Indianapolis Colts: Game-by-Game Predictions

Nov 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback

(12) and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback

(5) talk after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts Predictions for Weeks 1 – 4

The Indianapolis Colts open their season on the road in Buffalo against the Bills and their new head coach Rex Ryan. Two things have come out of Buffalo this week. First, they will play a Cover 1 against the Colts. The second apparently is was a statement of bravado from defensive back, Aaron Williams. He told Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News:

"“Just another NFL quarterback to me,” safety Aaron Williams said Wednesday, as the Bills began preparing in earnest for Sunday’s season-opener against Luck and the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. “He’s really good at what he does. He manages the game really well, but, I mean, you know, we’ve faced quarterbacks like this before.”"

It’s never easy to open a season on the road, but let’s be real. Aaron Williams is talking a good game here, but come on. Luck is a top-tier quarterback and Williams will get to experience that first hand. The Bills have a stingy defense but it will take a heroic effort from Tyrod Taylor to outscore the Colts. With LeSean McCoy admitting he will not 100%, the pressure is on Taylor to outperform Luck.

The Colts have a tendency to struggle against mobile quarterbacks – and even give up a big play or two – but the Bills do not seem to have enough defensive weapons in the secondary to match up against the likes of T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, Phillip Dorsett, Donte Moncrief,  and tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. The Colts win this one on the road,  27-19 (1-0).

Let’s keep it simple, the Jets have a great secondary and defensive line, but zero offensive potential. Ryan Fitzpatrick is serviceable starter in the NFL but the lack of a running game will prevent the Jets from winning the time of possession battle. Colts win their home opener 31-9 (2-0).

The Colts go on the road for their first divisional game against rookie quiarterback Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans. This will be for the first home game for the Titans, but they will need to execute a near-perfect game plan if they want to beat the Colts. Maybe they will be contenders with Indianapolis for the division again, but not this year, the Colts upend the Titans 31-17 (3-0).

Coach Gus Bradley is building a winner in Jacksonville. Their defense is improved and they have a promising young quarterback in Blake Bortles. Bradley wants to build a defensive juggernaut and they are progressing in the right direction. However, there are still severe holes in the roster and quarterback Blake Bortles is not ready just yet to lead the Jags to an upset. The key to this game will be won in the trenches by the Colts as they open up the field with the passing game. If Luck is given a clean pocket this game will be out of hand quickly. Colts win 24-10 (4-0).

Next: Weeks 5 - 8 gets much Tougher