Subscribe
Follow Us
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of a pivotal Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles for their first victory of the season and are now getting set to take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
Even without Andrew Luck, the Colts are no pushovers, as they pushed the Los Angeles Chargers to the limit in Week 1 and defeated the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
So, the Falcons need to be prepared, especially on the road in what will be the Colts' home opener.
Nevertheless, here are four reasons why Atlanta will beat Indianapolis in Week 3:
4. An Improved Defense
Defense was the Falcons' biggest problem last year, but now that some of their key guys have gotten healthy, it has looked pretty good over the first couple of weeks, ranking third in the NFL.
Most notably, Atlanta currently has the best pass defense in the league. Of course, that has come against a Kirk Cousins-led Minnesota Vikings squad and an Eagles team that saw both DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery leave early with injuries last week, but it's still worth mentioning.
The Colts may have to lean heavily on Marlon Mack to have a shot to win this game, and while the Falcons' run defense has not been as strong as their pass defense, making your opponent one-dimensional is always a good thing.
3. Matt Ryan is Due
I hate using “due” performances as a basis for why a team will win a game, but, I mean, Matt Ryan really is due to for a big game.
Ryan has already thrown five interceptions this season, which is just two less than he through all of last year. The veteran has logged single-digit interception totals in two of last three seasons, so racking up five in two games is not the norm.
The Colts do have some playmakers in their secondary, but I really don't think Ryan is going to make that many mistakes again, especially against an Indianapolis defense that is fairly average across the board.
Look for a big, prudent performance from Ryan this Sunday.
2. The Colts' Questionable Run Defense
Article Continues Below
Indianapolis was actually solid at defending the run in 2018, but thus far this season, it has been another story.
The Colts rank just 22nd in the NFL in run defense, as they are allowing 124.5 rushing yards per game, and they are about to go against a Falcons team that is in dire need of a big outing from its running backs.
Devonta Freeman has largely been held in check through Atlanta's first two games, as Ito Smith has actually been the more productive running back, making the most of his carries.
But if there ever time for a breakout game from Freeman, this is it.
Keep in mind that Freeman missed just about all of last season, so he might still be getting his sea legs. Now that he has played a couple of games, he could end up having a big afternoon against the Colts.
1. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley
I'm not sure there is a more deadly receiving duo in the league than Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.
The Eagles found that out the hard way this past weekend, as both wide outs registered over 100 yards and combined for all three of Ryan's passing touchdowns.
Making matters worse for the Colts is that cornerback Pierre Desir will likely be sidelined with a knee injury.
So, yeah. Jones and Ridley could feast in this matchup, and it would not be the least bit surprising to see each of them total 100 yards apiece for the second straight week.
