Indianapolis vs. Tennessee (TEN -2.5, 42.5)
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Indianapolis vs. Tennessee | Sunday, October 13, 2024
Joe Flacco has once again been proving the importance of backup quarterback play, and that he can absolutely still sling it. Through one and a half games replacing the injured Anthony Richardson, Flacco has produced 527 yards, five touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. In comparison, Richardson has, in 3 and a half games, has completed just 50% of his passes for 654 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. Obviously, he adds an exciting element to the run game, but his consistent issues with injuries are starting to become a problem. The question is, do the Indianapolis Colts have a better chance of winning with Flacco under center or Richardson?
While the wide receivers probably enjoy their outings more with Flacco under center, who is completing 70% of his passes, the Colts have already confirmed that Richardson will be back on the field as soon as he is healthy. It’s genuinely 50-50 as to whether he is an upgrade over Flacco at the moment, but he is without a doubt the future of the franchise and simply has to be on the field whenever possible.
Jonathan Taylor’s health status is another key thing to watch for in this game, as the Colts will need all the help they can get against a very sturdy Tennessee Titans defense. They are giving up the fewest yards per game this year, with just 243.8, mainly because they have the best-performing pass defense in the NFL so far. Tennessee’s decision to bring in L’Jarius Sneed has clearly paid off, as the team is giving up just 124 yards through the air per game. They are only good enough for 15th when it comes to rushing yards conceded per game, with 120, which is why Jonathan Taylor’s health is so important. If Richardson does take to the field as well, we should expect to see him utilize his legs a lot, rather than exposing him to this stingy Tennessee secondary.
The Indianapolis Colts cannot claim to be quite as stingy, as their 262.2 passing yards conceded per game is only good enough for 29th best in the NFL. They are giving up a 71.69% completion rate, which makes this a very interesting game for the Titans quarterback Will Levis. So far this year, Tennessee has produced the third-fewest passing yards, but this has not been helped by going up against some of the toughest passing defenses in the NFL. Can Levis, who is also battling an injury, take advantage of this matchup and finally deliver a good performance?
With the Texans already benefiting from a two-game buffer in the division, this is a game that the Colts cannot afford to lose. Similarly, with the Titans standing at 1-3, this loss would surely put an end to any playoff hopes this year. That may seem like an overreaction, but with a league-leading defense, and an offense that is benefiting from playmakers such as DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears, this has to be pretty disappointing. Can they save their season against a banged-up Colts team this weekend?
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