Are Colts Going to Spring Money Line Upset Over Jaguars?

Indianapolis Could Run Away as an Underdog For Week 1

· Sep 08 - 4 minutes read

Underdog bettors, get ready. Now is an opportune time to humor the Indianapolis Colts on the NFL lines. The early weeks of the NFL season typically feature many upsets and the Colts, the five-point underdogs against the Jaguars, could be that team. But before we throw some hard-earned money on these dogs, what makes them worth betting on?

Here’s Betting That Jaguars’ Defense Could Be an Achilles Heel

Are the Jaguars for real? They finished last season on a 6-1 run and even pulled off an improbable comeback in the playoffs. But this is still the same team that went 3-7 prior to its bye in 2022. And during the offseason, Jacksonville upgraded on offense. But its defense could still be a sore spot.

Are Colts Going to SpringMoney Line Upset Over Jaguars?

The Jaguars allowed 27 or more points in half of its games last season and went 3-6 for it. The passing defense, in particular, got torched and gave up the fifth-most yards. This team also struggled to get to the quarterback with only 35 sacks, and its -70.3 defensive EPA ranked 22nd.

But wait! The Jaguars face Anthony Richardson, who might be the worst passer among starting quarterbacks this season. Jacksonville’s ‘D’ also forced the fifth-most turnovers, which could be something a rookie QB struggles with. Still, it can be risky to bet online on a team with a glaring hole.

Richardson is Ready To Rock For the Colts

You can take all that stuff about rookie QBs struggling and toss it out the window. Anthony Richardson is special. And he’s coached by the right man in Shane Steichen, who turned Jalen Hurts from a “project” to the MVP runner-up last year. Richardson will be one reason why the Colts do better than our projections or the NFL odds predict.

The No. 4 pick is the No. 1 QB in Indy. What are your expectations after his first preseason?@GVOaant | @Colts pic.twitter.com/oKf6Cdgjk6

— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2023

Still, he’s got his work cut out for him. The Colts’ offensive line is terrible. And other than Michael Pittman Jr., he does not have a proven pass-catcher. To make it worse, star running back Jonathan Taylor is injured and wants to be traded. As good as Richardson could be, making the Colts an NFL pick straight-up is also scary.

But we’ll believe in the Colts. The defense is underrated and is two years removed from being a top-10 unit in 2021. If the offense can stay functional enough, the defense may just find a way to make Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars sweat.

Colts Own Jaguars at Home

“Own” is not an exaggeration here. Indianapolis has won five straight home games versus Jacksonville. Even last year, the Colts beat the Jaguars 34-27.

Jaguars vs Colts Game Information

Game: Jaguars vs Colts
Date/Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Jaguars vs Colts Live Stream: NFL Game Pass

Jaguars vs Colts Game Weather Conditions online

This is a domed stadium.

Jaguars vs Colts Game Picks and Prediction

Predicted Score: Jaguars 27, Colts 23

As Richardson Takes Off, Take the Points

We won’t recommend betting on the Colts straight. Instead, take the five points at the sportsbook. Divisional games tend to be close. Jacksonville is superior in most ways, especially on offense. But Richardson’s dual-threat abilities, coupled with Steichen’s offensive brilliance, will allow Indy to make this game closer than it should be.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts +5 (-110)

Go Over Against the Trends

While the total has gone under in four of these teams’ last five games, there is plenty of potential for explosive scoring here. The Jaguars’ defense is vulnerable while their offense is prolific. Look to the NFL news for this to be one of the week’s most exciting matchups.