Colts vs Commanders: 2026 NFL Week 4 Preview, Prediction, Schedule and How to Watch
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The Colts vs Commanders matchup is one of the most interesting games on the NFL Week 4 schedule. The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders both enter the game at 1-2, and both teams are coming off their first victories of the 2026 regular season. The matchup is being played internationally at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, giving the game an added layer of excitement.
For fans searching for the Commanders game, Colts game today, Commanders schedule, or where to watch Colts vs Washington Commanders, this preview covers the key information, quarterback situation, injuries, matchup advantages, prediction and what could decide the game.
Colts vs Commanders Game Details
The Colts and Commanders meet in London as part of the NFL’s international series.
Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders
Week: NFL Week 4
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET
Bangladesh time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Location: London, England
TV: NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+
Colts record: 1-2
Commanders record: 1-2
The NFL’s official Week 4 schedule confirms the London matchup and its 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
Colts Game Today: What Fans Need to Know
If you’re searching for Colts game today, Indianapolis is scheduled to face Washington in one of the earliest NFL games of the day.
The Colts arrive in London after beating the Houston Texans 19-17 in Week 3. That victory gave Indianapolis its first win of the season and provided some momentum heading into the international matchup.
Indianapolis has shown an ability to rely on its running game, particularly with star running back Jonathan Taylor. That could become particularly important against Washington because the Colts may want to control possession and keep their offense on the field.
Commanders Game Today: Washington’s Situation
The Commanders game also comes with a major quarterback storyline.
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for the London game after suffering a dislocated elbow earlier in the season. Marcus Mariota is expected to start at quarterback instead.
Daniels’ absence changes the way Washington is likely to approach the game.
Mariota brings extensive NFL experience, but Washington’s offense loses the unique rushing ability and explosive playmaking that Daniels provides.
The Commanders will therefore need strong performances from their running game, offensive line and receiving corps.
Commanders vs Colts: Both Teams Are Coming Off Wins
The matchup is particularly intriguing because neither team enters London after a loss.
Washington defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, while Indianapolis defeated Houston.
Washington’s victory was especially notable because the Commanders produced 33 points against Seattle. However, some of that offensive production came after turnovers gave the team additional opportunities.
Indianapolis, meanwhile, has been building its offense around a combination of quarterback Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor.
That creates an interesting contrast.
Washington has the home-team designation despite playing in London, while Indianapolis enters as the early favorite in the betting market.
Jonathan Taylor Could Be the Key Player
If there is one Colts player to watch closely, it is Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous running backs when he gets enough opportunities.
Entering Week 4, he ranked sixth in the league in rushing yards after three games. One projection from Covers had him reaching at least 90 rushing yards against Washington.
The Colts could use Taylor to establish the run early.
A strong rushing performance would help Indianapolis in several ways:
- It would keep the Commanders’ defense honest.
- It would reduce pressure on Daniel Jones.
- It could help Indianapolis control the clock.
- It could limit Washington’s offensive possessions.
- It could create play-action opportunities.
If Taylor gets into a rhythm, the Colts could control the tempo of the game.
Daniel Jones Faces a Big Test
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones will also be under the spotlight.
According to CBS Sports, Jones has thrown exactly one touchdown and one interception in each of his first three games of the season.
That makes consistency an important storyline.
The Colts don’t necessarily need Jones to throw for an enormous number of yards. If Taylor can provide production on the ground, Jones may be asked to make efficient throws, avoid turnovers and capitalize when Washington’s defense gives him opportunities.
That could be a winning formula in London.
Marcus Mariota Takes Over for Washington
Marcus Mariota’s experience could be valuable for the Commanders.
Although he does not provide exactly the same skill set as Jayden Daniels, Mariota has experience handling NFL pressure and can contribute as both a passer and runner.
Washington will likely want to simplify certain aspects of its offense while still taking advantage of Mariota’s mobility.
His biggest responsibility will be protecting the football.
Indianapolis has struggled defensively this season, but giving the Colts extra possessions through turnovers could allow the visitors to control the game.
Washington’s Defense Has a Major Challenge
The Commanders’ defense has not been particularly strong during the opening weeks of the season.
CBS Sports reported that Washington entered Week 4 with the second-worst scoring defense in the NFL, allowing 30.7 points per game, while its pass defense was allowing 280.3 yards per game. The Commanders had also allowed an NFL-high 11 passing touchdowns entering the matchup.
Those numbers create a significant problem against Indianapolis.
The Colts have enough offensive weapons to take advantage if Washington’s secondary struggles again.
Washington’s pass rush will therefore need to create pressure without constantly leaving receivers open in coverage.
Colts’ Defense Has Problems Too
Indianapolis isn’t entering the game with a dominant defense either.
CBS Sports reported that the Colts ranked last in total defense, allowing 417.3 yards per game, and third-worst in scoring defense at 30.3 points per game.
