The Indianapolis Colts hope to maintain their AFC South lead as they welcome the Raiders in Week 4 and here are three bold predictions for the matchup.
After a 2-1 start for the Indianapolis Colts, featuring a close loss to the Chargers on the road in Week 1 plus an impressive home victory last week against the Falcons, the team looks to continue their stay atop the AFC South standings.
On Sunday in Week 4, they welcome the 1-2 Oakland Raiders to Lucas Oil Stadium and, despite not having T.Y. Hilton in the lineup, they hope to earn another victory and keep setting the pace in their division.
Let’s dive into this matchup with three bold predictions for the Colts on Sunday.
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3. Jacoby Brissett will throw for over 300 yards once again
Going against a questionable Raiders secondary, Jacoby Brissett should once again have a field day. After lighting up the Falcons for 310 yards last Sunday, he should be able to surpass that number with ease in Week 4.
Even though he’s missing his top receiver in T.Y Hilton, he has a number of weapons he can distribute the ball to in tight end Eric Ebron and receivers Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal. It also wouldn’t be surprising for him to throw three or more touchdowns. Look for him to capitalize on a favorable matchup against Oakland.
2. Marlon Mack will break the 100-yard mark for the second time this season
Much like their secondary, the Raiders run defense could use a bit of work as well. However, they are in an unfavorable matchup against Marlon Mack and the Colts’ offensive line, which is one of the best in the league. After the Week 1 loss against the Chargers, in which he ran for 174 yards, Mack has been held under the 100-yard mark in consecutive weeks.
Look for that to change today, as he will run for a little over 125 yards with a pair of touchdowns today. It should be a banner day for the Colts rushing attack.
1. Colts earn a hearty double-digit win, 38-21
There are just too many matchups on both sides of the ball that favor Indianapolis on Sunday. Brissett and the passing offense should have a very good day against one of the league’s weaker secondaries, even without Hilton.
Look for Reich and Sirianni to spread the ball around to the Colts’ other offensive playmakers listed above, and for their impact to definitely be noticeable throughout the contest. Ebron, in particular, should step up, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he scored two touchdowns against the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Mack and the Colts’ offensive line have an extremely favorable matchup too. The all-purpose third year back is a stud in the making, and this could be the year where he finally breaks through to the 1,000-yard mark. After coming very close last season, he can definitely get there as long as he stays healthy. Look for him to get back into the 100-yard club in today’s win.
As for the defense? Well, much like the offense, this matchup clearly favors them. Even without All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ unit should be able to harass Raiders quarterback Derek Carr into making a few mistakes this afternoon.
Those miscues, plus a strong offensive performance, should lead to a convincing victory over Oakland. Furthermore, it will keep the Colts atop the AFC South heading into Week 5.