It’s only been three games, but the Indianapolis Colts have been much better than expected – especially considering Jonathan Taylor hasn’t played a snap yet. The Los Angeles Rams have also looked impressive at times, but at 1-2, they badly need a win over the Colts on Sunday afternoon.
If they’re going to take down the 2-1 Colts, they’ll need to win these five matchups on the field. From protecting Matthew Stafford to generating pressure themselves on Indianapolis’ quarterback, these five individual battles will be essential to a Rams victory.
1
Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Michael Pittman Jr.
Witherspoon has been a gem for the Rams at cornerback this season, holding down the left side of the defense in the first three weeks. He’s only allowed five catches on 13 targets, with a passer rating of just 22.0 in coverage. Pittman is unquestionably the Colts’ top receiver and he’s being treated as such, seeing 34 targets already this season.
Witherspoon must keep Pittman in check outside because whether it’s Gardner Minshew or Anthony Richardson, they’re going to take shots deep to Pittman. The Rams have to limit big plays to the big-bodied receiver.
2
Steve Avila vs. DeForest Buckner
Avila had arguably his worst game yet on Monday night against the Bengals, so he’ll be looking to bounce back Sunday in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, the guy lining up across from him won’t make that easy. Buckner is a handful for any guard to handle, bringing excellent size and strength at 6-foot-7, 295 pounds. Buckner leads the Colts with a pass-rush grade of 82.0, according to Pro Football Focus, but he hasn’t been great against the run where he has a grade of just 57.2.
With the offensive line issues the Rams had in Week 3, Avila has to step up on the interior against a good Colts defensive front.
3
Puka Nacua vs. Kenny Moore II
Moore hasn’t had the standout year we’ve come to expect from the talented nickel corner, allowing 10 catches on just 12 targets for a total of 95 yards. He’ll get Nacua a bunch in this matchup, which will be a fun battle to watch when the Rams are on offense.
Nacua was slowed down for the most part on Monday night until he caught a 37-yarder in the final minute, so perhaps the Colts will see what the Bengals did and try to emulate that. But most of the time, it’ll come down to Nacua beating Moore one-on-one.
4
Aaron Donald vs. Quenton Nelson
Talk about a heavyweight battle on the interior. The last time these teams met, Donald had a whopping eight pressures, landing three hits on the quarterback. He was a force in the middle of the Rams defense, even when facing the stud guard Nelson.
Los Angeles has gotten some solid reps out of Byron Young on the edge but other than him and Donald, the pass rush has been disappointing. If Donald can disrupt things on the interior and force the quarterback out of the pocket, it’ll make things easier for Young and the other outside linebackers.
5
Rob Havenstein vs. Kwity Paye
Paye has quietly been good for Indianapolis, leading the team with nine total pressures and three sacks. He almost exclusively lines up as the left end on defense, so it’ll be him against Havenstein for most of the afternoon.
Havenstein is the Rams’ steadiest and most reliable offensive lineman thus far so it’s essential that he continue playing at a high level for Los Angeles. Between Paye, Buckner and Samson Ebukam, the Colts know how to generate pressure and make the quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket.
