Championship NFL Predictions: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) meet the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

A rematch of the playoffs last season, the Indianapolis Colts hope to finally get over the New England Patriots hump.  Do the NFL predictions cooperate?

Subplots:

Andrew Luck channeling his inner Manning with Patriots jinx

Anybody who got to watch Peyton Manning in his prime was given a treat.  However, they were also given a front-row seat for just how hard it is for a team built around one player to beat the Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.  Andrew Luck has tried twice already in the space of a calendar year and been blown out both times.  Manning did eventually overcome the Patriots curse, but he never did it in Foxborough, which Luck must do.

Key Matchups:

LeGarrette Blount vs. Colts front seven

Few are probably looking more forward to this game than LeGarrette Blount.  The last time he saw the Colts defense, he stampeded them for over 200 yards rushing and sparking a Patriots blowout.  Indianapolis has struggled stopping the run every time they play New England, which is why keeping Blount contained may be the biggest key.

Colby Fleener vs. Jamie Collins

The last time Luck saw the Patriots in the playoffs, he was ambushed by a little Belichick pet project named Jamie Collins. The versatile linebacker is excellent in coverage, which is why the Colts must find a way to counter him with matchups, specifically tight end Coby Fleener who hasn’t been much of a factor during the two previous meetings.

Pick:  IND 24, NE 34

The game will be a bit tighter than the previous affair but the experience of Brady and Belichick, along with the mistake-prone Luck will push the New England Patriots over the Indianapolis Colts.