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Colts vs. Seahawks: Preview, score prediction for Week 4

By Cody Williams

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: The Seattle Seahawks leave the tunnel and enter the field arm-in-arm prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: The Seattle Seahawks leave the tunnel and enter the field arm-in-arm prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Indianapolis Colts vs. Seattle Seahawks

Playing without Andrew Luck is the big reason why the Indianapolis Colts are 1-2 entering Week 4. That’s a big factor to have working against them. However, what’s a bit surprising is that Indy’s opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, are also 1-2 coming into this game. Unfortunately for them, they don’t have an injury excuse.

This Seahawks defense has remained as solid as expected. However, the offense has struggled mightily to have any kind of rhythm, largely due to their offensive line. Of course, the Colts line isn’t much better, and they don’t have the defense that Seattle does.

Even still, things could get wild with two deeply flawed teams facing off in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday Night Football.

Keys to Victory

What the Seahawks have to do on defense is both pressure Jacoby Brissett and also contain him when doing so. Brissett is far from a perfect player, but he’s capable of burning teams with his legs and can make throws if given time. Seattle can’t afford him those opportunities and must get after him from the jump and throughout the contest.

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As for the offense, it’s pointless to say their offensive line needs to be better, because that’s just not going to happen given the lack of talent on the unit. With that said, they need to throw the ball down field and take shots often, mixed with Chris Carson runs. That’s where they had their best success against the Titans, who boast a much better defense than Indianapolis.

Speaking of the Colts, they have to generate a pass rush against this porous Seattle offensive line. That’s most certainly not their strength, but it’s the best way to slow down Russell Wilson. He’s mobile, but he can also be hurried to the point of just not having good options. That’s where the Colts need to try and force him into.

For their offense, they have to find ways to get T.Y. Hilton free down the field. He’s a big play threat and, as per usual, has flashed this season. Against the great corners in Seattle, though, that’s going to be tough. However, they must be creative in ways to get him in space so he can make plays with his quickness and speed.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Seattle -13
Moneyline: Seattle -900, Indianapolis +700
Over/Under: 41.5

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 4

Prediction

Let me again say that I don’t believe that this Seahawks team is that good. They have the makings of an 8-8 team at best given the issues on offense. However, if there’s one team that can’t take advantage of those situations, it’s the Colts. They just don’t have the firepower without Andrew Luck to attack Seattle’s defense in front of the 12th Man, and their defense isn’t good enough to capitalize on the bad offensive line. This one will get ugly.

Final Score: Indianapolis Colts: 6, Seattle Seahawks: 30

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