The NFL returns to London for Week Four as the Indianapolis Colts face the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams arrive with 1-2 records, making this an important game as they look to keep pace in their respective divisions.
Both teams lost their opening two games to difficult opponents: the Eagles and Cowboys for Washington, and the Ravens and Chiefs for Indianapolis. However, both arrive in London with renewed confidence after Week Three wins over the Texans and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Washington are unlikely to have quarterback Jayden Daniels under centre again this week, although he is doing everything he can to return. He has travelled with the team and has been training, but the dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm is causing pain and discomfort, as well as making it difficult to protect the joint during play. That means another start is likely for backup Marcus Mariota, who impressed in last week’s victory over Seattle.
Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Rachaad White, Treylon Burks and Terry McLaurin secured those scores, while Mariota used nine different receivers in total. McLaurin was his main target with six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, while veteran receiver Stefon Diggs added four receptions for 33 yards.
Spreading the ball around could be important for Washington against the Colts. If they stretch Indianapolis’ secondary, they could find opportunities in a similar way to Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers in Baltimore’s season opener.
Mariota remains a dual-threat quarterback, and Indianapolis will need to be wary of his ability to make plays with his legs. The Colts’ defence will need to create pressure, with pass rushers such as DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu and Adetomiwa Adebawore capable of making an impact. Mariota managed only 11 rushing yards in Week Three, which will encourage the Colts.
Rushing has not been the strongest part of Washington’s game so far. Last week, the Commanders’ leading rushers were Jacory Croskey-Merritt (19 carries for 36 yards), Rachaad White (eight carries for 35 yards) and Mariota.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was just short of the top two against a tough Texans defence. His 68 yards was a quiet outing by his standards, and he will be looking to respond in London. For all of Taylor’s talent, he could be in for another difficult game: Washington have produced a solid run defence through the first three weeks and are one of only five teams yet to allow a rushing touchdown.
A key matchup could be Taylor against the Washington defence. If he is kept quiet, the Colts will need a better performance from quarterback Daniel Jones. Indianapolis have some good targets and should continue attacking a Commanders secondary that is allowing an average of 280 passing yards per game.
Josh Downs has produced consistently, including five receptions for 77 yards against Houston, while Keenan Allen scored his first touchdown for the Colts last week and added 63 yards. Alec Pierce is on injured reserve with a heel injury, removing some of Indianapolis’ deep threat.
Overall, this looks like a close game and it is difficult to identify a clear favourite. Both teams are coming off wins and will be looking to build momentum. Indianapolis may have more confidence after ending a long losing streak, but Washington could benefit from having more supporters in the stadium. Either way, it should be a great spectacle as the NFL returns to London.
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