Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview: Prediction, Best Bets, Odds, Depth Charts (10/1/23)

The Los Angeles Rams are headed to Indianapolis for an inter-conference matchup versus the Colts. The Rams are 1-2 while the Colts are a surprising 2-1, and will to keep their lead over the rest of their division with a win Sunday. Keep reading for the odds, our predictions, key matchups, and best bet, which is Rams (+1).

Los Angeles Rams Vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction & Best Bet

Los Angeles Rams Vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction & Best Bet: Rams -1
This Rams-Colts game is likely more interesting than any fan could have expected going into the season. The Colts are a pleasant surprise at 2-1 after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Though the Rams are 1-2, their two losses have come at the hands of two tough teams in the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Rams were competitive in both those games.

Many figured the Colts would rebuild this year after drafting rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, as the only team in the division with two wins and the AFC South looking like a toss up, the Colts may have more of a chance at contending than expected.

The other good news for the Colts is quarterback Anthony Richardson looks like he’ll be back for Sunday’s game. Richardson left the game early versus the Texans in Week 2 with a concussion that caused him to miss the Ravens game. Luckily Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew filled in to lead Indy to a win over Baltimore, but they’ll be happy to have Richardson back.

Richardson has proven to be dynamic as both a runner and passer through two games. He has already run for three touchdowns through two starts, but needs to be more careful to avoid big hits and prevent further injuries.

Meanwhile, the Rams started the year looking rejuvenated on offense with QB Matthew Stafford back from injury. Even with Cooper Kupp still out, Stafford has thrown for two 300-yard passing games and has executed the offense with his new, younger targets such as Puka Nacua. The fifth-round pick has set multiple records including the rookie record for the most receptions in a single game, two games, and three games.

However, the one area where Stafford has struggled is interceptions. Stafford threw two interceptions in both of their losses. The interceptions were not all on Stafford, but still proved costly in the losses.

This game is a toss up, but I’ll pick the Rams to win and for each team to go to 2-2. The injuries to the offensive line will hurt, but I expect Sean McVay’s squad to bounce back.

Los Angeles Rams Vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Odds

Vegas sees this game between the Rams and Colts as a toss-up. The Colts are favored (-1) by just one point as the home team. They also have a slight advantage over the Rams since the Rams are coming off a Monday game and have to travel to the other side of the country for an early game. The over/under for the game is 46.5 after both teams played in field goal duels last weekend.

Los Angeles Rams Vs. Indianapolis Colts Key Injuries

The Rams are dealing with some tough injuries on offense. Tight end Tyler Higbee, offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, and wide receiver Ben Skowronek all missed Wednesday’s practice. WR Puka Nacua was a limited participant Wednesday.

The Colts are still missing running back Jonathan Taylor for at least another week. They also may miss defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (groin) and offensive guard Quenton Nelson (toe), who both didn’t practice Wednesday. On the bright side, both center Ryan Kelly and quarterback Anthony Richardson were full participants in practice Wednesday after dealing with concussions.

Los Angeles Rams vs Indianapolis Colts Key Matchups

With no superstars at the skill positions playing for either of these teams, the key matchups in this game will lie in the battle of the trenches.

Rams offensive line Vs. Colts defensive line

The weakest part of the Rams right now is their offensive line. The injury to Alaric Jackson was detrimental in the Rams’ loss to the Bengals as they gave up six sacks. If Jackson isn’t back in the lineup, the Rams will need to have a backup plan to keep the Colts from getting consistent pressure on Stafford.

On the Colts defensive line, the loss of DeForest Buckner will hurt if he’s unable to go. Though the Colts haven’t had a consistent pass rush force, they did sack the Texans’ QB six times in their Week 2 win. If the Rams offensive line plays like it did versus the Bengals, the Colts could repeat that performance and get their third win of the year.

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart

QB: Matthew Stafford
RB1: Kyren Williams
LWR: Van Jefferson
RWR: Tutu Atwell
SWR: Puka Nacua
TE1: Tyler Higbee

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart

QB: Anthony Richardson
RB1: Zack Moss
RB2: Deon Jackson
LWR: Michael Pittman Jr.
RWR: Alec Pierce
SWR: Josh Downs
TE1: Kylen Granson

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