The Colts vs Commanders matchup in London arrives at an interesting point for both teams. Indianapolis and Washington both improved to 1-2 last week, setting up a Week 4 game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that opens the NFL's European leg of the 2026 world tour.
For Jonathan Taylor, there is a specific milestone in play. He needs 78 rushing yards to become the all-time leading rusher in international games, and that gives the Colts another layer of motivation as they try to steady an early-season offense.
Jonathan Taylor's next chance in London
Taylor rushed for 68 yards without a touchdown in the Colts' Week 3 win over Houston, and that performance followed an uneven start to the season. Through three games, he has 66 rushing attempts and fewer than 4 rushing yards per attempt, including just 100 rushing yards in one recent stretch and 246 rushing yards at 3.8 yards per carry overall. He has also reached the 10-plus-yard mark on five runs, but that burst has not shown up often enough yet.
The matchup gives him a chance to change the tone quickly. If the Colts can create cleaner running lanes, Taylor has a clear path to both a better individual showing and a stronger offensive rhythm for Indianapolis.
Washington's international challenge
The Commanders enter the game trying to win their first international game in four tries. That history includes last season's loss in Madrid, when Washington took part in the league's first game in Spain at Bernabéu. The franchise, founded in 1932, now gets another overseas test against a Colts team that has already had success abroad.
Washington will again be without Jayden Daniels, who was ruled out on Friday for the second straight game after dislocating his left elbow in Week 2. Dan Quinn said Daniels was out, leaving the Commanders to navigate a tough setting without their starting quarterback.
What Indianapolis is dealing with
The Colts are not heading into London at full strength either. Alec Pierce, Keenan Allen and Ashton Dulin are all dealing with health issues, which could affect the passing game and the balance of the offense.
That makes Taylor even more important. Indianapolis was founded in 1953, and the team will be aiming to pair another international win with a more productive outing from its top running back.
Both Indianapolis and Washington come in at 1-2 after surprising victories over 2025 playoff teams in Week 3, so this is not just a travel story. It is also an early-season opportunity for one team to get back to.500 and, in Washington's case, to finally break through overseas.
For Taylor, the equation is simple enough: if he gets rolling, the Colts vs Commanders matchup could be remembered as the game where his season turned.
