The Indianapolis Colts were dealt a harsh reality check in Week 1. Hailed as Super Bowl contenders after acquiring some big-name stars during the offseason, the Colts proved they still have some ways to go as they slumped to a disappointing 27-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Colts’ offensive and defensive lines couldn’t cope with the Bills on the road, which contributed heavily to their defeat. Can both units regroup in Indy’s home opener against the New York Jets, who are also capable of wreaking havoc in the trenches?
Read on for our preview of this intriguing Week 2 Monday Night matchup. Also, don’t forget to check out our previews of Week 2’s other action, particularly the Chargers vs. Bengals and the Titans vs. Browns.
[sc:Football ]New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
When: Monday, September 21, 8:30 PM ET
Line: New York Jets (+7) at Indianapolis Colts (-7); total: 47.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
Betting on the New York Jets
The New York Jets enjoyed one of the more lopsided wins of Week 1 with an easy 31-10 home win over the Cleveland Browns. Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t have the greatest numbers – 15-of-24 for 179 yards with two touchdowns and an interception – in his first start as Jets quarterback, but he didn’t need to.
[sc:NFL240banner ]That’s because the Jets played to their strengths and dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. They rushed for 154 yards – Chris Ivory led the way with 91 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns – and limited the Browns running backs to a pitiful 46 yards on 20 carries.
Fitzpatrick received some timely plays from his two premier playmakers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, who combined for 99 yards and with each of them catching a touchdown. The defense also made some big plays as it forced Cleveland to five turnovers.
After seeing how the Bills beat up the Colts along both lines, the Jets must feel confident that they can play a similarly grinding game to stay competitive with the Colts, even in Indianapolis. Their running game, in particular, could have similar success against a Colts defense that coughed up 147 rushing yards to the Bills.
The Jets secondary can hold its own against the Colts’ talented receiving corps. However, it might struggle to do so without cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie was carted off after suffering a possibly serious knee injury against the Browns.
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Betting on the Indianapolis Colts
There was a lot of fanfare about how the Colts strengthened this offseason by bringing in veteran stars Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. However, both were no shows in their debut – Gore had 31 yards on eight carries and was limited by cramps, while Johnson had four catches for 24 yards.
Meanwhile, the positions that actually needed strengthening – namely, the offensive and defensive lines – came to haunt the Colts once again in their loss to the Bills.
The Colts were flat out bullied in the trenches, particularly the offensive line, which was a big reason why their usually explosive offense was nullified. Andrew Luck finished just 26-of-49 for 243 yards – a paltry five yards per pass – with two touchdowns and two interceptions as he faced constant pressure all game long. Meanwhile, the running game was held to only 64 yards.
It goes without saying that the O-line needs to play much better against the Jets. Luckily, the Jets don’t have as fierce a pass rush as the Bills, which should give Luck a little more time in the pocket.
The Colts suffered a significant injury to T.Y. Hilton, who bruised his knee and could miss the visit of the Jets. Indy is sufficiently deep in terms of receiving options, though, and should be able to compensate for the loss of their top receiver. The Colts also stand to gain from the possible absence of Antonio Cromartie, which will be a big blow to the Jets’ pass defense.
The Colts are 16-4 (14-5-1 against the spread) in their last 20 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Luck and the Colts (-7) jump on the Jets early and earn a 27-20 home win.
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