4 keys to a Commanders' Week 4 win over the Colts
The Commanders are feeling good after knocking off the Seahawks in Week 3, so what do they need to do to keep it going in Week 4?
The Washington Commanders are buoyed by their thrilling Week 3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The team's positive momentum entering Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts is palpable. The Colts, however, are no pushover, having claimed a significant win themselves in the previous week. A win for the Commanders this weekend would solidify their 2-2 record and set them up nicely for a crucial matchup against the New York Giants the following week.
Marcus Mariota has been lights out in 2026 so far. The quarterback boasts an impressive 63.8% completion rate, tallying 294 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Given the Colts' porous defense, which allows more yards per game than most teams, Mariota should be poised to exploit his offensive talents.
The Commanders will need to bolster their ground attack, too. The Colts' defense is equally vulnerable to the run, conceding an average of 141.3 yards per game. Marcus Mariota's passing prowess notwithstanding, the Commanders must assert themselves on the ground. Veteran running backs Bill Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White have not been consistent enough, failing to provide the Commanders with the stability needed against a stout opponent like the Colts.
Stopping Jonathan Taylor is paramount. The Indianapolis Colts' star running back has amassed 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns already, and his ability to dominate games remains unrivaled. However, the Commanders have been formidable opponents against the run thus far, allowing fewer rushing yards than just two other teams. If they can limit Taylor to manageable yardage, they stand a much better chance of prevailing.
Finally, the Commanders must seize control of the turnover battle. Entering Week 4, Washington holds a +2 turnover differential, a statistic that can clinch wins. The Colts, by contrast, have the league's worst turnover differential at -5. High-pressuring quarterback Daniel Jones, as Washington did against Sam Darnold last week, could yield additional turnovers and ultimately, another Commanders victory.
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