A lot is riding on Washington’s [3-4] Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts [3-3-1].
Buy Commanders TicketsNot only are the Commanders trying to win their third consecutive game and get back to .500, but the “rivalry” has also heated up recently due to Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay’s repeated comments surrounding Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.
Irsay became the first owner to speak openly about potentially removing Snyder as an NFL owner. Snyder’s camp responded with a statement of their own. Irsay has since stood by and added to his comments — multiple times.
But there will be a game played on Sunday. It should be an exciting game as the Commanders and Colts are two similar teams with two similar quarterbacks in Taylor Heinicke and Sam Ehlinger.
Here are our picks for Week 8.
Bryan Manning
This is going to be a close game. These two teams are similar, from how their defenses are built to their respective quarterback situations. Both teams want to lean on the running game, and the Colts have one of the better running backs in the NFL in Jonathan Taylor. The Commanders have a talented trio of backs in Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson Jr. and J.D. McKissic.
How will this game be decided? By whichever quarterback makes the least mistakes. That’s often a common answer, but extremely fitting for this game. If the Commanders establish the run early, Heinicke is much more dangerous when he’s not forced to carry the offense. Ehlinger will have a good performance, but Heinicke is just a bit better on Sunday, leading the Commanders to a close win.
Commanders 20, Colts 17
Ivan Lambert
Last week on Sunday morning, Sam Ehlinger was the Colts’ number 3 quarterback. Because Matt Ryan became a turnover machine, Irsay, GM Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich turned to the more mobile option in Ehlinger.
You know, like Washington coach Ron Rivera, GM Martin Mayhew and top personnel executive Marty Hurney now have Taylor Heinicke?
Washington should win this game. There are two major concerns, however. The Commanders will be without linebacker Cole Holcomb. How have you felt when seeing David Mayo or Jon Bostic in pass coverage?
Secondly, Trai Turner may start at right guard. Would he be playing if the coach were not Ron Rivera?
This could cost the game.
Commanders 17, Indianapolis 16
