Seahawks at Colts
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: Fox
Tipico line: Seahawks by 2 1⁄2 Colts’ keys to victory: A new season means a new starting quarterback. With QB Carson Wentz now behind center, the Colts must put him in the right position to succeed. Keeping Wentz from playing hero ball, which got him in trouble with the Eagles, is the key. The offensive line, led by LG Quenton Nelson, will need to give sound protection. Indy will also need to lean on the emerging star in RB Jonathan Taylor. Defensively, DT DeForest Buckner must lead the pass rush from the interior while rookie DE Kwity Paye must make an impact early. In the secondary, CBs Kenny Moore II and Xavier Rhodes must slow down the dynamic duo in Seattle’s passing game.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Let QB Russell Wilson cook. If he can find WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett for big plays, the offense could take control. Protecting Wilson will be vital, especially on the interior. Using RB Chris Carson as a battering ram to wear down the defense will help. Defensively, Seattle must force Wentz for a higher chance at turnovers. Veteran DE Carlos Dunlap must take advantage of the Colts being without OT Sam Tevi (torn ACL; out for the season).
Matchup to watch: Colts LT Julién Davenport vs. Seahawks DE Carlos Dunlap. Davenport fills in for starter Eric Fisher (COVID19). If Indy can control the line of scrimmage, the offense should thrive enough to get a win.
Who wins? This could be a tossup. It will be a close game throughout, but the Colts find a way to limit the Seahawks offense enough to sneak out a win.
Colts, 23-21