It has been a rough start to the 2014 NFL season for the Indianapolis Colts, who sit at 0-2 after losing back-to-back games for the first time since Andrew Luck took over the reins as starting quarterback.
Going into their Week 1 matchup with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, the Colts sported Super Bowl odds as strong as 18/1 at online sportsbooks. But following losses to the Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles, the Colts have tumbled in the latest NFL odds, to 40/1 to emerge as champions.
The Colts have had trouble winning since the pre-season, in which they also went winless, posting an 0-4 record SU and 1-3 ATS.
Betting on Luck
Despite the losses, Andrew Luck has produced some solid numbers, throwing for five TDs and running for a sixth. But his three picks and the struggles the club has had to hang on to the ball and not take penalties have hurt Luck’s odds to garner NFL MVP honors in NFL online betting.
Prior to the season, Luck was listed just outside the short list of betting favorites to win MVP. At 12/1 sportsbooks, Luck trailed only Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. But going into the Colts’ Week 4 visit to Jacksonville, Luck has tumbled to 22/1.
Upcoming Divisional Opponents
Sunday’s game against the Jaguars may be just what the Colts need. Indianapolis are favored by a touchdown against the Jags, who are off to a disastrous start, soundly beaten SU and ATS by Philadelphia and Washington.
The Jaguars are 1-9 SU, 2-7-1 ATS, in their last 10 at home and have enjoyed little success in recent meetings with the Colts, winners in just two of their last seven SU and ATS at home to Indianapolis.
Following this Sunday’s visit to Jacksonville, the Colts travel home to play the Tennessee Titans in a suddenly critical divisional matchup.
Tennessee started strong on the road, winning outright as road underdogs, 26-10, over Kansas City, but came out flat in their home opener, losing 26-10 to Dallas as 3.5-point home favorites.
The Titans face a tough date in Cincinnati in Week 3. Favored by 7 points against Tennessee, the Bengals are 9-0 ATS and SU in their last nine regular season games at home
Still Division Favorites
Despite their trouble picking up wins early in the season, the Colts maintain their spot as favorites to win the AFC South at online sportsbooks, with odds of -105. But following what some have considered a surprising 2-0 start, the Houston Texans closely trail with odds of +105. The Titans are a +700 bet to win the division, while the Jags are distant +4000 longshots.