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Indianapolis Colts vs Giants: A Must Win Game for Indy

By Luke Allen

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 03: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shakes hands with Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts after their game at MetLife Stadium on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the New York Giants 40 to 24. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 03: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shakes hands with Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts after their game at MetLife Stadium on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the New York Giants 40 to 24. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts (8-6) host the New York Giants (5-9) Sunday at 1:00 PM ET in the Colts’ last game in Lucas Oil Stadium this season.

The New York Giants have been completely eliminated from playoff contention this season. The only motivation they carry come Sunday, is playing spoiler to the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff hopes in the house Eli Manning’s older brother built.

Beyond it being impossible to make the playoffs, the Giants will be missing some key pieces. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting and impactful receivers in the league, Odell Beckham will not be available on Sunday thanks to a nagging quad injury. They will also be without linebacker Alec Ogletree, who has been playing fantastic football as of late. New York will be scarce at wide receiver, as Russell Shepard is also out with an ankle ailment.

Giants player to watch for on Sunday:

RB Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley is likely to be named your offensive rookie of the year. The first year man out of Penn State has delivered on the expectations set for him when he was selected second overall in this year’s NFL draft. Barkley is averaging over 5 yards per carry, and has already rushed for over 1,100 yards and 9 scores. Barkley is a legitimate weapon for New York.  If the Colts want another dominant defensive performance, they will have to bottle up Barkley, much like they did Ezekiel Elliott last weekend in a shutout performance

Match ups to watch for:

Marlon Mack versus the Giants front seven

Marlon Mack exploded for the best game of his career last week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants just so happen to be the fifth worst team in the league in terms of stopping the run. New York gives up almost 130 rush yards per game, which is great news for Colts fans (and Marlon Mack fantasy owners). The Indianapolis offensive line, now an immovable force, should have no problem providing a push and opening holes on this Giants defense. Look for Marlon Mack and the Colts’ run committee to have a big game Sunday.

Next. New York Giants Beware, A Maniac is Coming. dark

Final prediction:

I actually see this game being pretty close, as the Giants have nothing to lose. I expect the offense to take some chances upfield and let it rip, being unafraid to open up their playbook. And because of this, the Colts defense will probably give up some yards.  But as much as they bend, the horseshoe defense don’t break much. So look for the offense to have a solid day, and the defense to make enough stops to give the Colts a big win to improve to 9-6, and move one step closer to the postseason.

Colts 28 Giants 20

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