The Washington Commanders (1-2) look to make it two wins in a row on Sunday when they face the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The Colts enter Sunday’s game as a surprising 4.5-point favorite. However, that margin may reflect Washington’s injury situation. The Commanders will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels, running back Rachaad White, right guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross. Washington will likely also be without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Who wins?
It’s time for our Week 4 staff picks.
Bryan Manning
This is a big game for the Commanders. Not as big as last week, but this game is an opportunity for Washington to get back to .500 after a 0-2 start. Considering how tough the Commanders’ early schedule is, winning
this game keeps them in the thick of things in a very winnable NFC East despite two division losses.
Even without Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin (likely), the Commanders should be able to move the football. Indianapolis struggles against the run and the pass. Unlike last season when McLaurin was hurt, the Commanders have much more talent and depth at receiver. I would expect Stefon Diggs to have a big game on Sunday. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will have his best game of the season, and Washington’s defense does enough to help the Commanders leave London with their first-ever international win.
Commanders 27, Colts 24
Ivan Lambert
The Commanders’ offense generated only 183 passing yards last week, and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has it harder because WR1 Terry McLaurin tweaked a hamstring and is likely to miss the game.
The Commanders are also without RB Rachaad White, who injured a shoulder. It’s unclear how much Craig Reynolds or recently signed Austin Ekeler will contribute in White’s absence.
Defensively, the good news for the Commanders is that deep threat Alec Pierce is out and will miss the game. The Commanders’ pass defense has been very weak at times. Cornerback Mike Sainristil saw his time on the field diminished last week, and that likely continues this week.
The run defense has been a strength, and it will need to be strong against the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor. The defense may need to force turnovers again to help the offense
Commanders 17, Colts 16
Serena Burks
I know the Commanders have historically struggled in international games, but this matchup feels different. The Commanders have already shown what they can do with Marcus Mariota under center, scraping by with a win over the reigning Super Bowl champions in Week 3. The Colts’ biggest strength is Jonathan Taylor, but the Commanders’ defense is allowing just 82 yards on the ground through three games and hasn’t allowed a single rushing touchdown. Their defense ranks last or near-last in multiple categories. Meanwhile, it feels like the Commanders are on the upswing, even without Jayden Daniels. The defense is playing lights-out, and I don’t expect that to change. Mariota is an experienced quarterback who will find a way to thrive behind a banged-up offensive line.
Commanders 27, Colts 20
Ariana Pensy
While the Commanders enter this game with more injuries, they are also the more talented team. Marcus Mariota is a solid game manager, doing everything Washington needs him to without making any critical mistakes. The Commanders also have a more talented defense, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards this season. When Indianapolis cannot get the run game going with Jonathan Taylor, the offense tends to be flat. With how talented Taylor is, he will probably have some breakout runs, but not enough to give the Colts the momentum they need to win this game. Commanders escape London with a win.
Commanders 24, Colts 21
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders vs. Indianapolis Colts: Week 4 staff picks and predictions
