Let’s face it coming into week 5 of the NFL season both the Chiefs and Colts found each in unfamiliar territory, both only have one win between them. For each of these teams they had been having some success and really trying to find themselves and complete their runs for a Super Bowl title. For the Chiefs it was truly a youth movement coming into this season, with many draft picks and off season signings they really were a solid contender in the start of the season. As it happens so often you cannot prepare for injuries and with Charles and Berry going down to injury it has really changed the face of this Chiefs team. Add the struggles that quarterback Matt Cassel has had and it makes for a rough start in Kansas City. For Indianapolis the fact still remains that Peyton Manning will be taking as much time as he needs to recover from his neck surgery and it shows on the field. Peyton ran the Indy offense like no other quarterback in the league and it has shown in the first four games of this season. A real bright spot can last week, even in the loss, Curtis Painter really stepped up and showed that he wants to be taken seriously as a potential starter with Manning sidelined. Painter was impressive in Tampa and it seems that he and Garcon have a connection with each other. Needless to say both teams are struggling and one has to come away with a victory.

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Keys to the game

Can Curtis Painter continue his development and be successful?

Painter worked his magic in Tampa and almost came away with the victory, each week if he continues he will build confidence and that could bode well for the Indianapolis offense.

Will the Chiefs get the offense going?

There has been no doubt that the Chiefs are a high powered offensive team but with the loss of Charles and Jon Baldwin not yet developed they have struggled. Matt Cassel will have the opportunity to make big plays if he has the time.

Key Matchups

Chiefs running game vs. Colts defensive line

If they can have success running the ball it will set up the play action and will give Cassel time to look down field, if they aren’t successful it will be a long day for the K.C. offense.

Colts offense vs. Colts offense

It seems that at times they are their own worst enemy, with Painter he displayed he knows the offense and they have the possibility of big plays, but they must execute and they must give time for plays to develop and stay away from mistakes.

Prediction

Chiefs 21, Colts 17

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer