Atlanta Falcons Matchups: AFC South Opponents

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Week 11: vs Indianapolis Colts

This could be the toughest test the Falcons’ defense gets all season. Led by the rising star in Andrew Luck, the Colts will once again be a force in the AFC.

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There is plenty for the Atlanta pass defense to be concerned with in this one. The Colts boast a scary wide receiver group featuring T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and latest additions Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett.

The veteran Johnson will add experience, and draftee Dorsett can become a star with his speed and ability to add yards after the catch.

Indianapolis posted more passing yards than any team in the NFL last year, and will be poised to repeat that feat with Luck gaining another year of experience.

They also added veteran running back Frank Gore via free agency. Gore is 32 years old, but he still rushed for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns in 2014 for the 49ers, and will help a position that lacked firepower.

On defense, the Colts should improve from 2014, but I still expect the Falcons to be able to move the football in this game.

Both teams have the potential to score a lot of points in this one, and it could be a shootout. It’s hard to look past Indianapolis right now, and it will be tough for Atlanta to pull off the victory even at home.

Next: Week 15: @ Jacksonville Jaguars