Game-by-game predictions for the rest of the Colts season after the Bye Week
By John Makuch
Week 14 @ Bengals- W
If both teams were completely healthy, the Bengals probably run away with this game, especially being at home. However, Cincinnati has lost superstar quarterback Joe Burrow to injury, and this will most likely be a Jake Browning-led Bengals team.
This has not happened much this season, but the Colts will have an advantage at quarterback with Minshew over Browning here. Indianapolis has to take advantage of the situation though, this Bengals offense will be nowhere near where it could be with the lack of Burrow.
However, there are still stars all around this offense with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon, and even more weapons for Browning. If there was a situation for a backup quarterback to step in and pick up some wins to push a team to the playoffs, Cincinnati is right up there with one of the best.
Indianapolis will have to do what they did in the Patriots game though, and just dominate with their pass rush against a quarterback who may not be used to that much pressure. The Bengals' offensive line is better than New England's but Browning will not be getting the ball out as quick as Burrow would, and that is where this team can strike.
If the Colts are going to make the playoffs it is going to be led by this pass rush to keep this team in games and to allow them to win field position. Indianapolis would be 7-6 at this point, and they would be right there still on the bubble heading back home.
Colts record: 7-6