ClutchPoints
NFL Week 6 is finally here and fans are ready for another weekend of upsets, close finishes, and overall football madness. As the latest slate of matchups arrives, we’ll be taking a look at some bold predictions when the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) visit the Indianapolis Colts (4-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Week 6.
The Indianapolis Colts come into this game following a dominant 40-6 defeat over the Las Vegas Raiders that saw RB Jonathan Taylor find the end zone for three touchdowns. The Cardinals, on the other hand, were the story of the week for all the wrong reasons. With the game all but sealed, running back Emari Demarcado fumbled the ball into the end zone on a would-be touchdown run, directly resulting in a Tennessee Titans comeback that should have never happened.
The Colts are looking to continue their run as one of the best teams in the NFL, while the Cardinals are hoping to bounce back from a crushing defeat in Week 5. Sportsbooks are billing the Indianapolis Colts the 7-point betting favorites with an implied total of 47.5 points for both sides.
Colts’ Jonathan Taylor rushes for another three (3) touchdowns
This is certainly a bold prediction given the Arizona Cardinals have only allowed three rushing touchdowns in all this season. They’re also a very stout rushing defense, only allowing 92.4 rushing yards per game to opponents. The Cardinals also have a very solid defense in the red zone, only allowing touchdowns on 47.1% of opponents’ trips. However, following their demoralizing defeat last week, we could see things get ugly as they hit the road against one of the NFL’s hottest teams.
While their rushing defense is among the NFL’s best, the Arizona secondary is allowing 254.2 yards through the air per game to opposing quarterbacks. Daniel Jones should be able to feast against this secondary, marching down the field and getting his team to the red zone.
From there, expect the Colts’ to use Jonathan Taylor in short-yardage situations as there may not be a better running back in the league right now inside the 10 yard line. Expect Taylor to have another monster game against this inconsistent defense, likely finding the end zone for at least one score.
Cardinals’ RB Michael Carter takes control of RB1 role
Following the news of RB Trey Benson heading to Injured Reserve, the vast majority of analysts believed veteran Emari Demarcado, listed second on the RB depth chart, would assume the role of starter. Against the Titans, however, it was Michael Carter who controlled the touches with 18 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Third-stringer Bam Knight had one more touch than Demarcado and following his disastrous mistake in Week 5, it’s not like Demarcado will retain a bigger role this week.
This leaves the door wide open for Michael Carter to take control of this backfield while Trey Benson remains out. Furthermore, QB Kyler Murray’s status for this...
