The Los Angeles Rams and the Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday in NFL action from Lucas Oil Stadium. The Rams are coming off a Monday matchup versus the Bengals. In that one Los Angeles would go on to fall by three points. As for Indianapolis, they played the Ravens in their last game. The Colts eked out an overtime win to improve to 2-1 on the year. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Los Angeles Rams 

The Rams got off to a good start against the Seahawks in their 2023 opener. Los Angeles outscored Seattle 23-0 in the second half to power out a comeback win 30-13. In game two against the 49ers, LA wasn’t so fortunate. The Rams were outscored 13-6 in the second half on the way to a 30-23 loss. QB Matthew Stafford finished with 307 yards, one TD and one pick in that one. 

In the Monday game versus the Bengals, Los Angeles had a 6-6 tie at the break, then got outscored 13-10 in the second half for a tough loss 19-16. Stafford had just 102 yards with an interception this time, and Tutu Atwell led a near-nonexistent rush with one 22-yard carry. Atwell also led the receivers with one 37-yard catch. 

Los Angeles Rams Team Facts

The Rams have lost eight of their last nine road games.
The Rams have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs against AFC opponents.
The Rams have won the first quarter in each of their last nine games against AFC South opponents.
The Rams have lost the first half in seven of their last eight road games following a road loss.
The Rams have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four games following a road loss.

Indianapolis Colts 

Over on the Colts’ side, they took on the rival Jaguars in their first game this year. Indianapolis held a 21-17 lead going into the fourth quarter but couldn’t score again in a 31-21 loss. Things went much better for the Colts in their second outing versus the Texans. Indianapolis jumped out to a 28-10 halftime lead and held on for the 31-20 victory. 

Back on Sunday versus the Ravens, the Colts faced a 14-13 deficit going into the final quarter. After six more points Indianapolis forced overtime and eventually prevailed 22-19. QB Gardner Minshew posted 227 yards with one TD, and Zack Moss led the rush on 122 yards from 30 carries. Michael Pittman added 77 yards off nine catches as well. 

Indianapolis Colts Team Facts

The Colts have lost each of their last six games at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites.
The Colts have lost the first half in each of their last nine games as favorites.
The Colts have scored the first touchdown in nine of their last 12 games as favorites following a road win.
The Colts have lost the first quarter in five of their last six games as favorites.

Matchup/League Facts

The Colts ranked 1st in the NFL in average kickoff return (27.8 yards) last season
The Colts ranked 32nd in the NFL in turnover differential (-13) last season
The Rams ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards per game (280.5) last season
The Rams ranked T28th in the NFL in fumbles recovered (6) last season

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Colts in this one. It’s hard to know what to make of this Indianapolis team thus far, but they’re coming off a gritty win over a pretty good Ravens squad. The Colts posted 327 total yards (188 passing) in that one with 19 first downs, 36:33 in time of possession and zero turnovers. Indianapolis went just 8-of-22 on third downs and averaged just 3.9 yards per play, however. That said, another good defensive effort here will put the Colts in a nice spot. 

As for the Rams, on Monday they had a miserable offensive outing with just 15 first downs, two turnovers, 24:00 in time of possession and a terrible 1-of-11 rate on third-down conversions. Los Angeles’ defense did a pretty darn good job however, all things considered. I like the Rams to come back stronger in this one but I don’t think they’ll beat Indianapolis.