Bengals vs. Colts: 3 things you need to know

One of the early premier matchups in the AFC this season will be this week's game between the Indianapolis Colts (4-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1). 

Both teams sit atop their respective divisions. However, Colts have done so on the strength of four straight wins, while the Bengals are coming off an embarrassing Monday night blowout to the New England Patriots and a somehow more embarrassing tie with the Panthers.

Here's what you need to know:

Colts are dominant offensively

The Indianapolis Colts lead the league in both points per game and time of possession. They will look to exploit a Bengals defense that has given up 36 and 37 points in their last two games, a throwback to the pre-Marvin Lewis era.

One key to the Colts' efficient offense has been Andrew Luck's ability to progress through his reads and hit third or fourth options in the middle of the field, keeping the offense moving. 

In addition to hitting T.Y. Hilton, Reggie Wayne and a resurrected Hakeem Nicks on deep or intermediate routes, Luck has been able to find his tight ends or running backs consistently. 75 of his 172 receptions and 13 of his league leading 17 touchdowns have been thrown to non-wide receiver targets.

Bengals without A.J. Green 

With A.J. Green expected to miss Week 7 due to a toe injury, the Bengals will be forced to rely on Mohamed Sanu as their top outside target once again.  

Sanu's inconsistency is the only impediment to his success. He has dropped five passes already this season (second most in the league,) after dropping six in all of 2013. A matchup with Vontae Davis will test him this week, after he put up 120 yards and a touchdown in Week 6.

This may be the week to get tight end Jermaine Gresham involved. He only has 14 receptions this season, and no touchdowns, but the Colts have given up at least 70 yards receiving to opposing tight ends in four of their six games. He has been a consistent red zone target throughout Andy Dalton's career.

Protecting the quarterbacks

Both of these teams owe a lot of their success to outstanding offensive line play. The Bengals have allowed just two sacks as a group, while the Colts have given up five. 

Looking even deeper at the numbers reveals that the Colts have given up those five sacks on a league high 289 passing plays, and the Bengals have only allowed 24 total quarterback pressures (second lowest in the league according to Pro Football Focus).

The Colts' pass rush has acquitted itself far better than the Bengals so far this season, with 17 sacks to just eight, so they may have the edge in this aspect of the game. Also, Andrew Luck is the more mobile quarterback, able to extend plays more effectively than Andy Dalton; It may be tough for the Bengals to get to him.