The league's worst-kept secret is now official. The Indianapolis Colts will host the Washington Commanders in London in Week 4 for a "home" game. That's clearly not ideal, as they won't have a true home advantage, and they'll have to get back on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers the following Sunday.
Like the Colts, the Commanders must get off to a quick start after last season's disappointing debacle. Both head coaches might be on the hot seat and looking to make a statement right out of the gate.
Considering that, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will have to work overtime to figure out how to contain Jayden Daniels overseas, even if Deebo Samuel is no longer on the team. According to FanSided's Commanders expert Dean Jones, rookie WR Antonio Williams can be an overlooked threat to the Colts' defense in this matchup.
The Colts will have their hands full with Antonio Williams
"With head coach Dan Quinn fighting to save his job, getting off to a fast start is crucial. This also means Washington's rookie class must hit the ground running, and wide receiver Antonio Williams looks more capable than most," Jones said.
The Commanders took Williams early in the third round, but he actually drew higher grades for most of the pre-draft process. If Daniels stays healthy and returns to his rookie form, Williams could be a sleeper candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year:
"Williams was projected as a first-round pick before the 2025 campaign, but his stock slipped due to injuries and Clemson's complete collapse. That didn't stop the Commanders from taking him in the third round, and with three games to fully adjust before Washington's international trip to take on the Colts, the sharp route runner could be a significant difference-maker," added Jones.
Williams struggled with drops earlier in his collegiate career, but that wasn't an issue as a senior, dropping just 1 pass in 72 targets. His tape shows impressive athleticism and an ability to make quarterbacks look good by catching nearly everything thrown his way. His body control is certainly mesmerizing.
The Colts' defense struggled mightily against the pass last season, giving up 247.9 passing yards per game, the second-most in the league. The Commanders will benefit from having Daniels beat opposing defenses with his arm and not use his legs so much to avoid injury, and they'll likely have him stay in the pocket to try to pick Anarumo's secondary apart.
Hopefully, the new additions on defense will be enough to disrupt the Commanders' offensive rhythm. C.J. Allen should make an immediate impact as the quarterback of the defense, and A.J. Haulcy's ability to put pressure and generate turnovers will also come in handy.
The Commanders will certainly be an opponent to keep a close eye on, and while most of the attention focuses on Terry McLaurin, the Colts will also have to figure out how to contain their overlooked third-round selection.
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