Jonathan Taylor has carried the ball 148 times in eight games, and on Sunday he may carry the biggest piece of Indianapolis’ season. The Colts return to Lucas Oil Stadium after a difficult 42-7 loss at Jacksonville, while the Cowboys arrive after an overtime defeat to Arizona. At 2-6 and 3-5, these teams are chasing the same thing: a Week 9 win that can change the feel of a rocky season.

Taylor is the Colts’ engine. He has rushed for 610 yards and eight touchdowns, using quick bursts to reach the edge and power to fight through tacklers. He also catches passes, which means Dallas must watch for him all over the field. Indianapolis averages only 20.1 points per game, so a strong day from Taylor could help quarterback Daniel Jones stay out of long, tough passing situations.

Jones has an important partner in tight end Tyler Warren. A tight end lines up close to the offensive line, but Warren can catch passes like a wide receiver and run after the catch. In six games, he has made 34 catches, making him a reliable target over the middle. The Colts could need Warren even more because wide receiver Alec Pierce is on injured reserve with a heel injury. Pierce’s speed normally gives Indianapolis a deep target, but his absence changes the shape of the passing game.

The Cowboys bring a louder offense. Dallas averages 27.4 points per game, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and a pair of dangerous receivers. CeeDee Lamb has already caught 60 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. He can turn a short throw into a long dash, forcing defenders to tackle in open space. George Pickens gives Prescott another big target downfield, though he is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Dallas also has Javonte Williams, whose eight rushing touchdowns show why defenses cannot focus only on Lamb. Williams runs with force and keeps drives moving. That balance is a challenge for a Colts defense that has allowed 27.8 points per game. Indianapolis needs to slow the run first, then make Prescott throw into crowded spaces.

Yet the Cowboys have their own problem to solve. Their defense has allowed 385.4 yards per game, meaning opponents have often found room both through the air and on the ground. Taylor can make that weakness matter, but the Colts must protect the football. Indianapolis has lost far too many possessions this season, including key mistakes in Jacksonville that turned chances into trouble.

Injuries could shape the closing chapters. Dallas tight end Jake Ferguson and safety Caleb Downs are questionable, while the Colts have several uncertain defenders in the secondary. That puts extra focus on Lamb, Warren, and the quarterbacks’ ability to find the open player.

Lucas Oil Stadium should host a fast, urgent game between teams that need a spark. Taylor gives Indianapolis a real path at home, but Dallas has scored more consistently and has more proven passing weapons. The Cowboys should win if Prescott gets Lamb and Williams involved early and avoids costly mistakes.

Jonathan Taylor Brings the Colts’ Ground Game Home Against Dallas