Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Anthony Richardson Shine in Return?
The Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts meet this Sunday for a Week 4 matchup. Can Anthony Richardson shine in return after being out on concession protocol? NFL handicapper Matt MacKay gives his prediction and pick for Colts vs. Rams.
Matt MacKay - September 30, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
7 minLos Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Anthony Richardson Shine in Return?
The Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts are a true moneyline pick'em entering a Week 4 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both teams had low expectations in the preseason but they have each demonstrated resiliency, maintaining a competitive edge in all three games played this season.
The Colts relied on field goals and their defense to contain Lamar Jackson in an overtime win on the road in Baltimore during Week 3, despite not having quarterback Anthony Richardson under center. Now, tagged as probable to play following a one-week stint in the concussion protocol, Richardson's dual-threat ability within new head coach Shane Steichen's scheme could give the Rams defense fits on Sunday.
The Rams have one of the better defenses in the league, allowing 62 total points, ranked 13th fewest in the league. They dominated Seattle's offense, held their own against the 49ers, and kept the Bengals under 20 points in a primetime road game last Monday. It's their offense that has stolen headlines though, as Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell have been dominant despite the absence of star wideout Cooper Kupp. Even their rushing attack, led by second-year running back, Kyren Williams, looks robust and tends to finish with touchdowns in the red zone.
Indianapolis ranks ninth for most rushing touchdowns allowed this season, but only allows 3.5 YPC, which is eighth-best in the league. The Rams can move the ball downfield in a hurry with Matthew Stafford continuing to sling it aggressively, which is where Kyren Williams has been so dominant finishing drives in the end zone. It's been a different story for the Colts' passing defense, which has allowed the 12th-most passing yards (752) and only has one interception to show for.
Oddsmakers anticipate a close game based on both teams possessing a -108 moneyline odds, so this should be a fun matchup to watch unfold on Sunday afternoon. NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is back to give us his latest prediction and pick for Colts vs. Rams.
Rams vs. Colts Start Time, Where To Watch, And Odds
- Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Rams vs. Colts Odds
- Spread: Rams +1 (-115), Colts -1 (-105)
- Total Odds: Under 45.5 (-105), Over 45.5 (-115)
- Moneyline Odds: Rams (-108), Colts (-108)
Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Injury Report
Rams
Questionable: WR Ben Skowronek (Achilles), TE Tyler Higbee (Achilles), WR Puka Nacua (Oblique)
Out: WR Cooper Kupp (Hamstring), OL Alaric Jackson (Thigh)
Colts
Probable: QB Anthony Richardson (Concussion), C Ryan Kelly (Concussion)
Questionable: G Quenton Nelson (Toe), DT DeForest Buckner (Groin)
Out: RB Jonathan Taylor (Ankle), RB Evan Hull (Knee), TE Jelani Woods (Hamstring)
Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction
Getting Anthony Richardson back into the lineup will be huge for the Colts, especially with how well running back Zack Moss played against a stout Ravens run defense. Indianapolis has one of the best offensive lines in the league, especially in the run game. Los Angeles is allowing 4.5 YPC, ranking top-ten for the most yards per attempt.
We saw Richardson explode with two rushing touchdowns against Houston before exiting with a concussion, however, don't expect Steichen to keep his quarterback from operating as a ball carrier following the injury. Moss runs hard as well, which could translate into long, sustainable drives for the Colts, as the Rams are surrendering four rushing touchdowns on the ground, tied for seventh-most in the league.
Passing will be tougher for the Colts, as the Rams are allowing the seventh-fewest passing yards (543) and only one receiving touchdown. On the other side, the Rams have a great matchup against a Colts' pass defense that is top-12 in terms of passing yards allowed (752) and four receiving touchdowns, meaning we could see Atwell and Nacua continue to produce at a highly efficient rate on big target volume.
The Rams won in Indianapolis two years ago during their Super Bowl-winning season in Stafford's first year with Los Angeles, eking out a 27-24 road win. They were -4 during that game, but now, they are +1 ATS and -108 on the moneyline odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. The point total line is set to 45.5, which feels like it's too tough to predict.
The Colts are 2-1 ATS, albeit mostly as underdogs, while the Rams are 1-0-2 ATS. We need to hammer a side on the moneyline, as we're getting good odds for both teams at -108. While the Rams have found quality depth to fill in for Kupp's absence within their wide receiving corps, facing a plus-matchup against the Colts's secondary, Indianapolis' offense is dynamic with Richardson under center. They even managed to chew clock with Gardner Minshew as QB1 in Baltimore, feeding Moss over 30 carries.
The Colts' run-centric offense will grind clock, produce first downs, and put them into scoring position against a less than stellar Rams run defense. Playing to their strengths and benefiting from their home crowd, Indianapolis is set to earn its first home win of the 2023 season, improving to a 3-1 record as one of the most surprising teams this year. Let's wager two units on Richardson and Moss leading the Colts to their third consecutive win.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Pick: Indianapolis Colts Moneyline -108 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
NFL Odds
