The Indianapolis Colts (7-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) are set for a crucial matchup in Week 15 that will play a heavy role in determining the playoff odds in the AFC.
Both teams are coming off brutal losses and will be looking to bounce back with backup quarterbacks under center. The Colts just snapped a four-game winning streak with their worst loss of the season while the Steelers have lost three of their last four.
Here’s how the Colts can come away with a home win against the Steelers on Saturday:
1
Keep Mitch Trubisky under duress
With Kenny Pickett (ankle) out, the Steelers are once again turning to Trubsiky. Part of the reason the Colts defense struggled so much in Week 14 was due to a lack of pressure on Jake Browning. They can’t let that happen again with Trubisky. According to Pro Football Focus, Trubisky has a 56.9 passer rating when pressured, which ranks 33rd out of 45 qualified quarterbacks.
2
Stay tight in the red zone
One aspect of Gus Bradley’s defense that has been pretty strong this season has been in the red zone. The Colts currently rank 17th in the NFL with a 54.8% red-zone defense. Meanwhile, the Steelers offense ranks 31st on offense with a 42.9% conversion rate inside the 20. Keeping teams out of the end zone is an obvious goal every week, but the Colts have the advantage here.
3
Find a way to contain T.J. Watt
The Colts have been crushed by elite pass rushers this season, and next on the list is Watt. After clearing the concussion protocol, Watt is good to go for this Saturday matchup and will draw the advantage against rookie Blake Freeland, who gets another start at right tackle while Braden Smith continues to work through an injury-ridden season. This is the matchup that can make or break the game, which means we should expect to see a lot of chips and extra help to the right side of the line.
4
Get Michael Pittman Jr. against Levi Wallace
One key matchup the Colts can win is this one. Pittman has been lining up all over the formation for the Colts this season while Wallace typically lines up on the right side of the defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Wallace has allowed 14.2 yards per catch, six touchdowns and a 104.1 passer rating on 59 targets this season. This is the matchup the Colts have to win.
