Redskins host Colts in crucial week 6 Battle

The Washington Redskins are coming off of a shocking upset win over the Green Bay Packers last week. They better not take too much time to gloat as they are taking on one of the best offenses in all of football this week. Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offense have done more than enough to win games this season, but their defense has been nothing short of awful. They will need to improve dramatically this week if they are to improve to 4-2 on the season.

Prior to the start of the season, the Colts were predicted by Vegas expert handicappers to win more games than any team in the NFL. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that regularly makes future NFL predictions as Indianapolis has won 12 games or more for 7 consecutive seasons. Manning has been the most prolific passer of his generation, and may go down as the best of all time, but Indy’s one-dimensional offense and quick strike capability puts a serious strain on their defense.

Washington has had a much more traditional style of offense with an equal balance of run and pass. However, now that QB Donovan McNabb is under center, the Redskins have decided to push the tempo and pass far more than usual. McNabb has been successful thus far, but he is not getting any younger, and his tired legs may wear out from all of the scrambling he’s doing in the pocket.

Running back Clinton Portis looks as though he’s be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a groin injury, which will put the weight of the running game on 2nd year RB Ryan Torain. Torain was on the practice squad just a month and a half ago, and will now find himself starting for the Skins. This is a very difficult spot for the entire Washington team as they are coming off of a huge win against the Packers, and will have to find a way to come right back with the same intensity against a pissed off Colts squad.

The sportsbooks have this point spread listed as 3 point road favorites with a total of 44.5. To be a favorite on the road against a team that has an identical record says that the books are anticipating a ton of money to come in on Indianapolis. This looks as though it is set-up to be a shootout. Indy’s “D” has been horrible, and the Redskins defense is allowing almost 300 yards per game passing. Manning will certainly have a chance to get his team in the end zone several times Sunday night, whether or not the Washington offense can match them remains to be seen.

Related posts:

1. Colts vs. Packers, Pre-Season Week #3 Shootout!
2. Colts host Texans in AFC South Showdown
3. Colts/ Packers in Battle of Super Bowl Contenders
4. Redskins are the Surprise of the Pre-Season
5. 2010 NFL Predictions: Washington Redskins

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