The Indianapolis Colts (3-2) will be looking to get back into the win column when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (1-3-1) for a Week 6 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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The 1:00 p.m. ET game will be the last one before the Colts go on their bye week, which is expected to be Week 7 as of this writing. The Colts are expected to host 12,500 fans for the game.
Before the bout, here is a quick preview of the matchup in Week 6:
Colts’ keys to victory: By now, the Colts know where their strengths are. Controlling the line of scrimmage with the rushing attack featuring rookie RB Jonathan Taylor will make life easier on veteran QB Philip Rivers. Mixing in RB Nyheim Hines in the passing game will keep the Bengals defense honest. The Colts need WR T.Y. Hilton to find his vintage form after a slow start to the season while TE Mo Alie-Cox must be a focal point in the middle of the field and in the red zone. Containing DEs Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson will be the main focus for LT Anthony Castonzo and RT Braden Smith. On the other side of the ball, DT DeForest Buckner must continue dominating the interior. Veteran DE Justin Houston must exploit the matchup against Bengals RT Bobby Hart. Slowing down RB Joe Mixon will be a top priority for S Khari Willis and LB Darius Leonard and the Colts defense.
Bengals’ keys to victory: Every week, the Bengals should prioritize keeping rookie QB Joe Burrow clean. That will be no easy task against the Colts, who are among the leaders in pressure rate. LT Jonah Williams will be tasked with the uber-important job of protecting Burrow’s blindside from Houston. Keeping RB Joe Mixon involved in the passing game will help neutralize the Colts pass rush while also keeping the Bengals offense from being one dimensional. Rookie WR Tee Higgins and slot WR Tyler Boyd must find ways to create separation for Burrow while making plays downfield. On defense, DEs Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson must collapse the pocket against the immobile Philip Rivers. S Jessie Bates must be ready to make a play on a shot down the field while coming up to aid in run support.
Matchup to watch: Colts DT DeForest Buckner vs. Bengals C Trey Hopkins: As Buckner has lived up to the hype dominating the interior, Hopkins has been a solid force anchoring the Bengals offensive line. This matchup will likely be a determining factor in the outcome of the game.
Who wins? Burrow has looked promising for the Bengals all things considered, but the Colts are playing well at home. They should ride their defense to another victory heading into the bye week. Colts 24, Bengals 18
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