Colts vs. Rams Week 4 Preview

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) are hosting the Los Angeles Rams (1-2) this week for their Week 4 matchup. It's a game that is looked at as one of the most even matchups on this week's NFL slate.  Weather: The forecast for kickoff at 1 p.m. EST in Indianapolis, Indiana, is set to be 78° and […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Week 4 Colts Vs Rams

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) are hosting the Los Angeles Rams (1-2) this week for their Week 4 matchup.

It's a game that is looked at as one of the most even matchups on this week's NFL slate. 

Weather:

The forecast for kickoff at 1 p.m. EST in Indianapolis, Indiana, is set to be 78° and sunny. With temperatures expected to rise to 80° by the time the game is over. Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that the team has chosen to close their retractable roof for the game. 

Vegas Spreads:

Draft Kings: Colts -1
FanDuel: Colts -1
Caesars: + 0.0 (Even)
BetMGM: Colts -1
PointsBet: Colts -0.5

Rams:

The Rams are coming off two straight losses to the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals after winning their season opener vs the Seattle Seahawks. They came in at 19th on A to Z Sports' Week 4 NFL Power Rankings. Accroding to Pro Football Focus the Rams have graded out as the 9th best offense and 29th best defense so far through the first three weeks of the season. 

Colts: 

The Colts are currently on a two game win streak with wins over the Houston Texans and an overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens, after losing their season opener Week 1 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. They came in at 18th on A to Z Sports' Week 4 NFL Power Rankings. Accroding to Pro Football Focus the Colts have graded out as the 27th best offense and 18th best defense so far through the first three weeks of the season. 

Opponent Player Spotlight of the Week:

Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald is the definition of a game wrecker. And someone that the Colts have spent the entire week attempting to develop a game plan for. While he is listed as a defensive tackle the Rams have always been very creative on how they line him up. 

With the Colts down two starters for this matchup, I'd expect the Rams to line Donald up over center Wesley French, filling in for Ryan Kelly, as well as rookie Blake Freeland, who will be making his first NFL start filling in for left tackle Bernhard Raimann. 

Colts Player Spotlight of the Week:

Quenton Nelson

As you read above the Colts will be without two starters in this game, and Quenton Nelson finds himself in the middle of both. Nelson has been having a fantastic season in pass protection to start the year. Pro Football Focus has him graded as the best guard in pass protection so far through the first three weeks of the season. 

It isn't likely that we will see Nelson lined up on Donald much on the day as I explained above, but I do expect the Colts to get creative in ways to use Nelson to help Freeland and French if they decide it is needed. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will be back under center this week and the team's main focus will be keeping him healthy and on the field after having to miss nearly two games already in his young career. 

My Predictions: 

This game should be a good one, I expect it to be a back-and-forth affair. I think the Colts pass rush will continue their hot start and make Rams QB Matthew Stafford uncomfortable. 

Prediction: Colts will have 4+ sacks

I also believe Anthony Richardson will have an active day in his return as he will look to build on the strong start he had vs. the Houston Texans two weeks ago before suffering his concussion. His legs shined Week 2, but I think his arm will be the highlight in this one. 

Prediction: Richardson will have 225+ passing yards and will have more than 1 passing touchdown

I think this game comes down to the wire, and will be a game that Matt Gay makes the Rams regret letting him go as he hits a game winning field goal for a 2nd straight week. 

Score Prediction: Colts 27 Rams 24

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