The Indianapolis Colts are going to have to play a very clean game on Sunday and protect the football if they’re going to have a chance at upsetting Buffalo.
This, of course, isn’t any sort of groundbreaking information. Each week taking care of the football is important. The team who wins the turnover battle each week increases their odds of winning the game substantially.
However, against the Bills, ball security and the ability to potentially generate turnovers will be at a premium.
Buffalo will enter Sunday’s game as one of the best at both creating turnovers and protecting the football. Overall on the season, they are plus-11 in the turnover column, which is tied for the best differential in the league.
Defensively, the Bills’ 15 takeaways are the fourth-most, while their four giveaways on offense are tied for the second-fewest, and includes quarterback Josh Allen throwing only two interceptions this season.
The Colts have held their own this season in turnover differential, in large thanks to the defense. Indianapolis has also created 15 takeaways through nine games with the defense’s ability to force turnovers helping to keep the Colts in several games this season.
But on offense, the have been generous, giving the ball away 13 times, which is tied for the fifth-most in football.
The Colts made the decision to start Joe Flacco this past week over Anthony Richardson because of the stability he could provide the passing game. However, while it’s only a one game sample size, Flacco was responsible for an interception and a fumble in that game. Those giveaways were among the many issues the Colts’ offense experienced.
Turnovers mean fewer opportunities for the opposing offense, oftentimes good field position, and additional chances to score. If the Colts are going to come away with the win on Sunday over the 7-2 Bills, they not only need to take care of the ball, but the turnover battle is one they likely have to win as well.