In week 2 of the NFL season, the San Diego Chargers had a cakewalk. That was at home, and the team is now without Danny Woodhead to go along with Keenan Allen as they take to the road in week 3. This week sees the Chargers head to Indy to take on Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are coming off a 34-20 loss in Denver to the Broncos. The Chargers, on the other hand, defeated the Jaguars in San Diego last week by a score of 38-14.
Despite two losses to open the season, the Colts enter this game as the favorites. They proved in week one they are capable of putting up big points, scoring 35 points in a loss to the Lions at home. The problem is, their defense cannot stop anyone. Over the course of two games, the team has given up a total 73 points. That is bad. Very, terrible. So will they be able to hold the Chargers, who will be without two of their primary offensive weapons, in check? Most likely not, and they will be without one of their offensive weapons, as wide receiver Donte Moncreif is out several weeks with a fracture in his shoulder.
But the Colts still have plenty of weapons. The Chargers, despite being without Allen and Woodhead, still have some guys who can make plays on offense as well. Wide receivers Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams are both capable receivers, while Melvin Gordon has shown flashes of his potential at running back. Behind veteran quarterback, Philip Rivers should be able to put up points against the Colts terrible defense.
So at the end of the day, this is going to come down to who’s weak defense will be able to make the stop when they need it. The Colts do have the edge of being the home team. But I’m sorry, I cannot lay points with a team whose defense has looked so mediocre. So while I do not love the Chargers, I think they match the Colts score for score.
Line: Ind -3, O/U: 52
Pick: Chargers and the over
Result: Ind 26 – Det 22, Colts and the under