Indianapolis (7-1) vs. Pittsburgh (4-3)
Game Details: - Date: Sunday - Time: 1 p.m. EST - Network: CBS - BetMGM Line: Colts by 3
Recent Performance: - Colts: Beat Titans 38-14 last week. - Steelers: Lost to Packers 35-25 last week.
Team Rankings: - Colts Offense: Ranked 1st overall, 6th in rushing, 6th in passing, and 1st in scoring. - Colts Defense: Ranked 24th overall, 8th in rushing, 29th in passing, and 6th in scoring. - Steelers Offense: Ranked 25th overall, 25th in rushing, 19th in passing, and 11th in scoring. - Steelers Defense: Ranked 30th overall, 18th in rushing, 32nd in passing, and 22nd in scoring.
Turnover Differential: - Colts: +8 - Steelers: +4
Key Players to Watch
Colts' RB Jonathan Taylor: Jonathan Taylor is leading the NFL in rushing yards (850), TD runs (12), and total touchdowns (14). He averages 5.9 yards per carry and has been making game-changing plays every week. Taylor is just two TD runs away from surpassing Hall of Famers Lenny Moore (63) and Edgerrin James (64) as the franchise's career leader. This could happen on Sunday.
Steelers' LB T.J. Watt: T.J. Watt is a key player for the Steelers' defense. He has 3 1/2 of his 4 sacks in Pittsburgh victories. However, he hasn't had much success in the past two weeks, recording zero sacks and only two quarterback hits against Joe Flacco and Jordan Love. When Watt is active, the Steelers' defense can be dangerous; when he isn't, they look ordinary.
Key Matchup
Colts TE Tyler Warren vs. Steelers LBs Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen: Tyler Warren has been versatile for the Colts, often lining up in the backfield or splitting out wide. The Steelers' defense struggled against Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft last week, allowing him to set career highs in receptions and yards. Warren's versatility makes him a tough matchup for the Steelers' defense.
Key Injuries
Colts: - DEs Samson Ebukam (knee) and Tyquan Lewis (groin): Unclear if they'll be ready this week. - WR/KR Anthony Gould: Left last week's game with a knee injury. - S Nick Cross (shoulder), WR Josh Downs (hip), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles tendon), DT Grover Stewart (foot): Not practicing. - CB Jaylon Jones (hamstring): Unclear if he'll be ready after opening his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Steelers: - S DeShon Elliott (knee): Out. - LG Isaac Seumalo (pec): Could play after leaving last week's game. - WR Scotty Miller (finger): Likely to sit out a second straight week after surgery. - DL Daniel Ekuale: Season over after tearing ACL.
Series Notes
- The Colts and Steelers are meeting for the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time in six years.
- Indy has won two straight games since snapping a seven-game losing streak in the series.
- Pittsburgh is 17-5 against the Colts since the franchise moved to Indy in 1984.
- The Steelers have won all five postseason games between these franchises.
- Both teams were part of the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
Stats and Other Information
- Indy: Entering Week 9 with a four-game winning streak and a league-high seven victories.
- Pittsburgh: Still leads the AFC North despite two straight losses.
- Colts' Point Differential: Plus-118, the highest in the league.
- Colts' Wins by 20+ Points: Four, the best in the league.
- Colts' Points per Drive: 3.46, second-highest eight-game total since 1978.
- Taylor's Performance: 529 yards from scrimmage and 10 total TDs over the past four weeks.
- QB Daniel Jones: Threw 13 touchdown passes, three interceptions, and has a rating of 109.5.
- WR Michael Pittman Jr.: Caught at least five passes and one TD in five of his past six games.
- Tyler Warren: Needs nine receptions to break the rookie receptions record for tight ends.
Steelers' Stats: - QB Aaron Rodgers: 16 touchdown passes, tied for third most in the NFL. - Rodgers' Completions: 5,511, 40 behind Matt Ryan for fifth most in NFL history. - Steelers' Defense: Created 10 turnovers in first four games but hasn't had a takeaway in three straight contests. - DK Metcalf: Has a TD reception in five of his past six games. - K Chris Boswell: First kicker in NFL history with three games of at least three field goals from 50+ yards. - DT Cam Heyward: Will play in his 219th regular-season game, one short of tying Mike Webster for second most in team history.
Fantasy Tip
Given the current trajectory of both teams, it seems like a good week to make sure Tyler Warren is in the starting lineup. The rookie has caught at least four passes in seven of eight games this season, and considering the current state of Pittsburgh's defense, expect the Colts to find ways to get Warren open in space.