Testing the Stampede Blue’s staff, and readers, knowledge and faith in the Colts
1In Week 3, the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts (- 120) host the Chicago Bears (+ 102) in Lucas Oil Stadium. The home team opens up as just 1-point favourites, as clearly Indy’s recent struggles earned them the distrust of the oddsmakers.
Mateo Caliz
How much do you trust this Colts’ defense, that will most likely be without their best player in DeForest Buckner? Will Anthony Richardson be able to bounce back after a dismal showing, facing a much tougher defense? The outlook does not look as good as it did before this week before facing the Bears. Caleb Williams is experiencing the expected issues of rookies, and Steichen is a much better coach than Eberflus, so I still expect the Colts to win this one, but it will be close.
Colts 21, Bears 17
Andrew Aziz
The Colts are a peculiar team right now. One week, they’re explosive and dynamic on offense, the other week they’re lethargic and pitiful. The Bears defense has proven to been very strong to start the season. Their offense, on the other hand, has not been very strong with Caleb Williams afraid to throw the ball down the field. The wildcard in all of this is D’Andre Swift, who has not been used much the first two weeks, but has the potential to explode at any time. If the Colts stop him, they should be able to contain Williams. I expect the Bears defense to have their way with the Colts for a lot of the game, but Taylor and Richardson should have enough explosive plays for them to come through.
Colts 17, Bears 16
Jay Robins
Injuries are the story of the week leading up to this game. Star DT DeForest Buckner: Out at least 4 weeks. Rookie Edge Rusher Laiatu Latu, who suffered a hip injury in Week 2, is still awaiting further testing but should be fine according to the latest reports. Top Safety Julian Blackmon could make his return in Week 3. Slot WR Josh Downs was a gametime decision for Week 2 and was reportedly at 90% health on gameday. He is due to make his 2024 debut in Week 3.
With Downs’ return providing the Colts Offense with a highly reliable WR after their previous struggles at the position early on, I’d expect the passing offense to improve over the next couple of weeks. They do face a tough matchup first with the Bears Defense, who are both the 6th best Defense in Points allowed and EPA/pass. If there is a “weakness” to the Bears Defense, its in the run game, where they have allowed 4.5 yards per carry and are 13th in EPA/run, so if the game script allows, expect the Colts to have a more run heavy approach with their top tier rush attack, ranking 1st in Yards Per Carry (6.1) and 2nd in EPA/rush.
The Colts Defense hampered with injuries likely struggles, even with Caleb Williams and the Bears off to a slow start. The two youngest starting QBs in the NFL will be duking it out, so whichever offense cuts down on its mistakes the most should come out on top.
Colts 24, Bears 21
