The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) are set to play host to the Atlanta Falcons (1-1) in Week 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in what will be their home opener for the 2019 season.
The Colts are slightly favored at home in the game, and there are reasons to be optimistic about Indy pulling out a win against a formidable opponent in the Falcons.
Here are three reasons for optimism in Week 3:
Falcons offensive line is struggling
The Colts will find themselves in a favorable matchup against the Falcons offensive line, a unit that will be without first-round pick Chris Lindstrom—who suffered a significant injury in Week 1.
The Colts defensive line has been an area of strength, for the most part, to open the season. Defensive tackle Denico Autry is among the league leaders in tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage while veteran defensive end Justin Houston has been getting consistent pressure from the left side.
Stopping the run game will be a priority for the Colts, but they should have a favorable matchup up front, especially with defensive end Kemoko Turay set to return.
Matt Ryan can be forced to turn the ball over
Through the first two games of the season, Ryan leads the league with five interceptions. Of course, it helps that he threw three of them in the Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Regardless, this is a positive sign for the Colts because the front seven has been generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If they can continue to do so against Ryan and the Falcons, the secondary should have plenty of opportunities to create turnovers—something they haven’t taken advantage of enough to start the season.
Ryan is an MVP-caliber quarterback. We’ve seen that. But if the Colts can move him off his spot and create consistent pressure, there will be chances for turnovers.
Colts are at home
Having been on the road to open the season’s first two games, the Colts have had to deal with venues and crowds that they aren’t used to. That has an impact in the outcome of the game just as being at home will have a positive impact for the Colts in Week 3.
It will be the first time the Colts are playing a regular-season game since Andrew Luck retired, but the focus is solely on who’s playing now. The Colts dominated at home in 2018 and while things are slightly different, they should be able to feed off the home crowd.
At home for the next two games, the Colts have a chance to continue progressing. It starts with hosting the Falcons on Sunday.
