Colts vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions
No shortage of storylines in this battle of 1-1 teams. In a reunion of former Stanford quarterback and coach, Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts will face Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers.
As if that wasn’t enough drama for this Week 3 tilt, Trent Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 draft, will make his Colts debut after he was traded from Cleveland Wednesday. And for the 49ers, their best pass rusher, Aldon Smith, was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of DUI along with possession of marijuana.
Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
When: September 22, 2013, 4:25 p.m. ET
Watch: CBS
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Colts Player to Watch: Trent Richardson
Even if he doesn’t play much because of unfamiliarity with the system, all eyes will be on Richardson. The trade was just so stunning that it caught coaches, players and fans completely off guard. The 49ers run defense is tough enough, and it’ll be even tougher for the Colts as they have obviously had limited time to prepare with Richardson in their gameplan. Any production he gives them on Sunday will be a plus.
49ers Player to Watch: Anquan Boldin
He caught 13 passes for 208 yards in Week 1, then followed that up with one catch for seven yards in Week 2. I think Boldin will split the difference in Week 3 and have a 100-yard game, along with a touchdown. This Colts defense was beaten by Miami’s top wideout, Mike Wallace, last week and the veteran Boldin will get back on track against them Sunday.
Matchup to Watch: Colin Kaepernick vs. Colts D
Kaepernick had his worst game as a pro last week, and he’ll come out ready against this Indy defense. These Colts were lit up by Ryan Tannehill’s passing last week and could not contain Terrell Pryor’s rushing attack in Week 1. This is bad news for them since Kaepernick is a better passer and runner than both of those guys. I expect Kapernick to run more read-option than he has so far this year. There’s simply not enough talent on this Colts defense to stop him, especially with a banged up front seven and starting safety LaRon Landry already ruled out.
Prediction
Harbaugh will get the better of Luck in their first reunion. The Niners will come out angry after getting embarrassed on Sunday night. San Francisco is simply a more physical team and they will win this game using their huge advantage on both the O-line and D-line. Frank Gore has gotten off to a slow start, but he’ll have a big game, as will Kaepernick
49ers 31, Colts 20