Colts vs. Commanders Week 4 Preview: Crossing the Pond at 1-2
Nothing says “peak American football” quite like setting a 9:30 a.m. Eastern alarm on a Sunday to watch two teams battle jet lag in North London, the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) and Washington Commanders (1-2) are taking their talents across the Atlantic to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both squads enter Week 4 coming off much-needed, high-stress victories. Indianapolis scraped by the division-rival Houston Texans 19-17, while Washington out-slung the Seattle Seahawks 33-31 in an absolute chaos-fest. Now, as both franchises cross the pond, they leave behind their domestic comfort zones—and whatever semblance of normal sleep cycles they had left.Here is what you actually need to know before you pour bourbon into your morning coffee for this early-morning kickoff.
The Daniel Jones Experience Meets the British Fog
If you told Colts fans two years ago that their path to stabilization in 2026 would rest on Daniel Jones’s shoulders, you’d have been laughed out of Lucas Oil Stadium. Yet, here we are. Jones was steady enough against Houston, going 24-of-36 for 235 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. It wasn’t modern art, but it was enough to keep the boat afloat.
The real engine, as always, remains Jonathan Taylor. Taylor churned out 68 hard-fought yards last week, and against a Washington defense that just gave up 31 points to Seattle, Indianapolis needs him to dictate the tempo. If Shane Steichen can get Taylor rolling early, it keeps the defense rested and prevents Jones from having to play superhero—a role he historically wears like a coat three sizes too big.
The major key for Indy’s aerial attack will be getting receiver Josh Downs involved in space again after his 77-yard outing last weekend. Washington’s secondary has looked more like a friendly greeting committee than a shutdown unit at times this year, meaning the middle of the field should be wide open for business.
Washington’s Offense Has Firepower, But Can the Defense Get a Stop?
In the Commanders’ camp, head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough put together 33 points last week. Terry McLaurin continues to prove he can catch passes from literally anyone, hauling in six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks.
However, Washington’s defense has been an entirely different story. Allowing 31 points to Seattle is the kind of defensive display that makes defensive coordinators stare blankly into the abyss during film review. The Commanders didn’t log a single sack last week. If you give an NFL quarterback three to four seconds of clean pocket time, even a heavily criticized one, they will eventually find an open receiver. Washington’s defensive line has to generate pressure, or this road trip will feel very long on the flight back.
Key Matchups That Will Decide the Afternoon (or Morning)
- Jonathan Taylor vs. Washington’s Front Seven: The Commanders have been volatile against the run. If Indy’s offensive line creates push, Taylor could easily flirt with a 120-yard day and control the clock.
- Indy’s Pass Rush vs. Washington’s Protection: Indy needs to disrupt the rhythm early. If the Colts can force Washington into third-and-long situations, their pass rushers can pin their ears back.
- Jet Lag vs. Basic Human Physiology: Never underestimate the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff factor. Whichever team adjusts to the time zone conversion first usually avoids the dreadfully sluggish first quarter that plagues international games.
- Colts Secondary v Commanders WR’s: Will the Colts very expensive secondary finally be able to get an INT or will the Colts remain one of only four teams left without forcing one.
Game Prediction: Who Leaves London 2-2?
Oddsmakers have the Colts favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under sitting right around 47.5. That feels about right for two teams trying to prove their Week 3 wins weren’t total flukes.
Washington has enough offensive juice to keep things interesting, but their defensive front hasn’t proven it can consistently stop the run or get off the field on third down. Indianapolis should be able to rely on a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor, shorten the game, and let their defense do just enough to squeeze out a close one in North London.
Final Score Prediction: Colts 24, Commanders 20
