Andrew Luck has spent all offseason rehabbing from a shoulder injury and may not be able to play for the first couple games of the season. Luck underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder this offseason and has yet to recover. He is currently on the PUP list and his status seems more and more dubious by the day. Keep that in mind when determining what side of the Colts over/under to bet this season.
Indianapolis Colts Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Colts Over 7.5 Wins +101
Colts Under 7.5 Wins -122
2017 Colts Offense Preview
Injuries took a toll on this team last season and are already starting to affect things in 2017. Luck’s slow recovery has been the story of the offseason, but the team will also be without its best offensive lineman for the first part of the season too. Center Ryan Kelly is expected to miss the first 4-6 games of the season after undergoing foot surgery and the team will likely start a rookie free agent in his stead.
The offensive line continues to be an issue aside from Kelly. Anthony Castonzo is a solid left tackle, but every other starter has had their share of problems. This unit has little depth too and a couple injuries would really hurt the Colts.
On the brighter side, the receivers are one of the better groups in the league. T.Y. Hilton is one of the better receivers in the league and is an explosive threat. He averaged 15.9 yards per reception in 2016 and defenses have to respect his speed. Hilton is complemented by Donte Moncrief, who was a great red-zone target last season, and Phillip Dorsett. If Dorsett can put it together in the slot, this team could be really good.
Frank Gore continues to be a reliable back, but expect him to cede time to both Robert Turbin and Marlon Mack. Gore is getting older and Chuck Pagano doesn’t want to test his limits at the age of 34. Mack has a lot of sleeper potential after a great career at South Florida and could end up being the primary running back by season’s end.
2017 Colts Defense Preview
Indianapolis has a very patchwork defense with little talent and not a lot of depth. The Colts did make a splash by signing defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and he should help things out along the front, but there isn’t much else to write home about.
In the linebacking corps, the team signed a number of inexpensive, veteran free agents and hopes to strike gold with some of them. Three of the four projected starters were signed from other AFC teams this offseason with Sean Spence being the biggest name. Spence has been an average inside linebacker since entering the NFL, but isn’t going to wow you with his ability.
It seems like the secondary has always been an issue for the Colts. Indianapolis spent its first two draft picks on safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Quincy Wilson in the hopes of improving the group. It’s going to take time for them to develop, but Hooker looks like a potential playmaker.
2017 Indianapolis Colts Schedule Analysis
Indianapolis is at a bit of a disadvantage with how it’s schedule plays out. The Colts play the relatively weak NFC West in cross-conference play, but face all four teams in the first five weeks of the season. Three of these four games are winnable, but if Luck is out or playing hurt, that severely hurts the Colts chances.
The Final Verdict
Although the Colts are in a relatively weak division, they seem to be trending downward while everyone else is trending upward. Indianapolis has easily the worst defense in this division and the lingering concerns about Luck’s health overshadow anything positive you can say about this team. Grab the under and don’t be surprised if the Colts bottom out and finish in the AFC South cellar.
NFL Odds: Indianapolis Colts Under 7.5 Wins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
