INDIANAPOLIS – Curious on some key numbers ahead of the Week Eight matchup between the Colts (3-4) and Chiefs (4-2)?
Here are 10 numbers to keep an eye on with the Colts and Chiefs kicking off at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday:
1
The number of home games the Colts have in a current 41-day stretch. From Oct. 10 (one day after the Colts hosted the Bears) to Nov. 19 (one day before the Colts host the Titans), this Sunday's game with the Chiefs is the lone home game. One aspect of the schedule that is favorable for the Colts coming up is three second-half divisional games all at home.
2
The number of losses the Chiefs have had in their last 16 regular season games. What a run the Chiefs have been on since a 1-5 start last year. The Chiefs are 4-2 this season and once again near the top of a very competitive AFC West. Sunday's contest is the first one between the Colts/Chiefs since that historic playoff comeback in January 2014.
3
The average number of catches the Chiefs have allowed to tight ends per game this season. Breaking it down a little more this week, the Chiefs have been really good at taking away tight ends. The Chiefs have allowed 18 total catches in six games this year. We will see if Jack Doyle can build off a career-game from last week in Nashville.
5
The number of red-zone turnovers the Chiefs have this season, which leads the NFL. Kansas City is a ball-hawking defense that leads the league with 10 interceptions. A handful of turnovers in the red zone is so demoralizing to an offense. Andrew Luck's ball security in 2016 has been impressive, but it will be tested this weekend.
6
The number of NFL teams, including the Colts, that have had all their games within one score in the fourth quarter this season. Those teams come into Week Eight with a combined record of 19-22. Yes, the Colts have had a chance to win every game this season, but tight game after tight game doesn't correlate to winning records (see the 19-22 combined record for these six teams).
10
The jersey number for Donte Moncrief. Since the second quarter of Week Two the Colts have been without Moncrief. The 6-2, 220-pound receiver is back this weekend. Moncrief gives this offense a missing ingredient that can be used all over the field.
18
The number of 10-play drives the Colts have had this season, which leads the NFL. It says a lot about Andrew Luck that the offense has had so many sustained drives this season while learning a new offense, missing Moncrief and inconsistent play from the offensive line.
61
The number of players the Colts have used in a game this season, the most in the NFL. The Colts and the Browns have used the most players of any team this season. The Colts are banged up again this week, knowing six of their seven inactives on Friday.
72
The number of points scored by Adam Vinatieri this season, which leads the NFL. Vinny knocked home two more field goals last week, breaking Mike Vanderjagt's NFL record for consecutive makes. Will Vinny's streak survive some outdoor venues in the team's next two road games (@Packers, @Jets)?
76
The number of targets for T.Y. Hilton this season, the most in the NFL. This number has had to be so high because of the injuries at the skill group in 2016. Hilton's 76 targets are twice that of any other player on the roster. Hilton will see one of the NFL's best cornerbacks this weekend in Kansas City's Marcus Peters.
