The Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns were forced to turn to their backup quarterbacks in Week Six. Surprisingly, the Browns’ practice squad QB put together a winning performance. Will that be the case again this week?

Highs and Lows Under Center

After the announcement of season-ending shoulder surgery for Colts’ starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis knew they’d be turning to Gardner Minshew for the rest of the campaign. Although not nearly the athletic talent that Richardson is, Colts fans could rest easy. The game-managing Minshew had led the Colts to a 3-0 record going into a battle with his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The stage was set for an uplifting performance that would keep the season’s hopes alive.

Instead, Minshew threw three interceptions while completing 33-55 passes and taking three sacks. Despite a fourth-quarter run, Indianapolis was beaten 37-20.

Cleveland’s situation isn’t as dire as Indy’s, with Deshaun Watson returning to practice earlier this week. Many thought Watson might return from his shoulder injury after the bye week, but instead, PJ Walker was activated off of the Browns’ practice squad. Walker’s stats weren’t impressive, completing 18 of 34 passes and throwing two interceptions without a touchdown. However, he played well enough to beat the vaunted San Francisco 49ers. This should give Cleveland plenty of confidence should Watson sit out another week.

Run the Darn Ball?

Many thought that the Colts abandoned the run too readily against the Jaguars. With Jonathan Taylor returning to join a surprisingly good Zach Moss, it sounds like a no-brainer. Sadly for Indianapolis, it won’t be that easy. Not only are they missing right tackle Braden Smith, but the Browns boast a defense that only allows 79 yards per game on the ground.

Conversely, the Colts will be missing critical defensive tackle Grover Stewart, who is suspended for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Stewart has been enormous in the run game. His deep penetration blows up running lanes and allows his teammates to clean things up behind the line of scrimmage. This week, Indianapolis will have to rely more on Zaire Franklin on that side of the ball. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt combined for 131 rushing yards last week against the Niners. Hunt is listed as questionable at the time of writing, so we will see if he’ll be there to help on Sunday.

Colts vs. Browns: Week Seven Prediction

The Colts and Browns sit at a respectable 3-3 and 3-2, respectively. These teams have dealt with significant injuries costing them key offensive playmakers. This will be a knockdown, drag-out, defensive beatdown. If last week is any indicator, Indianapolis will use the short passing game to open up the run, while Cleveland will look to run the ball at least 30 times.

The defense and special teams units will have center stage in this one; expect it to come down to the kicking game, perhaps even a game-winner. The Colts will look better than last week, but it won’t be enough to stop a hard-nosed Browns team riding high from a big win. Browns win 19-17.

-Kev

*Image Credit: Corey Perrine Florida Times-Union