Colts vs. Panthers Week 9 preview

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) are on the road this week to take on the Carolina Panthers (1-6) for their Week 9 matchup.  The Colts have lost three straight and desperately need to get back in the win collum this week.  Weather: The forecast for kickoff at 4:05 p.m. EST in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts Week 9 Preview

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) are on the road this week to take on the Carolina Panthers (1-6) for their Week 9 matchup. 

The Colts have lost three straight and desperately need to get back in the win collum this week. 

Weather:

The forecast for kickoff at 4:05 p.m. EST in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to be 72°. The temperature is expected to drop throughout the game, with the expectation of it falling to as low as 60°.

Vegas Spreads:

Draft Kings: Colts -2
FanDuel: Colts -2.5
Caesars: Colts -2.5
BetMGM: Colts -2.5
PointsBet: Colts -2.5

Panthers:

The Panthers are 1-6 entering Week 9 and are coming off their first win of the season against the Houston Texans. While he refused to admit it this week, this game will be personal for Panthers head coach Frank Reich. Who will be taking on his former team after being fired in favor of a former player, current ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday. The Panthers came in at 31st on A to Z Sports' Week 9 Power Rankings. According to Pro Football Focus, the Panthers have graded out as the 30th-best offense and 29th-best defense.

Colts:

The Colts are 3-5 entering Week 9 and are currently on a three-game losing streak. They have two weeks before their bye week, which gives them the chance to battle back to .500 before then. The Colts came in at 22nd on A to Z Sports' Week 9 NFL Power Rankings. According to Pro Football Focus, the Colts have graded out as the 24th-best offense and the 21st-best defense.

Opponent Player Spotlight of the Week:

Brian Burns

Brian Burns is an exceptional talent in the NFL and the leader of the Panthers defense. Burns has five sacks and ten QB hits so far this season. The Colts already know they will be without their starting RT as Braden Smith has been ruled out, but they could be down to their 3rd option at the position as rookie Blake Freeland is questionable for this week's game. Burns will likely line up over the RT no matter if Freeland plays; the Colts have seen dynamic defensive players take over games. And now, maybe even more short-handed in their efforts to slow down Burns. 

Colts Player Spotlight of the Week:

Jonathan Taylor

Over the past two weeks, the Colts have seen star Jonathan Taylor look like his old self. Last week, he exploded for 94 yards on 11 rushes all in the first half. Sadly, he would only get one carry the entire 2nd half and would end the day with 95 rushing yards. While Zack Moss has been fantastic, I believe they need to start to increase Taylor's workload. They've been operating at a near 50/50 split between the two backs. I think we need it to be 70/30 going forward. Taylor can single-handedly take over a football game when given the chance; he is healthy, he is paid, and it's time to remove the restrictions and let him play. 

My Predictions:

Prediction: Jonathan Taylor rushes for 100+ and at least one touchdown 

Last week, we were on the verge of Taylor's first 100-yard rushing day since returning from injury. But the team's decisions in the 2nd half prevented it. This week, I think they right that ship and let Taylor handle a higher workload and be the clear starter on the day. I believe this will result in him crossing the 100-yard mark, and I think they lean on him in the red zone, which will lead to him finding the endzone as well. 

Prediction: Rookie Jaylon Jones gets his first interceptions

Let's run this prediction back a 2nd straight week. Jones has looked solid ever since becoming a starting corner for the Colts. With Brents down, he has seen QBs attempt to prevent throwing his way at all costs. I think his solid play will get rewarded this week with his first career interception. There's no way I can be wrong in back-to-back weeks, right? 

Score Prediction: Colts win 30-20

This needs to be a get-right game for the Colts defense, that has allowed at least 37 points in all of their three losses during this losing streak. The Panthers haven't scored 30 points yet this season; the most points they've scored came in Week 3 vs the Settle Seahawks when they scored 27. If the Colts defense can't get right this week, there might not be a better chance. Getting to 4-5 instead of dropping to 3-6 is crucial for the Colts this week if their eyes are still focused on the postseason. I'm predicting a 30-20 win for the Colts, a multi-score win is exactly what this team needs right about now. 

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