Here is how the ColtsRoundtable staff sees the Week 4 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders unfolding.
The Indianapolis Colts crossed the Atlantic this week to take on the Washington Commanders in London on Sunday morning.
The Colts are coming off their first win of the season against the AFC South division foe Houston Texans, as are the Commanders after defeating the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Colts are considered 3.5-point favorites, as the Commanders will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels once again.
Here is how the ColtsRoundtable staff sees Sunday morning's game unfolding.
Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL): Colts 20, Commanders 13
"With Daniels (elbow) already ruled out and Terry McLaurin (hamstring) popping up as questionable, Washington's offense won't be at full strength, and it certainly won't be as explosive or dynamic without Daniels. Marcus Mariota is one of the NFL's finest backups, but I expect Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to throw the kitchen sink at him to take full advantage of the situation.
"Washington's defense blitzes at the second-highest rate in the league, yet has just five sacks. If the Colts can take advantage of this, they could have some significant pass plays. Ashton Dulin's potential return could also spawn a big play or two in the kickoff return game."
Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2): Colts 30, Commanders 24
"The Colts are coming off their first win in over 300 days and looking to build upon it out in London against the Commanders. The Commanders are a sneaky competitive team, despite starting Mariota at quarterback, as they boast a top run defense and a diverse passing attack on offense.
"The Colts need this to be a game where Daniel Jones protects the football while also keeping the offense efficient and in control. He showed he was capable of doing that last season; he just needs to play a cleaner game on Sunday. I'm expecting a strong showing from the passing offense against a bottom-five pass defense, and it should be enough to get the job done."
Jones has handled defensive pressure better recently. He was 6-of-8 passing (75.0%) when blitzed last Sunday for 42 yards. He did, however, turn the ball over three times (two fumbles, one interception), which is an ongoing issue. He has five through the first three games.
Mariota has played in two games in relief of Daniels and won his only start. He's 30-of-47 passing (63.8%) for 294 yards (6.3 YPA), four touchdowns, and no interceptions, and was sacked twice, for a passer rating of 109.7. Mariota has also carried the ball six times for 14 yards (2.3 avg.) and has fumbled once.
Another X-factor is McLaurin, who was added to the injury report Friday and is questionable for Sunday.
The Colts take on the Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network.
