The Indianapolis Colts (0-2) face a turning point in their season when they travel Sunday to take on the Tennessee Titans (1-1) at Nissan Stadium in Week 3.
As sizeable underdogs in this matchup, there aren’t many predicting the Colts to end their losing streak. Most of the analysts around the league feel the Titans are in a primed position to take the lead in the division with a win on Sunday.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees the Week 3 game shaking out in Nashville:
Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Colts 26, Titans 23
Logic probably states that the Colts are heading toward their third loss in a row, but my gut has me feeling they will come out with a win on the road to salvage what has been a poor start to the 2021 campaign.
Even with a hobbled Carson Wentz, the Colts offense should have its chances to put points on the board against the Titans defense. Though Braden Smith is out again, the Colts will get to fully unleash left tackle Eric Fisher, which should bring some stability to the pass protection.
The pass rush is the biggest concern for the Colts defense. Derrick Henry will absolutely be the focal point of the game plan, but the Colts have to apply more consistent pressure. They can do so against this Titans offensive line.
I’m going against the grain this week and choosing a Colts victory even though there’s a good chance I’m eating crow when the game is all said and done.
Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL): Colts 27, Titans 24
If you asked me to predict this game at the beginning of the week then I would have easily picked the Titans to blow out the Colts on Sunday, but as the week progressed, the injury report got smaller, Xavier Rhodes will make his season debut, and Carson Wentz is on track to start.
After going toe-to-toe with the Los Angeles Rams, there are some good things that the team can carry over into this matchup.
Tennessee is giving up 406 YPG on defense and with Wentz leading the offense, I believe the unit will have their best day of the season. The Indianapolis defense will struggle at times but look for their star players to make a game-changing play in the second half.
It’s a close battle but Frank Reich finds a way to continue his strong record over the division rival and the Colts win in Nashville, 27-24.
John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Titans 34, Colts 24
Injuries continue to be the theme of the season as the Colts limp into a week three matchup against the Titans. Tennessee picked up their first win of the year in a comeback win against Seattle last week, in which they flexed their offensive power in the second half.
The Titans are a matchup problem for the Colts across the board. Indy’s run defense has struggled this season, and Derrick Henry is no easy task. The two bog-bodied receivers at Ryan Tannehill’s disposal doesn’t make things any easier with injuries in the secondary.
This game should be close for the first three quarters, but then the Titans will open the door and the Colts will play catch up. And 0-3 start to the season will hurt this team going forward, and Frank Reich may have some decisions to make after this game.
Nick Melillo (@CircleCity21): N/A
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Standings
1. Kevin (2-0)
2. John (2-0)
3. Cody (1-1)
4. Nick (0-2)