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The Colts most recently dominated the Tennessee Titans, winning 38–14. Daniel Jones threw for three touchdowns, while Jonathan Taylor rushed for 153 yards and two scores, also adding a receiving TD. The win improved Indianapolis to a league-best 7–1. (reuters.com) Through eight games, the Colts have been a top-tier offense in nearly every metric—leading in points per game, total yards, and rushing production. Their consistency includes scoring 30 or more in most outings, displaying strong balance between pass and rush. Defensively, they’ve been efficient—limiting explosive plays, generating turnovers, and successfully controlling field position. The coaching staff has instilled discipline, and their ability to dominate on both sides puts them in matchups like this with clear leverage. Their momentum is one of confidence, minimal sloppy stretches, and performing under road pressure—key as they head into Pittsburgh.
Injuries
Offense: - Josh Downs – WR – Hip – Full participant. (steelers.com) - Anthony Gould – WR – Knee – Did Not Practice. (steelers.com) Defense: - Samson Ebukam – DE – Knee – Did Not Practice. (steelers.com) - Grover Stewart – DT – Foot – Did Not Practice. (steelers.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Under head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis boasts a modern, efficient offense that leans on multi-level reads and physicality. Daniel Jones executes a clean drop, uses play-action effectively, and has clearly improved decision-making under pressure, aided by superior protection up front. Their run game—powered by Jonathan Taylor—is a punishing complement; when teams stack the box, Colts punish them through tight ends and the flush-run game. Spread formations get tempo, the offense is willing to mix phases: tempo, motion, and misdirection. Defensively, Indy leans on sound structure—gap control upfront, linebackers who can range sideline-to-sideline, and a secondary that minimizes second-level breakdowns. They generate pressure up front without over-committing; their pass rush isn’t elite but paired with strong coverage refuses easy completions. They force turnovers, protect the deep part of the field, and play well in third down situations. Coaching is opportunistic but not reckless; adjustments between halves have been a strength, allowing them to tighten first half mistakes and dominate second half as seen vs Titans.
Matchup Analysis
Offense vs. defense: Colts’ most dangerous angle will be the play-action pass, especially targeting seams exposed by Pittsburgh’s depleted safety unit with Elliott out. Taylor’s ability to force linebackers downhill opens up the intermediate game; nickel corners and safeties face tough help responsibilities. In pass protection, Pittsburgh’s pass rush led by Watt must win 1-on-1 matchups; if the Colts’ O-line holds, it’s going to be a long day for the Steelers’ backfield. On the flip side, Pittsburgh’s offense, when stripped of explosive threats and under pressure, lacks schematic counterpunches—deep shots and tight end mismatches are limited with Freiermuth if not full strength. Colts’ defense can afford to cheat safety help and crowd the line, daring Pittsburgh to beat them through riskier throws. Special teams edge tilts toward Colts with fewer penalties and more efficient field position play.
Team Summary
Indianapolis has emerged as a complete—and balanced—team in 2025. Their strength isn’t just volume, but efficiency: high yards-per-play, especially in run-pass value; win margins that grow as games progress; and minimal mistakes. On road and in hostile environments, they’ve shown resilience. Their schedule parts have been beatable and they’ve capitalized. Against the Steelers, all the levers tilt toward Indy: dysfunctional secondary against strong passing, inadequate offense to sustain against pressure, fewer playmakers to disrupt. Colts win conditions: dominate on early downs, control the clock via Taylor, limit turnovers, and maintain composure when Pittsburgh tries to stalk back. If any weakness emerges, it might be Colts getting conservative once ahead—but recent trends show they’ve maintained intensity.
Key Takeaway
Indianapolis looks poised not just to cover the modest spread, but to win with conviction. Their offense’s firepower and Pittsburgh’s defensive holes make a combination of Colts –3 and Over total increasingly appealing angles.