Rams (1-2) at Colts (2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: Fox
Spread (FanDuel):
OTB at press time
Rams’ keys to victory: Los Angeles must keep QB Matthew Stafford upright against a Colts pass rush that has been surprisingly effective thus far. The Rams pass protection had been good with its remade offensive line, which led to improved play from Stafford. But the Bengals sacked Stafford six times in Week 3. The Colts do a good job of scheming up pressures despite not having the best defensive front. And when the Colts are on offense, containing QB Anthony Richardson (concussion), if he plays, will be priority No. 1 because he’s dynamic as a runner.
Colts’ keys to victory: Whether it’s QB Gardner Minshew or Richardson under center against the Rams, Indy has to have a successful ground game to keep the pressure off the quarterback. The Colts can’t win this game going throwfor-throw with Stafford, so it’ll come down to them running effectively, keeping the ball out of the hands of the Rams and making defensive stops on third down against an LA offense. LA had been excellent on that critical down before going 1-for-11 against the Bengals in Week 3.
Matchup to watch: Rams LG Steve Avila vs. Colts DT DeForest Buckner. Avila has generally been a stud for the Rams at left guard, holding his own vs. quality interior defenders. Buckner will be a real test with his size and length. He excels at shedding blocks and making plays in the backfield.
Who wins? With RB Jonathan Taylor still sidelined, the Colts don’t have the skill players to match up with Los Angeles, especially if Richardson doesn’t play.
Rams 24-17