The Indianapolis Colts will make their home debut in Week 3 as they host the Atlanta Falcons. The Colts are coming off their first win of the season over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
To begin the season, there was some concern on how the Colts offense would look like with Jacoby Brissett under center. Of course, Andrew Luck suddenly retired in the preseason—leaving Brissett as the guy for the future.
The North Carolina State product responded by keeping the Colts in a close game with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Unfortunately, the game crept into overtime, with the Chargers coming out on top 30-24.
Last week, Indianapolis responded to their Week 1 loss by edging out the Titans in a close AFC South bout. In the end, the Colts were able to prevail with a four-yard touchdown to T.Y. Hilton that came late in the fourth quarter.
As for the Falcons, they are flying high following their first win of the season over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Matt Ryan was able to hook up with Julio Jones for a late-game score to give them the victory.
With that in mind, here are four reasons why the Colts will beat the Falcons in Week 3.
4. Colts Have the Secondary to Slow Down the Falcons Offense
The Falcons are known to toss the ball around a ton with Ryan under center. Through two weeks into the season, Atlanta has thrown it the fourth-most times for teams who have yet to play in Week 3.
When you have Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu to throw the ball to, why wouldn't you throw it? However, the Colts secondary has fared pretty well against wide receivers this season.
The Colts currently have the 10th ranked pass defense in the NFL and they should continue their success at home. You can never completely stop Julio but you can contain him and Indianapolis has the gameplan to do so.
3. Marlon Mack Can Gash the Falcons Defense
Aside from the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts currently have the best rushing offense in the NFL. After two games, Indianapolis has averaged 185 yards per game on the ground against the Chargers and Titans.
At this moment, Mack is questionable to suit up on Sunday but if he does, he should have another successful week. The Falcons have a mediocre run defense that has allowed 110.5 yards per game to opposing rushing attacks.
Behind a formidable offensive line, Mack should be able to gash Atlanta's front seven. Controlling the time of possession can be crucial in a game against a high-flying offense.
2. Colts Can Force Turnovers on Ryan
Every week, we seem to get a different version of Ryan for the Falcons under center. Some weeks he can connect on 300 yards, four touchdowns with ease; others he will struggle and throw three interceptions.
Just two weeks into the season, Atlanta is second in the NFL in giveaways with six of them. The only team ahead of them is the Miami Dolphins—who look like they are purposely losing.
At Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts defense could force Ryan into a few mental mistakes. Giving the ball back to their offense could be the difference in this game on Sunday.
1. Brissett Wins at Home
In the 25 games that Brissett has played in, there is a theme that shows he fares better at home. At home, the Colts quarterback boasts an 8-6 record while going 2-9 on the road.
Furthermore, Brissett got just his second win on the road last week against a Titans team who looked abysmal to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Therefore, he hasn't really beaten an impressive team on the road just yet.
Luckily for him, he will be within the confines of his home stadium in Week 3. The statistics go to show that Indianapolis' starting signal-caller has an increased chance to win on Sunday at home.
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