Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Matchup Preview (9/19/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

There were high hopes in Indianapolis about the debut of Carson Wentz, but it didn’t quite go according to plan in a 12-point loss. Carson Wentz did throw for 2 touchdowns to no interceptions, but he fumbled twice and took 3 sacks as he struggled to feel the Seahawks’ pressure and effectively get rid of the ball when he needed to. Working against pressure was one of his biggest issues in Philadelphia last year, so that’s concerning, particularly against the Rams this week. Wentz likely won’t fare much better against Los Angeles’s stout defense.

The Colts’ run game wasn’t very good in Week 1, either, as Jonathan Taylor averaged just 3.3 YPC with 56 yards on 17 carries and I expected more from him even against a good run defense. David Montgomery ran the ball surprisingly well against LA, but I still have concerns about Taylor. Indianapolis’s offensive line struggled to open up rushing lanes and Quenton Nelson, one of the best players in the NFL, had a tough time blocking in wake of his preseason injury. Julie’n Davenport fared surprisingly well at left tackle but the Colts really need Eric Fisher back as soon as possible to maximize this offense’s production.

There was a lot of hype over the preseason for Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell, but it looks like Nyheim Hines may be the team’s top receiver as he had 6 catches for 48 yards in Week 1. Jonathan Taylor also had 6 catches while Pittman had just 3 catches for 29 yards and Campbell had just 1 catch for 24 yards. Zach Pascal scored 2 touchdowns and led the receiver room with 4 grabs for 43 yards, but the Colts’ inability to consistently push the ball downfield is going to be an issue against the likes of Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams. This is a team with plenty of capable pass-catchers but approximately zero elite options.

Defensively, the Colts looked pretty rough as well. Kwity Paye played well in his rookie debut as a nice complement to DeForest Buckner while Darius Leonard provided decent linebacker play, but the cornerbacks really struggled with Xavier Rhodes out. Russell Wilson’s day couldn’t have been easier as he completed 78% of his passes with 4 touchdowns and no turnvoers. The Colts also struggled to defend the run as Seattle ran for 5.2 YPC. If Indianapolis’s defense looked better in Week 1 I’d have more confidence in their ability to play the Rams close, but the vibes around this team are not great at the moment.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart

QB: Carson Wentz
RB1: Jonathan Taylor
RB2: Nyheim Hines
WR1: Michael Pittman Jr.
WR2: Zach Pascal
WR3: Parris Campbell
TE1: Jack Doyle
TE2: Mo Alie-Cox

Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Daily Fantasy Picks

I loved what I saw from Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp in Week 1, and the Colts’ secondary should be very beatable even if they bring back Xavier Rhodes this week. I’ll be all over the Stafford-Kupp stack in GPP lineups, particularly with their ownership not expected to be high with some other great options available. Darrell Henderson is an intriguing play, as well. On the other side, Nyheim Hines could see a high number of targets again if the Colts are playing from behind. I’m not thrilled about Jonathan Taylor in this matchup and it’s hard to nail down which Colts’ receiver could be in play. I’m also not touching Wentz with his propensity for turnovers against Aaron Donald and the Rams’ defense this week.