The AFC’s two most efficient teams will face off this Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts (5-1) will visit SoFi Stadium to play the Los Angeles Chargers (4-2). The two teams have not lost in their conference matches, and this is not the usual testing season in the midseason, but the game can be a preview of the playoffs.As the injuries transform both lineups and the best teams fight each other on either side, the five storylines will make Colts vs. Chargers.
1. Colts’ Pass Rush vs. Chargers’ Battered Offensive Line
Justin Herbert has been under constant fire this season. The Chargers’ offensive line has surrendered pressure on Herbert’s dropbacks. Los Angeles might be dealing with depth issues again, as tackle Rashawn Slater is out and Joe Alt remains uncertain. The Colts’ defense has been quietly dangerous up front, ranking seventh in sacks and thirteenth in pressure rate.
For defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the key is consistency. He’s counting on Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis to bring relentless pressure and make the most of this favorable matchup.
2. Secondary in Survival Mode
With Charvarius Ward in concussion protocol and Kenny Moore II nursing an Achilles injury, the Colts will rely on untested corners Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards against a dynamic Chargers receiving trio led by Keenan Allen (316 yards) and Quentin Johnston (377 yards, 4 TDs). Their ability to contain deep threats will decide whether Indianapolis can hang with Herbert’s vertical passing attack.
3. Jonathan Taylor’s Ground Game Could Set the Tone
The NFL’s rushing leader, Jonathan Taylor, has 603 yards through six games and faces a favorable matchup. The Chargers’ defense ranks 21st in rushing yards allowed per game and 28th in yards per carry.
Head coach Shane Steichen could pivot to a ground-heavy approach, controlling tempo and keeping Herbert sidelined.
4. The Third-Down & Red-Zone Chess Match
Indianapolis might be the perfect spot for Herbert to take advantage of their defense, which just can’t seem to get off the field on third downs. They are near the bottom of the league, at 30th place in that category.
Still, things tend to fall apart once the Chargers reach the red zone. They’re dead last in the NFL, managing touchdowns on only about 35 percent of those trips inside the 20. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has zeroed in on that weakness this week, emphasizing that red-zone stops will decide the outcome. This isn’t a game that’ll be won through fancy play-calling; it will come down to execution when it matters most.
5. Special Teams and the Field Position Battle
While Cameron Dicker remains perfect on 14 field goals, Los Angeles’ coverage teams have allowed 28.1 yards per kickoff return. Colts returners Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould have been close to breaking one. A single extended return could tilt momentum in a game this tight.
As the AFC’s last two unbeaten conference teams prepare to collide, Sunday’s showdown isn’t just about records; it’s about legitimacy.
