Preview of the upcoming Week 6 matchup between the Cardinals and Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts are set to face the Arizona Cardinals, who are determined to rebound from their unfortunate defeat against the Tennessee Titans.
The Indianapolis Colts, who have had an impressive start to their season, boasting the best record since 2013 with a 4-1 record, will host the Arizona Cardinals, who have a 2-3 record, in a Week 6 matchup this Sunday. The Colts are favored by 7.5 points.
The Colts routed the Las Vegas Raiders 40-6 in their Week 5 matchup, thanks to three touchdowns from running back Jonathan Taylor and two passing touchdowns from quarterback Daniel Jones. The Colts dominated on both offense and defense, scoring on six consecutive possessions after falling behind early in the first quarter.
The Cardinals were defeated by the Tennessee Titans 22-21 in their Week 5 matchup, behind a last second 29-yard field goal by Titans kicker Joey Slye. The Cardinals loss was marred by several costly mistakes, which includes a fumbled 72-yard touchdown run by running back Emari Demercado and an interception thrown by rookie quarterback Cam Ward. This interception was immediately fumbled back to the Titans, who capitalized on the opportunity and scored a touchdown when wide receiver Tyler Lockett recovered the fumble in the end zone.
The Colts win if:
The Colts have a strong chance of defeating the Cardinals by utilizing their powerful running game, led by NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor. The Colts can exploit Arizona’s inconsistency and a weakened offense, who will be without quarterback Kyler Murray, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start for the Cardinals. Without Murray’s elusiveness, Colts’ defensive line will disrupt Brissett forcing hurried throws and turnovers. Arizona’s offensive line has already allowed 16 sacks (tied for the sixth-most in the league), and Brissett lacks the ability to avoid them.
The Cardinals win if:
The Cardinals can beat the Colts if their offense can establish a consistent run game and control the clock, rather than relying heavily on the pass. The defense must also play well to keep the score close, as the Cardinals are facing a strong Colts offense who is averaging 32.6 ppg ( second in the NFL). This will be a difficult task, as they are without their two top running backs and starting backup quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, and facing a stout Colts defense.
My prediction for the game is that the Colts will win 30-20 against the Cardinals to improve to a 5-1 record.