That means this game could become much more competitive than the records suggest.
Both defenses have shown weaknesses.
The biggest question may be which offense can take advantage of those weaknesses while making fewer mistakes.
Keenan Allen Ruled Out
The Colts will be without veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who was ruled out with a groin injury.
Allen had 13 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown during the first three games of the season. Indianapolis elevated Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the practice squad to help fill the gap.
The Colts also announced six inactive players before the game, including Allen, running back D.J. Giddens, defensive end George Gumbs Jr., quarterback Riley Leonard, wide receiver Darius Slayton and guard Dalton Tucker.
Allen’s absence could increase the importance of other Indianapolis pass catchers.
Josh Downs Could Be Important
With Allen unavailable, Josh Downs becomes an even more important part of Indianapolis’ passing attack.
CBS Sports noted that Downs had caught 12 passes for 149 yards during the previous two games.
His ability to create separation and work underneath could be especially useful if Washington sends pressure.
The Commanders’ aggressive defensive approach may create opportunities for quick passes, especially if the Colts use short routes to counter the pass rush.
Tyler Warren Is Another Player to Watch
Colts tight end Tyler Warren could also have a significant role.
Covers highlighted Warren as a potential touchdown threat because Washington had struggled against tight ends, allowing five touchdowns to the position during the first three games.
That is an area Indianapolis could try to attack.
If Washington’s linebackers and safeties focus too heavily on the Colts’ outside receivers, Warren could find space over the middle.
Colts vs Commanders Prediction
Predicting an NFL game is never certain, especially when both teams enter with identical records and are playing internationally.
However, several factors point slightly toward Indianapolis.
The Colts have Jonathan Taylor, who can potentially control the clock. They also have an opportunity to attack a Washington secondary that has allowed significant passing production.
Washington’s biggest advantage is its home-style environment and the fact that the team is coming off an impressive victory over Seattle.
But the absence of Jayden Daniels is significant.
My prediction: Colts 27, Commanders 23
I give the Indianapolis Colts a narrow edge in this matchup.
The prediction is based on Indianapolis’ ability to establish the running game, the Commanders’ defensive struggles and Washington playing without Daniels.
However, the margin should remain relatively close.
A strong performance from Mariota or an explosive day from Washington’s playmakers could easily change the outcome.
Colts vs Commanders Odds
The betting market listed Indianapolis as a 4.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 47.5 points in the latest pregame lines cited by Covers and CBS Sports.
Those numbers suggest the market expects Indianapolis to have a modest advantage rather than dominate the game.
For readers who follow predictions, it’s important to remember that odds can change before kickoff and betting outcomes are never guaranteed.
For a general football preview, the most important takeaway is that this matchup appears relatively competitive.
Where to Watch Colts vs Washington Commanders
Fans searching where to watch Colts vs Washington Commanders have several options.
The game is scheduled to air on NFL Network in the United States, with NFL+ providing mobile streaming options.
The Commanders’ official website also confirms that its Week 4 broadcast will be on NFL Network, with Dave Pasch handling play-by-play and Kurt Warner and Jason Kelce serving as analysts.
Watch Information
TV: NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET
For viewers outside the United States, local broadcast and streaming availability can vary by country.
Commanders Schedule After the Colts Game
The Colts game is only one part of Washington’s 2026 schedule.
According to the current NFL team schedule, Washington’s next games include:
Week 4: vs Indianapolis Colts — October 4
Week 5: vs New York Giants — October 11
Week 6: at San Francisco 49ers — October 19
Washington entered Week 4 with a 1-2 record after defeating Seattle in Week 3.
The results of the London game could therefore have an important effect on the Commanders’ early-season momentum.
Why This Game Matters
At 1-2, neither Indianapolis nor Washington can afford to fall too far behind in the early stages of the season.
A victory would move either team to 2-2 and create a much more positive outlook heading into Week 5.
For Washington, winning without Daniels would provide a major confidence boost.
For Indianapolis, beating the Commanders in London would strengthen the team’s position and give the Colts another victory against a team with playoff ambitions.
Final Thoughts
The Colts vs Commanders matchup has all the ingredients of an entertaining NFL game.
Both teams are 1-2. Both are coming off victories. Both have defensive weaknesses. And both are playing in an unusual international setting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The biggest storyline is Washington’s quarterback situation. Jayden Daniels is unavailable, leaving Marcus Mariota to lead the Commanders against an Indianapolis defense that has struggled to stop opposing offenses.
For Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor could be the difference-maker. If the Colts can run effectively, protect Daniel Jones and avoid turnovers, they have a strong chance to control the game.
My pregame pick is Colts 27, Commanders 23, but this matchup is close enough that a few turnovers, explosive plays or red-zone mistakes could completely change the result.
