Atlanta @ Indianapolis preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 22, 2015 ) Indianapolis 24, Atlanta 21

The Atlanta Falcons have been presented an opportunity to get a leg up in the NFC South but first must focus on accomplishing a rare feat - defeating an AFC team - when they visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday for their first of three straight against the AFC South. Atlanta, which lost seven of eight games versus the AFC over the last two seasons, has a chance to take control of its division with New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees expected to miss significant time with a thumb injury.

"I think you always check around because it's always in your mind about where you are at in the division," Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters. "We don't get a chance to play a division game for a while, so what's really on my mind today is the team that we don't play a lot coming up (Indianapolis)." Atlanta is off to a sluggish start offensively with a running game that has produced only 130 yards as Davonta Freeman, who missed most of 2018 with a groin injury, has 41 yards on 19 carries. Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett is settling into his starter's role with the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck and is supported by a rushing attack that has produced 370 yards - third-most in club history after two games. “Running the ball’s fun,’’ Indianapolis tackle Anthony Castonzo told reporters. “The whole offensive line takes pride in that.’’

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Colts -1. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE FALCONS (1-1): Ryan has 300 touchdown passes - tied for 11th all-time with John Elway - after tossing three in last week's 24-20 victory over Philadelphia last week, but has thrown as many interceptions (five) as TDs this season. Wide receiver Julio Jones recorded his 49th career 100-yard game - most among active players - with 106 yards and two TDs against the Eagles while WR Calvin Ridley matched a career best with eight catches that went for 105 yards and a score. Cornerback Desmond Trufant recorded two interceptions last week for the first time in his career, with Atlanta passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson telling reporters: "He’s playing with tremendous confidence right now. He’s playing right now like one of the top corners in this league.”

ABOUT THE COLTS (1-1): Brissett is off to a fast start by completing 69.1 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and one interception. Running back Marlon Mack is third in the league with 225 rushing yards while RB Jordan Wilkins contributed a 55-yard run in last week's 19-17 victory at Tennessee. Linebacker Darius Leonard has 181 tackles since entering the NFL in 2018 - most in the league during that span - after recording a team-high 10 tackles and a sack last week. However, Leonard (concussion protocol) and Mack (calf) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, putting their status in doubt for Sunday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indianapolis K Adam Vinatieri, 46, is 1-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-5 on extra-point attempts but his job appears safe with coach Frank Reich telling reporters: "Adam’s our kicker."

2. The Falcons are tied for the third-worst turnover differential in the league at minus-3 while the Colts are even.

3. Indianapolis won the last meeting 24-21 in 2015 at Atlanta with Ryan throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions.

PREDICTION: Falcons 24, Colts 21