"Wir sind bereit, Football auf deutschem Grund zu sehen"
(We're ready to see football on German turf!)
In a momentous showdown, the New England Patriots (2-7) gear up to face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) in a historic AFC clash at Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park on November 12, 2023. This marks a pivotal chapter as the NFL script unveils its second-ever game on German soil under the 2023 National Football League's International Games series.
Embarking on a legacy of global triumphs, the Patriots have etched an undefeated record on international turf since the NFL's International Series inception in 2007. Their exploits span across iconic locations, including a resounding 35-7 victory against Tampa Bay at London's Wembley Stadium in 2009, a monumental showcase marked by Tom Brady's four touchdown passes against the Rams at Wembley in 2012, and a dominant 33-8 win over the Raiders in Mexico City. These triumphs have woven an unparalleled tapestry of success, crafting a legend on the worldwide football stage.
In stark contrast, the Colts step back onto the global platform after a hiatus since their 2016 London appearance, which culminated in a hard-fought 27-30 loss to the Jaguars. With an eye on levelling their record before the upcoming week 11 bye, the Colts are primed to rekindle their international presence, determined to script a resounding comeback
New England Patriots
As the New England Patriots navigate a challenging stretch in the 2023 NFL season, they're poised for a significant international showdown in Germany before their anticipated bye week.
Currently positioned at 4th in the AFC East, the Patriots are looking at a 2-7 season record. Their recent match against the Washington Commanders saw a hard-fought battle that culminated in a close 17-20 loss.
In the 2023 NFL season, the Patriots have faced an array of tough challenges. Offensively, they're averaging 23.4 points per game and aiming to fortify their ground game with an average of 110.5 rushing yards. Defensively, they're allowing an average of 27.3 points per game, demonstrating strength in their pass defence, conceding an average of 238.6 passing yards.
Looking ahead to the upcoming international spectacle against the Colts, the Patriots aim to harness their collective resilience and football prowess, seeking to rewrite their narrative on a global platform.
Indianapolis Colts
With a 4-5 standing in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts showcased their mettle in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, sealing a strong 27-13 victory. Notably, the defensive prowess, notably evident in Kenny Moore's two pick-sixes, remained a standout feature in this win.
The Colts' 2023 season has been marked by a mix of offensive challenges and defensive strength. Averaging 24.1 points per game, their ground game flourishes with an average of 118.6 rushing yards, yet their passing game encounters hurdles, logging an average of 212.3 passing yards. Defensively, they allow an average of 23.7 points per game, showcasing a robust defense permitting an average of 225.4 passing yards and 108.2 rushing yards.
As they prepare to face the New England Patriots on the international stage, the Colts look to capitalize on their defensive prowess, exemplified by Kenny Moore's standout plays. Their aim is to fortify their offense while upholding the defensive tenacity that proved pivotal in their recent victory against the Panthers.
Game Info
Date: November 12, 2023
Start time: 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (3:30 P.M. in Frankfurt, Germany)
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Stadium: Deutsche Bank Park
TV Info: NFL Network Fox 59
Radio: 93.5/1070 The Fan and 97.1 Hank FM
Stream: NFL + (Local Broadcast Network)
Betting Odds:
Points Spread: IND -1.5 (-110) | NE +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: IND -122 | NE +102
Over/Under: O 43 (-108) | U 43.0 (-112)
Indianapolis put an end to a three-game skid with a 27-13 victory against Carolina, although the stats might not fully showcase their performance; Gardner Minshew managed just 127 passing yards, benefitting from three Bryce Young interceptions, two of which turned into pick-sixes by Kenny Moore II. The Colts sustained their trend of scoring 20+ points in each game, and their defence allowed the lowest points this season. Meanwhile, New England faced a second consecutive loss, a close 20-17 defeat against Washington. Although Mac Jones surpassed 200 passing yards for just the second time in six games, the Commanders' 9/17 third-down conversions and Sam Howell's 325-yard pass created significant challenges for the Patriots' defense. In Germany, Indianapolis maintains a narrow 1.5-point advantage over New England with -122 on the money line, indicating a 54.95% implied probability of victory, while the total for Sunday's game is set at 43, the overvalued at -108 and the under at -112 odds according to DraftKings data as of November 10.
Prediction
The Patriots and Colts clash promises to be a compelling showdown in Germany. Both teams have had their moments of struggle this season, with the Colts finding a resurgence with a recent win after a three-game slide and the Patriots facing a tough loss following a couple of consecutive defeats. The Colts displayed a sturdy defensive performance and a resilient scoring trend, maintaining a consistent 20+ points in despite each game. However, their win against the Panthers was somewhat reliant on defensive plays rather than offensive prowess. The Patriots, although experiencing setbacks, have showcased a steady defensive effort despite recent losses. In this international matchup, expect a closed-fought battle. The outcome might hinge on the teams' ability to adjust offensively and capitalize on opportunities. While the Colts might have a slight edge, the game appears poised to be a tight contest, potentially decided by pivotal defensive plays or offensive adjustments in crucial moments.
Final Score: Indianapolis Colts 27 | New England Patriots 17
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