Can Darius Leonard Help the Colts to Contain the 49ers Offense?

In Week 7, the Indianapolis Colts have a big matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Led by Head Coach Frank Reich, the Colts are winners of two of their last three games. Had it not been for a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Ravens, the Colts would be on a three-game win streak.

Many fans are looking at the NFL betting lines and like what they see out of the Colts. The Colts and 49ers both have two wins, but the Colts feel like a team playing better than their record suggests.

Read on for an in-depth analysis of the Colts vs. 49ers game. Then, I’ll explore whether star defensive player Darius Leonard can lead the Colts to a victory against the San Francisco offense.

Colts vs. 49ers Preview

This is a matchup of two teams on vastly different paths. Winners of two of their last three, the Colts just dominated the Houston Texans by a score of 31-3.

The Colts are in second place in the AFC South. They are two games behind Tennessee and will play them again later in the season.

Meanwhile, the 49ers are in last place in the NFC West. They have lost three consecutive games, with their last victory coming in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 49ers have yet to win a game at home this year. As a result, the 49ers are only 3.5-point favorites at home.

Colts’ Defensive Matchup

San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan is known for his offensive prowess and game planning. The Colts hope to shut down the 49ers’ creative offensive to earn the victory in Week 7.

Going into Week 6 and the team’s bye, starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is dealing with a significant injury. He missed Week 5 and is questionable for the matchup vs. the Colts. Even if he does play, his calf injury will limit his movement and make him a sitting target for the defense. If Garoppolo can’t play this week, the 49ers will start versatile rookie Trey Lance.

Stopping the run is paramount to defeating the 49ers. To do so, the Colts will rely on star linebacker Darius Leonard.

Since getting drafted in 2018, Leonard immediately took over as leader of the Colts’ defense. Last season, he recorded more than 86 tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Leonard is seeking to take advantage of an injured Garoppolo or rookie Lance. Either quarterback could be turnover-prone this game due to injuries or inexperience, and Leonard is the right player to make it happen. In addition to his nine career interceptions, he has also forced 11 fumbles and recovered six in his young career.

Darius Leonard Is a Key to the Colts’ Odds in Week 7

The Colts have some talented players on both sides of the ball. Darius Leonard is joined by offensive star Jonathan Taylor to lead the team. With the 49ers reeling, the Colts can take advantage and pick up ground in the AFC South.

One downside for Colts fans is that the 49ers are coming off a bye. This gives offensive guru Kyle Shanahan another week of planning for the Colts. I believe that this extra week could make the difference in what should be a close game.

Do you think the Colts can pull off the upset, or do you believe that San Francisco can keep their playoff hopes alive with a win? Sign up for an account with BetMGM’s Indiana sports betting site to place your bets on all the NFL games this season.