ClutchPoints
The Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts will make history on Sunday morning when they meet at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, marking the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Germany’s capital. With kickoff set for 9:30 a.m. ET, this international showcase features two teams heading in opposite directions as the Colts (7-2) look to bounce back from a shocking Week 9 loss while the Falcons (3-5) desperately need to end their three-game skid.
The Colts entered Week 9 as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises, tied for the most wins and leading several offensive categories. However, their 27-20 loss to Pittsburgh exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in their running game and pass protection. The Falcons, meanwhile, continue to struggle with consistency despite flashes of brilliance, most notably their upset victory over Buffalo earlier this season.
This cross-conference matchup presents intriguing storylines on both sides of the ball, from the Colts’ newly acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner potentially making his debut to the Falcons’ ongoing red zone struggles. With both teams dealing with key injuries and the unique atmosphere of playing on foreign soil, expect the unexpected in Berlin.
The Indianapolis Colts running back is primed for a monster performance against Atlanta’s vulnerable run defense. Taylor enters Week 10 having rushed for 895 yards and 12 touchdowns through nine games, putting him on pace for 1,806 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns for the season. His recent struggles against Pittsburgh, where he managed just 45 rushing yards, were more of an outlier than a trend for a back who has been historically dominant.
The matchup heavily favors Taylor against a Falcons defense that ranks 15th in rushing defense, allowing 120.6 yards per game on the ground. More concerning for Atlanta is their propensity to give up explosive plays to running backs, as Indianapolis faces a unit that has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and third-most explosive runs to opposing backs. The Colts’ success has been built on Taylor’s explosive runs and the play-action schemes that follow, ranking first in the NFL in play-action pass attempts.
With the Falcons coming off a game where they allowed significant rushing production and dealing with injuries to key defenders, Taylor should find running lanes aplenty in Berlin. His career-best performance of 253 yards came in a similar spot where the Colts needed a statement victory. Expect offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to lean heavily on Taylor early and often, especially if the Colts can establish an early lead and control the game’s tempo.
Despite the Falcons’ recent struggles, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest a breakout performance is coming. The former Washington standout has completed 204 of 293 passes for 2,404 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, displaying impressive arm talent and mobility. His connection with wide receiver Drake London has been particularly potent, as London has...
