Can the struggling Indianapolis Colts find an identity? Will they be able to stop the high-octane Kansas City Chiefs?
The Colts take on the Kansas City Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes and company come to Lucas Oil on Sunday for a Week Three showdown. The staff at Chiefs Edge, Stadium Rant, and the Indy Intercept staff give their score predictions ahead of the game.
Chiefs Edge
Byron Smith: Chiefs 31, Colts 14
The Colts are statistically the worst offense in football right now, after games with the Texans and Jaguars. It’s too early to determine if this is just growing pains or a much bigger issue, but it is the exact opposite of what the Chiefs are experiencing. The Chiefs are popping off both offensively and defensively right now, and the Colts seem very unlikely to be able to put a stop their momentum.
Mark Larison: Chiefs 31, Colts 17
The Chiefs are too much to handle right now. Indy will come out swinging as they are embarrassed over the last game to Jacksonville. However, Patrick Mahomes is going to continue his scorched earth tour.
Ken Coltharp: Chiefs 28, Colts 13
The Colts and Chiefs are trending in opposite directions. Patrick Mahomes and company are just starting to hit their stride and the Colts offense is in shambles. Indy doesn’t have any play makers outside of Jonathan Taylor and a banged up Michael Pittman, Jr..
Their offensive line hasn’t stopped anyone. Chris Jones and Frank Clark are both going to eat on Sunday afternoon as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will replicate what Jacksonville did to Indy last week. The Chiefs should have their way with this one.
Devin Hoover: Chiefs 35, Colts 17
The Chiefs are coming into this game with extra rest, and the Colts just got shutout by the Jaguars. I think the Colts put up some garbage time points, but I don’t see this as a close game.
Stadium Rant
Preston Farr: Chiefs 31, Colts 10
The Chiefs defense is fresh off a performance that saw them hold the Chargers scoreless through five consecutive second half drives. They’re vastly underrated and should prove their worth against a struggling offense. Patrick Mahomes and company should roll like normal against a team still lacking an identity.
Trevor Steinbacher: Chiefs 31, Colts 13
This matchup may forever spark a reminder that the Colts made the great comeback in the 2013 playoffs behind Andrew Luck. “Luck-ily” for Chiefs fans, it’s now 2022. They have the best quarterback in the league and the Colts are deploying another veteran who has yet to get the job done. In Week Three, Patrick Mahomes and company will take down the Colts. With ten days rest and preparation, look for Andy Reid to dial up plays that will allow Mahomes to spread the ball around offensively, keeping the Colts defense on their heels.
In years past, this would be a smash spot for star running back Jonathan Taylor. However, through two weeks, it’s been tough sledding for “J.T.” and the entire Colts offense. This week, if they want to keep it close, Frank Reich should establish the run early and often, keeping the prolific Chiefs offense on the sidelines. I don’t believe Indy will have success with that game plan, and the Chiefs run away with another victory.
Indy Intercept
Chris Lewis: Chiefs 35, Colts 32
Patrick Mahomes is 6-1 versus Gus Bradley coached defenses and averages 33 points in those games. The Team will put up a fight running the ball with Jonathan Taylor, but Patrick Mahomes’s familiarity with Gus Bradley’s defense will ultimately lead to the team’s demise.
Chip Bennett: Chiefs 34, Colts 17
Jonathan Taylor will run in one touchdown. Ryan throws one touchdown to a tight end. Chiefs will otherwise dominate the defense.
Boom McGinty: Colts 30, Chiefs 18
The team will commit to a slow, but steady, game plan. The Chiefs won’t be able to find a rhythm as the team installs some exotic looks on defense to get their pass rushers going. After a week of seeing his carries diminished, Jonathan Taylor will have 28 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Matt (Ryan) will have 230 yards and a touchdown. We will finally get to see some made field goals. Mahomes will have 250 yards and a touchdown. The team’s defense will make the Chiefs one dimensional. Victory!
Justin Perkins: Chiefs 35, Colts 14
This week the team has their home opener and they will face the Kansas City Chiefs. One of the leagues best offensive duos in coming into town and will be looking to put on a show. Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will be an even tougher task than what the team has seen. The team is known for giving up big games against tight ends. Look for this game to have a similar script. The defense is struggling to keep the yards down. Switching gears, the offense is also struggling to get started. The team may be facing an 0-2-1 to start the season.
Meghan Hall: Colts 28, Chiefs 20
Don’t ask me where the 28 points are coming from because frankly, I don’t know. I can’t tell you who’s going to score. I can’t even tell you what version of the team is going to show up. (It’s been that unpredictable.) However, I’m rooting for the team to find an offensive identity. Spread the ball around. Get your play makers going and utilize ”a dink-and-dunk” strategy to establish a rhythm. The young receiving corps needs some confidence building drives.
Also, the defense must find a pass rush this week. Patrick Mahomes will pick you a part if you aren’t fast off the line and disruptive. Keep him contained in the pocket. Overall, I’m looking for clean football. Show me that you deserve to be among the best teams in the league.
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