Colts vs. Jets preview: Facts, stats, analysis and more

The New York Jets (2-3) get something of a reprieve – on a short week – from facing elite teams like San Francisco and Houston when they host the Indianapolis Colts (2-3) and rookie quarterback Andrew Luck in Week 6, a game the Jets must win if they want to have any chance at making the playoffs.

Next Sunday, the Jets travel to Foxboro to face the New England Patriots, and to be 3-3 heading into that game sure looks better than being 2-4 and on a three-game losing streak.

(Sort of) Messed With Texas
Last week on Monday Night Football, the Jets played admirably on defense, holding the high-powered Houston Texans to just 23 points, but once again, the story was the struggles offensively for Gang Green. Quarterback Mark Sanchez completed less than 50 percent of his passes again – with two costly interceptions – and the running game managed just 69 yards as the Jets fell 23-17.

What to Watch For
The Colts are coming off an emotional, if not improbable, home victory over the Green Bay Packers, with veteran receiver Reggie Wayne having one of his best games ever with over 200 yards receiving and two TDs, including the game winner. Antonio Cromartie, who shut down Andre Johnson on Monday night, will see a lot of Wayne and will have to play well to slow down the wily University of Miami product.

Luck is a rookie who is wise beyond his years and one who can manage the game, make big plays when necessary without turning it over and keep his team in position to be victorious. One can bet that Rex Ryan has devised some schemes to keep the rookie off balance and out of rhythm.

But the key to the game and the Jets chance at victory again hinges on Sanchez and his ability to limit his mistakes, complete more than half his throws and establish a running game, or else the Colts will drop more guys into coverage, making it harder for Sanchez and his below-average receiving corps (though boosted by Dustin Keller and Stephen Hill’s return) to make plays in the passing game.

State of the Jets
Cornerback Darrelle Revis is officially out for the season after being place on injured reserve, and he will have surgery this week to repair his torn ACL. Tight end Keller is expected to return after missing four games with a hamstring injury, as is rookie wide receiver Hill, who has missed three games of his own.

The Numbers
Passing
Jets: Sanchez (1,043 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs)
Colts: Luck (1,208 yards, 7 TDs, 5 INTs)

Rushing
Jets: Greene (76 carries, 217 yards, 1 TD)
Colts: Donald Brown (60-239, 1 TD)

Receiving
Jets: Jeremy Kerley (15 catches, 291 yards, 2 TDs)
Colts: Wayne (36-506, 2 TDs)

Defense
Jets: David Harris (46 tackles)
Colts: Jerrell Freeman (35 tackles)

COLTS @ JETS
When: 1 pm EST
Where: MetLife Stadium
TV: CBS, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Radio: ESPN New York 98.7 FM
Line: Jets -3.5

For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York.