The Indianapolis Colts have the opportunity to start the 2025 NFL season with an impressive 5-1 record. To do that and stay atop the AFC, the Colts will have to beat the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. The Cardinals have lost three straight games, but they still have enough talent to give Indianapolis problems.
The Arizona player to watch is no stranger to the Colts. The Cardinals’ No. 1 wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the son of Indianapolis legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr.
Now, Harrison Jr. will face his father’s former team for the first time in his career, and the game just happens to be in Indianapolis too.
The Indianapolis Colts need to slow down Marvin Harrison Jr. in Week 6
While Harrison Jr. hasn’t yet lived up to the lofty expectations of being the 2024 No. 4 overall pick, the second-year wideout has still flashed plenty of potential. His raw skills and elite physical traits are undeniable, and Indianapolis has to be ready for him.
This season, Harrison Jr. leads the Cardinals in receiving yards, touchdowns, and explosive plays. He is clearly the focal point of the Arizona offense, alongside tight end Trey McBride.
The Indianapolis secondary hasn’t been perfect in 2025, but the unit looks much-improved thanks to key offseason reinforcements. One of those new additions is Charvarius Ward — Pro Football Focus's (subscription required) third-highest-graded cornerback so far this year.
Ward will have the responsibility of lining up against Harrison Jr. in an all-important head-to-head matchup. If the veteran corner wins the battle, the Cardinals’ offense could shut down. If Harrison Jr. can beat Ward, the Colts’ defense will be punished.
In the lead-up to Week 6, Harrison Jr. said that the game will be a “special” one for him, as he returns to the city where he remembers witnessing his father do “great things.”
The elder Harrison was one of the all-time greats in Indianapolis, where he played his entire 13-year career. Harrison Sr. remains the franchise leader in receiving yards (14,580), touchdown catches (128), and receptions (1,102). Over his tenure with the Colts, he was an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl champion.
Indianapolis fans hope that Harrison Jr. can’t replicate his father’s legendary play against the Colts. Ironically, they will actually be rooting against a wide receiver named Marvin Harrison for a change.