Bucs vs Colts Week 12 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and NFL Preview: Tom Brady Targeting 8-3 Start

(Photo : Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) TAMPA, FLORIDA - Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after running for a first down in the first quarter of the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on November 22, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Tampa Bay got its title defense back on track in Week 11 with a 20-point victory over the New York Giants in their primetime showdown on Monday night. When they face the Colts in a crunch clash in Indianapolis, the Bucs will look to make it back-to-back wins. Can Tampa Bay end its road woes in this Bucs vs Colts game, or will Indianapolis continue its winning run?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 12 as -2.5 favorites

On Monday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally snapped their two-game losing skid with a resounding 30-10 victory over the New York Giants. It was a critical win for the Bucs, who now hold a two-game lead atop the NFC South standings.

Tom Brady starred for Tampa Bay in the Week 11 win, completing 30 of 46 passes for 307 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He continues to lead the NFL in touchdown passes with 29 and is second in the league in passing yards with 3,172.

Mike Evans was his favorite target, with the veteran wide receiver catching six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. He set a new franchise record with that touchdown reception, passing Mike Alstott in the all-time list with his 72nd score.

Brady was also helped by the return of his longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, who was sidelined for several months because of rib and back issues he suffered in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. He looked like the Gronk of old in this primetime matchup, catching six passes for 71 yards, including a critical 35-yard reception on 3rd and 3 with the score tied at 10 that swung the momentum back in Tampa Bay's favor.

Indianapolis Colts installed as +2.5 underdogs

The Indianapolis Colts will head back home with momentum on their side after they crushed the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week 11. The Colts defeated the Bills, 41-15, to record their fifth win in the last six games. The Colts trail the Titans by just two games in the AFC South following Tennessee's shocking loss to the Houston Texans.

Things are bound to get more challenging for the Colts in Week 12 as they will face the reigning Super Bowl champions, who have won seven of their first 10 games this season. The good news for Indianapolis is that Tampa Bay has struggled on the road this campaign. All three of the Bucs' defeats have come in their away games, including back-to-back road losses to New Orleans and Washington in Weeks 8 and 10.

One guy who needs to step up for Indianapolis in this blockbuster showdown is Jonathan Taylor. He was outstanding in the win against the Bills, accounting for 204 total yards and a franchise-record five total touchdowns. Taylor wreaked havoc on the ground, rushing for 185 yards and four scores against Buffalo.

He matched an NFL record with Sunday's performance, tying LaDainian Tomlinson and Lydell Mitchell's marks of eight consecutive games with 100 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. However, Taylor will have his work cut out for him against the Bucs, who lead the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 78.4 yards per game this season.