While the Indianapolis Colts are hoping for more good play from DeForest Buckner, the Washington Commanders are being tight-lipped about the status of Jayden Daniels. These teams will meet in Week 4 in the NFL London game, and here are the odds, a prediction, and a pick for the contest.
Both teams come in at 1-2 on the season. The Commanders lost to the Eagles and Cowboys before upsetting the Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Colts got whipped by the Ravens, lost a close one to the Chiefs, and held off the Texans for their first win.
Colts vs. Commanders Odds
- Commanders: -1.5
- Colts: +1.5
- Over: 49.5
- Under: 49.5
The oddsmakers see this one as coming down to the final minutes. With both teams off to similar starts and coming off close wins, it makes sense.
The relatively robust Over-Under line seems right on the money, too. The Commanders looked good with Marcus Mariota under center against the Seahawks. And the Colts have a strong offense with Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones leading the way.
Colts vs. Commanders key injuries
Tight end Mo Ali-Cox didn’t practice Thursday, but it was because of illness instead of injury. Also, wide receiver Ashton Dulin missed practice with an ankle injury.
The Colts will still be without standout receiver Alec Pierce. Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Pierce is working back, according to the Colts’ YouTube page via Yahoo.
“He's rehabbing. There is no surgery,” Steichen said.
As for the Commanders, they will once again be without the services of guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross. They also had eight players listed as limited in Thursday’s practice: C Nick Allegretti, DT Javon Kinlaw, LB Frankie Luvu, TE Chig Okonkwo, DE Charles Omenihu, C/G Lucas Patrick, TE Ben Sinnott, and …. QB Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders seem unlikely to bring Daniels back into the fray this week. But the door hasn’t completely been closed. Daniels said he’s not afraid of reinjuring his elbow, according to ESPN.
“That's what the brace is for,” he said Thursday. “If I had that concern, I would have gotten surgery.”
And Daniels said he wants to get back out on the field.
“I love playing football,” Daniels said. “I get paid to play football. Everybody is hurting. I just feel, for me being a leader, go out there and give it my shot to go out and play and obviously protect myself. I just love football and have a passion for it.”
Colts vs. Commanders betting trends
In the last five meetings between these teams, the Colts are 3-1-1 against the spread. Also, the Over is 3-2 in the last five head-to-head battles.
Article Continues BelowThe Commanders are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 games. Also, the Over is 8-2 in the Commanders' last 10 games.
Keys to Colts vs. Commanders matchup
The Commanders’ first order of business will be trying to limit burst runs by Jonathan Taylor. They rank No. 3 in the NFL by allowing just 82 yards rushing per game.
However, Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league. And if the Commanders don’t slow him down. The Colts are going to give the ball to Taylor. He has 66 carries for 258 yards in three games.
Commanders’ rookie linebacker Sonny Styles will need to provide a key steadying force against Taylor and the Colts.
Another key is the Commanders’ makeshift offensive line trying to hold up against the Colts’ pass rush. Mariota isn’t quite as adept at escaping a fierce pass rush. So the Commanders will have to protect him to keep drives alive. The Colts have seven sacks on the season, ranking in a tie for No. 11 in the league.
There’s no love for the Commanders in terms of what they’re putting on the field with their offensive line. They are ranked No. 31 in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
“Josh Conerly Jr. continues to be solid in pass protection, earning a 67.3 PFF pass-blocking grade in a game that saw him give up a pair of pressures from 38 pass-blocking snaps. Nick Allegretti had trouble at right guard, leading the team with six pressures and receiving a team-low 14.5 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Colts vs. Commanders prediction and pick
The Commanders probably used up a lot of their good fortune against the Seahawks. This isn’t a playoff-worthy team. The roster is weak outside of Daniels and LT Laremy Tunsil. And neither of those guys is available.
Look for the Commanders to have lots of trouble slowing down Taylor. And that will be the difference in the game. Taylor will likely break a long touchdown run at some point to break the Commanders’ hopes.