The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) enter the Week 4 matchup with the Oakland Raiders (1-2) as pretty heavy favorites at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts are coming off of two straight wins at the top of the division while the Raiders haven’t looked as impressive since their season-opening win against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.
Here are three reasons for optimism in Week 4:
Colts are finding their groove
With only two games left before the Colts have an early bye in Week 6, there is a very real possibility they enter that week with a 3-2 record. Of course, they have to win against the Raiders this week before visiting the Kansas City Chiefs but with the way they have been playing, that’s likely the expectation.
The Colts offense found itself in a major groove during the Week 3 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has firmly entrenched himself as a competent and consistent passer in Frank Reich’s offense, and the defense came up big against a strong Falcons offense.
Every week won’t be the same, but the Colts enter this matchup with a lot of confidence coming off two straight wins despite everything they’ve had to deal with.
Colts have an advantage in the passing game
With Jacoby Brissett coming off a career day in Week 3 that saw him throw for 310 yards and two touchdowns, the 26-year-old signal-caller has another juicy matchup waiting for him on Sunday.
Through three games, the Raiders are allowing a 68.8% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks. They are also allowing 286.3 passing yards per game (24th), 9.2 yards per attempt (30th) and a 118.6 passer rating (28th) to opposing quarterbacks.
The Raiders are also still trying to find their pass rush with just five sacks through the first three games. Even if T.Y. Hilton misses the game, the opportunity is there for success in the passing game.
Colts can win in the trenches
On both sides of the ball, the Colts likley have the advantage in the trenches. On offense, the Colts have one of the best offensive lines going up against a struggling pass rush. They are moving people in the run game and have given Jacoby Brissett mostly consistent pass protection.
On the other side of the ball, the Colts defensive line has been encouraging thus far from a pass rush standpoint—even without recording a sack in Week 3. They are allowing a high rate on yards per carry but have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher.
Games are won and lost in the trenches, and the Colts have the advantage on both sides of the ball in this one.
