.