Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.
PATRIOTS (-9 1/2) over Colts: The Colts have reeled off four straight wins but have played the NFL’s 30th-ranked schedule on the season and the weakest over the last four weeks. On Philsteele.com you will see the Colts have allowed eight of their nine opponents to gain more yards than their season average. Andrew Luck is on his way to Rookie of the Year honors but like many young QBs do, he has been outstanding at home (eight TDs, two INTs) but has struggled away (two TDs, seven INTs).
PANTHERS (+1 1/2) over Buccaneers: Tampa Bay stands at 5-4 but has been outgained by 36 yards per game. Carolina is 2-7 yet has been outgained by just 11 yards per game. The difference is the Buccaneers are plus-11 in turnovers vs. the No. 31 schedule while the Panthers are minus-5 in turnovers and have faced the No. 2 schedule.
LAST WEEK (NFL): 1-1. SEASON: 12-8.
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