**3\. The Colts' offense leads the NFL in numerous offensive categories, and it all begins with tailback Jonathan Taylor.**
Indianapolis' offense, a year after ranking 17th in scoring, is maybe _the_ surprise of the entire season thus far. In fact, the Colts – through 10 games – are up there with some of the greatest offenses in NFL history. Indianapolis leads the NFL in point differential (+115), scoring offense (32.1), total offense (396.9), yards-per-play (6.4), first downs-per-game (23.7), and three-and-out percentage (13.1%). The Colts are also averaging 3.2 points-per-drive, which is the best for any team since the 2007 New England Patriots.
That collective performance has been nothing short of remarkable, and at the core of the Colts' offensive success has been tailback Jonathan Taylor, who's putting together an MVP-caliber season.
Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,139) and rushing touchdowns (15) while ranking second in runs of double-digit yardage (28) and forced missed tackles (48). The number that really explains Taylor's season, however, is his ridiculous, league-leading 891 yards after contact. For context, only the Bills' James Cook has more _total_ rushing yards than Taylor does just after contact this year.
It's easier said than done, but the path to a Chiefs' victory on Sunday begins with at least limiting Taylor's damage, and for what it's worth, it has been done before. In the Colts' two losses this season, Taylor was held to a combined 121 rushing yards and just 3.9 yards-per-carry. The Chiefs have generally been very good against opposing running backs this year, yielding just one 100-yard rusher all season, and they'll need to be at their absolute best on Sunday.
**4\. Creating pressure on Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones is critical.**
If the first step to slowing down the Colts' historic offense is stopping Taylor, the second is creating pressure on Daniel Jones, who's in the midst of a terrific season.
Jones leads the NFL in passing yards-per-game (265.9), he's third in completion percentage (69.9%) and he's fourth in yards-per-attempt (8.34). The veteran passer has also been excellent on third down, ranking in the top 10 in completion percentage (2nd), passer rating (5th), passing yards-per-attempt (6th) and total first downs (7th) among all quarterbacks.
He also has weapons everywhere, notably in wide receiver Michael Pittman, wide receiver Alec Pierce and rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Those three form the only trio of teammates across the league with 550+ receiving yards each.
So, how can the Chiefs prevent Jones and the Colts' passing game from having another brilliant outing on Sunday? The answer is by creating pressure.
In Jones' four games this season in which he has faced a pressure rate under 30%, he's 4-0 with seven passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. In his six games facing a pressure rate of 30% or higher, however, he's 4-2 with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Creating pressure is obviously key on Sunday.
Additionally, Jones – due in large part to pressure – has thrown four interceptions and committed six fumbles (three lost) over his last two games. A takeaway or two on Sunday could go a long way toward a Chiefs' victory.