The Arizona Cardinals face a major challenge as they take on the Indianapolis Colts without star quarterback Kyler Murray, sidelined with a mid-foot sprain.
Backup Jacoby Brissett, a former Colt, will start in Murray’s place, adding an intriguing storyline to this Week 6 matchup.
With kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Cardinals’ adjusted offense must contend with a Colts defense looking to capitalize on Murray’s absence.
- Kyler Murray will miss the Cardinals vs. Colts game due to a mid-foot sprain, with veteran QB Jacoby Brissett starting in his place against his former team.
- Ticket prices range from $24.66 for upper-level seats to over $4,154 for premium options at Lucas Oil Stadium, with kickoff at 1:00 PM ET on October 12, 2025.
- The Cardinals’ offense will likely shift to a run-heavy approach with James Conner, while the Colts’ top-10 defense plans to exploit Brissett’s struggles under pressure.
Cardinals vs Colts: Key Matchup Analysis Without Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals face a significant challenge as they take on the Indianapolis Colts without their star quarterback Kyler Murray, who is sidelined with a mid-foot sprain. Backup QB Jacoby Brissett, a former Colt himself, will start in Murray’s place, adding an intriguing storyline to this matchup. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, where ticket prices range from $24.66 for upper-level seats to over $4,154 for premium options.
Brissett brings veteran experience but lacks Murray’s dynamic playmaking ability, forcing the Cardinals to adjust their offensive strategy significantly. The Colts’ defense, ranked top-10 in sacks this season, will likely capitalize on this quarterback change by bringing extra pressure and playing more conservative coverage schemes.
How Brissett’s Experience Could Help Arizona
While Brissett lacks Murray’s athleticism, his familiarity with Lucas Oil Stadium and the Colts’ organization could provide some advantages:
- Knowledge of stadium acoustics and sightlines
- Understanding of Colts’ defensive tendencies
- Established chemistry with Cardinals’ veteran receivers
Ticket Prices and Availability for Cardinals vs Colts
The quarterback change has created interesting dynamics in the ticket market for this game. Current data shows:
| Ticket Section | Average Price | Price Change Since Murray Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Level End Zone | $98-$150 | -12% |
| Club Level Midfield | $225-$350 | -8% |
| Upper Level Corners | $65-$90 | -5% |
Approximately 9,000 tickets remain available across various platforms, with prices potentially dropping further as game day approaches. The most affordable options are in the upper level corners, while premium club seats still command prices over $300.
Kyler Murray Injury Timeline and Team Impact
Murray’s mid-foot sprain typically requires 2-4 weeks of recovery time, which means the Cardinals could be without their franchise quarterback for multiple games. The team’s medical staff will need to carefully manage his rehabilitation to avoid setbacks.
This injury comes at a particularly challenging time for Arizona, as they face:
- Week 6: @ Colts
- Week 7: Bye
- Week 8: vs Ravens
- Week 9: @ Browns
Colts Defensive Strategy Against Brissett-Led Cardinals
The Colts defense, currently ranked 7th in sacks, will likely implement several specific strategies to exploit Brissett’s weaknesses:
Pass Rush Approach
Expect defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to:
- Bring extra pressure up the middle to collapse the pocket
- Use delayed blitzes to confuse the offensive line
- Spy Brissett on potential scrambles
Coverage Schemes
The secondary will probably:
- Play more Cover 2 to limit deep threats
- Jump short routes that Brissett favors
- Use physical press coverage at the line
Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game
Several individual battles will prove crucial in determining the outcome of this contest:
Cardinals Offensive Line vs Colts Pass Rush
Arizona’s front five, which has allowed 18 sacks this season, faces its toughest test yet against Indianapolis’ formidable pass rush featuring:
- DeForest Buckner (4.5 sacks)
- Kwity Paye (3 sacks)
- Grover Stewart (2.5 sacks)
James Conner vs Colts Run Defense
With Brissett starting, the Cardinals will likely rely heavily on their running game. Conner, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, will need to produce against a Colts defense allowing just 3.8 yards per attempt.
Historical Context: Cardinals vs Colts Rivalry
While these teams don’t meet often, their matchups have produced several memorable moments throughout NFL history:
Notable Games
- 2009: Kurt Warner’s 4TD performance in a 31-10 Cardinals victory
- 2017: Jacoby Brissett’s debut as Colts starter in a 13-10 overtime win
- 2021: Chandler Jones’ historic 5-sack game against Carson Wentz
This will be Brissett’s first career start against his former team, adding another chapter to this interconference rivalry. The all-time series stands at 9-7 in favor of the Colts, with Indianapolis winning the last two meetings.
Game Prediction and Final Thoughts
Considering all factors – the quarterback situation, defensive matchups, and historical trends – this game projects to be a defensive struggle with several key implications:
Score Prediction
Colts 20, Cardinals 16
Key Factors
- Brissett’s ability to handle pressure
- Cardinals’ success running the ball
- Colts’ red zone efficiency
The game will likely be decided by which team can establish its preferred style of play early – if the Cardinals can control tempo with their running game, they have a legitimate shot at the upset.
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