Perennial Super Bowl contenders Indianapolis Colts are scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills at the Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday afternoon to open their 2015 NFL season.
Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Andrew Luck still headlines the Colts' no. 6 offense, but now he has an improved supporting cast composed of running back Frank Gore and wideouts T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson, as per Sports Chat Place.
Most of head coach Chuck Pagano's first team is healthy with injuries mostly on their second and third stringers, which means that Indianapolis is ready to start the new season at their best.
After a long battle in the offseason, new head coach Rex Ryan finally named Tyrod Taylor as his starting signal caller over veteran Matt Cassel and their resident star EJ Manuel.
Bleacher Report noted that the 26-year-old former Ravens backup is the X-factor for the Bills this season as he showed better "pocket presence and arm strength," which are clearly quite important for a starter.
This is going to be a close match because of the Bills' improved defense that can potentially disturb regular MVP candidate Luck. However, the advantage is still with Indy.
Prediction: Colts win, 28-21
Indianapolis Colts starting lineup
Offense: Luck (QB), Gore (RB), Doyle (FB), Hilton (WR1), Johnson (WR2), Fleener (TE), Castonzo (LT), Louis (LG), Holmes (C), Herremans (RG), Mewhort (RT)
Defense: Langford (DE), Kerr (NT), Parry (DT), Cole (OLB), Jackson (ILB), Freeman (ILB), Walden (OLB), Butler (CB1), Davis (CB2), Adams (SS), Lowery (FS)
Buffalo Bills starting lineup
Offense: Taylor (QB), Dixon (RB), Felton (FB), Thigpen (WR1), Easley (WR2), Gray (TE), Glenn (LT), Incognito (LG), Wood (C), Miller (RG), Henderson (RT)
Defense: Carrington (DE), K. Williams (DT), Bryant (DT), Hughes (DE), Lawson (OLB), Brown (MLB), Bradham (OLB), Gilmore (CB1), Robey (CB2), A. Williams (SS), Graham (FS)