| Indianapolis Colts (3-0) at Los Angeles Rams (2-1) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, September 28, 4:05 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | |||
| Where to Watch: FOX |
The biggest surprise in the NFL, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Colts, widely underestimated in preseason power rankings, have stormed out to a perfect 3-0 start and are looking to prove their hot streak is the real deal.
Standing in their way is a 2-1 Rams team that looks every bit the Super Bowl contender they were built to be. Armed with a top-five offense and a top-five defense, Los Angeles presents the toughest test yet for the upstart Colts. This showdown in sunny California will be a true “measuring stick” for an Indianapolis team eager to show they belong among the league’s elite.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | +3.5 | +156 | Over 49.5 |
| Los Angeles Rams | -3.5 | -186 | Under 49.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Indianapolis Colts | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| 34.3 | Points Per Game | 24.3 |
| 265.3 | Passing Yards Per Game | 236.7 |
| 152.3 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 127 |
| 18.7 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 20.3 |
| 178.3 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 165.3 |
| 94 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 103 |
Key Details
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis offense has been a juggernaut, ranking second in the NFL in total yards and scoring. Quarterback Daniel Jones, signed to a one-year deal, has been a revelation, winning his first three starts and ranking third in the league with 816 passing yards. His success is largely thanks to an offensive line that has allowed a league-low two sacks. This protection has allowed him to connect with Michael Pittman Jr. for two touchdowns in three games and find rookie tight end Tyler Warren, whose 193 receiving yards are the most for a Colts tight end in their first three games.
Defensively, the Colts have been stout under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, ranking in the top 10 for fewest yards and points allowed per game. They’ve also been incredibly efficient on offense, becoming the first team since at least 1940 to punt only once through three games. However, they have a glaring weakness in the red zone, where they have allowed a touchdown on all six opponent opportunities this season. They’ll need to tighten that up against a potent Rams attack.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, entering the week as the only NFL team with a top-five offense and defense in yards per play. Their pass rush is ferocious, tied for the league lead with 12 sacks. Rookie edge rusher Byron Young has been a force, racking up four sacks and six tackles for loss, while veteran Jared Verse is coming off a game where he recorded his first sack and forced a fumble. They’ll be looking to disrupt Daniel Jones, who has been one of the least-pressured quarterbacks in the league.
On offense, Matthew Stafford has a dynamic duo of receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua leads the NFL with 333 receiving yards, and the pair accounts for a staggering 74% of the Rams’ total receiving yards. They’re complemented by a strong ground game led by Kyren Williams, who has a knack for finding the end zone at home, and the explosive rookie Blake Corum, who averages over seven yards per carry. This balanced attack will test every level of the Colts’ defense.
Prediction
It is time to give the Colts some respect. This can be their statement game. The Rams, meanwhile, are shell-shocked from ruining the point spread by allowing the Eagles to score on a blocked field goal on the last play of the game. Remember, many bettors in the USA were ok with a win or loss by the Rams as they lined up for the kick. But, a blocked kick returned for a TD? C’mon. Ok, maybe I am a little bit testy about that play, but my faith in the Rams has faded.
