5 Bold Predictions for Indianapolis' Week 11 Matchup

Coming off their bye week, anything is possible for the Indianapolis Colts. They could boldly oppose Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, re-igniting an ongoing power struggle atop the AFC.

Or they could do what has become expected of them in recent times: laying down and watching as Bill Belichick's team does whatever it wants.

With Vegas favoring the Colts to open to the week, it would appear that the people who make a living predicting these things aren't expecting a repeat of the 2013 AFC Divisional Round matchup between these teams.

Here are some other things people might not be expecting.

Tom Brady Turns It over Twice

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The intensity of this spike is alarming.

There very little that can incite more fear into a defense than knowing that Brady is coming to town.

He is clearly Charlie Sheen's "winning" alter ego, or at least the inspiration for that 15 minutes of immense news coverage.

His 50 touchdown passes in 2007 ranks second ever, surpassed only by Peyton Manning's 55 in 2013. Brady's connection with tight end Rob Gronkowski is quickly becoming legendary, thanks in no small way to the Michigan product.

Brady is the ultimate teammate and rarely endangers the Pats' chances of winning, which is why it will be shocking when he can't keep the ball out of the Colts' hands this weekend.

In 2014, he's recorded just six turnovers so far. Considering that five of those turnovers came in just two different games, it's easy to say that Brady has been extremely good at avoiding costly mistakes.

But the Colts' aggressive, attacking defense will put a great strain on the Pats' offensive line. Sooner or later, Brady will feel that pressure and make a couple poor decisions. The home team must capitalize on those errors.

Andrew Luck Doesn't Turn It over

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Luck has been a bit loose with the ball this season, but plays it close to the vest this week.

Despite Luck's penchant for turning it over against them (eight turnovers in two career matchups), the Colts will once again look to Luck to vanquish the villain that is the Patriots organization.

This year has been something of a "clicking" experience for the Colts signal-caller, having already surpassed his single-season personal record of 23 touchdown passes after only nine games. His 26 TDs are second only to Peyton Manning and his league-leading 3,085 yards put him on pace to break Manning's single-season record of 5,477.

So, he's good.

Of course, he'll have to avoid throwing an interception for this to come true, something that he's not been especially adept at in 2014. He's already reached his 2013 total for interceptions. despite having thrown 177 fewer passes.

In this game, against this opponent, with invaluable playoff seeding on the line, I believe he rises to the occasion and does just that. Indy needs its brightest star to shine in what undoubtedly amounts to the biggest game left on its schedule.

Gronk Doesn't Score Three Touchdowns

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Gronk smash.

A bit of an exaggeration, to be sure, but I do believe the Colts can slow down Gronk this week. Over their last two outings, the former Arizona tight end has pulled down 18 catches for 254 yards and four touchdowns.

Gronk smash, indeed.

This comes as somewhat of a concern, given the Colts' affinity for letting tight ends do significant damage this season. Julius Thomas, Heath Miller and Delanie Walker come to mind.

But with two weeks to figure it out and virtually no other legitimate receiving threats on the other team, it would be pretty stunning if Gronk came out and just ran wild. At some point, NFL coaches have to earn their pay. For Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, that time has come.

Just. Stop. Gronk.

With their star pass-catcher unable to break loose of what I anticipate will be triple to quadruple coverage, the Pats will be forced to rely on Julian Edelman—who is certainly a nice option—and the rotating door they call the running back position. Brandon LaFell will probably catch a pass or two, as well.

But if Gronk doesn't score, the Colts' chances of winning skyrocket. If I'm Manusky, those are priorities one, two and three.

LaRon Landry Scores a Touchdown

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The physical specimen is about to make a huge impact.

Ever the workout warrior, LaRon Landry hasn't had the most…dominant NFL career.

In fact, you'd be somewhat hard-pressed to call it successful.

Having been drafted sixth overall by the team in Washington, they had to be expecting more than they got. By now, even the Colts have to be getting a bit antsy.

Indy's gotten 16 games out of Landry, good for one sack, two passes defended and zero turnovers.

Underwhelming hardly covers it.

Tack on the four-game PED suspension Landry just finished up and it's pretty clear the Colts are in the red right now on his contract. 

So call me crazy, but the formerly dominant former LSU Tiger is due for a big play. He may not be the best player in the league when it comes to creating turnovers, but he's a freak and he's fresh right now. If Brady does throw one of those picks to Landry, it could be six in a hurry.

A fumble recovery taken in for a score is probably more likely, though. Either way it's six points for the home team and a huge momentum shift.

Reggie Wayne Leads the Colts in Receiving Yards

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Old Reliable has got to be amped for this one.

Other than Tom Brady and Adam Vinatieri, no other player in this game has lived this rivalry quite like Reggie Wayne.

Wayne was there in the early 2000s when the Colts kept getting embarrassed in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

He was there in 2006 when Indy made the miraculous comeback in the AFC Championship after being down 18 at halftime, the largest conference championship comeback of all time.

And he's been there to watch Luck do his best to keep the Colts relevant enough to keep calling this game a rivalry.

No matter how old he gets, you have to believe Wayne doesn't have any trouble getting ready for this one.

Now that T.Y. Hilton has taken the mantle of No. 1 receiver on this team, Wayne can enjoy the fact that he sees more time against less talented corners each week. This week, that equates to no Darrelle Revis.

Count that as a personal win.

Wayne hasn't led Indianapolis in receiving yards since his 119-yard effort in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans. This week, though, Luck will lean heavily on the veteran receiver.

Watch out for No. 87 in Week 11.