The Indianapolis Colts (6-8) are prepped for an AFC South clash at home against the Tennessee Titans (3-11), with still plenty on the line. If the Colts win this game, their slim playoff hopes stay alive at 15%. However, a loss destroys every probability of this happening, dropping Shane Steichen’s troops to 1% (NFL.com).

What this means is Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and the offensive line must operate better than against the Denver Broncos, but the defense and Gus Bradley must carry over their performance at Mile High.

With Indy’s 15th game nearly here, these are the two X-Factors for the offense and defense (minus Richardson) most crucial to Indianapolis walking out of Lucas Oil with their seventh win on the season and with postseason aspirations still breathing.

Offense | Josh Downs

Colts’ second-year wide receiver Josh Downs has emerged as the most reliable target for Steichen’s offense throughout 2024. The former North Carolina Tarheel has reeled 56 catches on 86 targets for 626 receiving yards (11.2 average) and four touchdowns.

After being sidelined with a shoulder injury, Downs is ready to bounce back from his underwhelming three-catch, 32-yard performance at Mile High. The Titans are a gritty defense, and Downs will face off against Tennessee’s slot cornerback Roger McCreary. Downs dominated in the first meeting, catching seven of nine targets from Joe Flacco for 66 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Expect Richardson to look Downs’ way often, especially considering that Alec Pierce (concussion) won’t suit up for this one. While Michael Pittman Jr. and AD Mitchell will get their fair share of throws, Downs is the safety blanket and most reliable pass-catcher.

The Colts have to get Richardson into a rhythm throwing the football to help the young field general over the 50% completion hump; the best way to do that since there’s nearly no tight end receiving production is getting Downs the football. Expect at least eight-plus targets for Downs on Sunday.

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Defense | Laiatu Latu

After a rocky start to his rookie campaign, the Colts’ rookie 15th overall selection Laiatu Latu is finding his footing in the NFL. Along with Kwity Paye, the two have combined for 10 sacks, with Latu accounting for four. Latu also has Pro Football Focus grades of 72.7 overall, 72.9 pass-rush, and 64.3 run. While the last can improve, Latu is getting to where he needs to be under Charlie Partridge.

Against the Titans, Latu will have a chance to feast on a struggling Tennessee offensive line. The Titans’ protection ranks 28th in Pro Football Focus team grades for pass-blocking (56.6), so there’s areas where Latu can exploit.

While offensive tackle JC Latham has an acceptable pass-blocking grade (66.8), he’s second on Tennessee in pressures allowed (37) behind only fellow tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere (39). Latu has a chance to wreck Mason Rudolph with constant pressures that might lead to opportunities for sacks. For the year, the former UCLA Bruin has 34 pressures and will have a clear path to success against Latham and Petit-Frere.

Expect Latu to have a field day when taking snaps against Tennessee on Sunday, with a great chance at a sack or more.

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The Indianapolis Colts are ready to defend Lucas Oil Stadium from their division-rival Tennessee Titans, with many believing the home team to have the advantage. However, the analysts at Bleacher Report aren’t as high on Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson’s squad this week.

After giving a prediction to each NFL game for Week 16’s slate, Bleacher Report keeps it real on their reasoning; they believe Indy won’t get the job done, falling to 6-9 after a close 22-21 loss.

“At this point, there’s no reason to believe the Colts can win a game they should win. The team will likely do something indefensible to screw it up, like fumbling the ball before scoring a walk-in touchdown or turn a throwback pass into a pick-six, all with the squad’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

– Bleacher Report NFL Staff

The Colts’ 2024 season has been full of ups and downs, especially from quarterback Richardson. Richardson has had great moments this year as a passer but has struggled more often than not, with only three touchdown passes to four interceptions over his last four contests. If the Colts are to win this game, Richardson has to take care of the football.

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It might not be what Colts fans want to hear, but Bleacher Report isn’t wrong to say Indianapolis has a chance to be their worst enemy. After watching star running back Jonathan Taylor fumble a walk-in rushing score and AD Mitchell throw a baffling interception against the Denver Broncos, Indy must be better.

The Titans have three wins but fight their opposition underneath Brian Callahan. Their defense ranks second in the NFL in yards allowed per game (297.4) and possesses playmakers like defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, as well as linebackers Harold Landry III and Kenneth Murray Jr., so Richardson must be aware of the talent these three, and others, harness on the field.

The Colts (6-8) have the slimmest of playoff hopes that depend on other teams to become concrete, but none of it matters if Bleacher Report‘s prediction comes to fruition. Indy’s defense came to play last week, but the offense fell flat and has everything to lose in this divisional battle. Look for Steichen to be as ready as he’s been for any opponent on Sunday, as the season is on the line.

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