5 Keys to a Colts Victory Over Steelers

Indy's offensive line has been on a tear, posting Pro Football Focus blocking grades of 70.6 pass-blocking and 76.8 run-blocking, both good enough for fourth in the NFL. However, Pittsburgh's defensive front is absolutely no joke.

Nick Herbig (4.5 sacks), T.J. Watt (4.0 sacks), Keeanu Benton (2.5 sacks), Derrick Harmon (2.0 sacks), and Cameron Heyward (1.5 sacks) will do everything possible to make life difficult on Indy's dominant offensive line. This will be a great matchup to watch in what will be a battle of attrition.

Quick Pressure on Aaron Rodgers

Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers is leading Pittsburgh's offense and has played well. Through seven games, Rodgers has put up 1,489 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, Rodgers isn't very mobile, and quick pressure from Indy will be just what the doctor ordered.

Rodgers is notorious for getting the ball out quickly, as he's only taken 12 sacks and sustained 63 pressures. The Colts' defensive front will need big games from names like Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, and DeForest Buckner, and they'll need to get to Rodgers fast, or risk getting carved up by the all-time great.

Colts Linebackers/Safeties vs. Steelers Tight Ends

Colts linebackers Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt have their strengths, but coverage isn't one of them. This could spell issues against Pittsburgh's tight ends. While Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington haven't put up wild numbers, Indy's linebackers have also been torched in coverage often.

As for the safeties Cam Bynum and Nick Cross, they're more talented in coverage, but will be undersized and could be overpowered by these tight ends. It will be key to limit this trio, or it could open up easy completions and bigger plays for Rodgers to execute.

Don't Allow D.K. Metcalf to Make Explosive Plays

The best wide receiver for the Steelers is D.K. Metcalf. The former Seattle Seahawk has made a big impact for Pittsburgh and is a massive threat to an undermanned Colts secondary. Metcalf has 27 catches for 461 receiving yards and five touchdowns through seven games.

The status of cornerback Jaylon Jones is up in the air for this game, but Metcalf will see names like Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards the most. Lou Anarumo has done great executing his defense with so many cornerback injuries, but Metcalf is arguably the biggest threat to his scheme this Sunday.

Daniel Jones

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has the best matchup he's seen all season when he faces Pittsburgh. Despite possessing fantastic cornerback talent like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary, the Steelers are the league's worst pass defense, allowing 273.3 passing yards per game.

Jones has been shredding defenses and averages 257.7 passing yards per game. He also has weapons like Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren. As long as Indy can stave off Pittsburgh's defensive front, Jones should have a field day given how the Steelers have defended the pass.