NFL Betting – Indianapolis Colts Win Total 2020

• The signing of Philip Rivers in the off season makes the Colts a candidate to win 9 or more regular season games at +107

• Rivers started every game since taking over the Chargers in 2006 and had decent numbers last season throwing for 4,615 yards.

• Questions do remain how much Rivers still has in the tank with his touchdown passes down and interceptions up last season as well.

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No offense to Jacoby Brissett but we’ve seen what the Indianapolis Colts are capable of when they have a star quarterback behind center. The unexpected retirement of Andrew Luck prior to the 2019 season set the club back and they went just 7-9. When Luck missed the 2017 campaign with an injury they were 4-12. In between they produced a 10-6 ledger and reached the postseason with Luck at the helm. Luck isn’t making a comeback so the Colts reached out to former Charger Philip Rivers. Over his lengthy career Rivers has accomplished a lot, except playing in a Super Bowl. Additional moves on both sides of the football set the Colts up for a strong run reach 10 wins. 

Indianapolis Colts Win Total Odds at BookMaker.eu 

Colts Over 9 Wins +107 

Colts Under 9 Wins -129 

2020 Indianapolis Colts Offense Preview 

The goal during the offseason was to find a veteran upgrade for Brissett. Rivers fits the mold and has a history with Frank Reich so time missed during training camp shouldn’t be an issue. Just how much Rivers has left in the tank remains to be seen. Rivers started every game since taking over the Chargers in 2006 and had decent numbers last season throwing for 4,615 yards. However, his touchdown passes were down and his interceptions up, never a good sign. 

There is something to be said about having a strong line, something the Colts will roll out in 2020. Rivers was sacked over 30 times in each of the last two seasons and he isn’t the most nimble guy in the backfield. The unit returns intact after not missing a start in 2019 while helping the Colts amass the seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL. The addition of Jonathan Taylor to a backfield that includes 1,000-yard runner Marlon Mack just got a little better. 

The passing game struggled last season with more yards through the air than only two teams. Rivers has weapons to work with, especially if T.Y. Hilton overcomes injuries that forced him to miss six games. Despite that he led the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns. The team is hopeful Parris Campbell can make an impact after his rookie season was cut short. Toss in draft pick Michael Pittman and tight end Jack Doyle and this group has the potential to be special. 

2020 Indianapolis Colts Defense Preview 

The defense wasn’t bad last year, but there was room for improvement. The Colts surrendered 346.8 total yards per game to rank 16th and they were 18th in points allowed. The young group failed to hold leads in several games and with a chance to acquire a top interior lineman to help out they pulled the trigger on a deal for DeForest Buckner, stabilizing one area of weakness.  

Buckner had 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries last season. He added 1.5 sacks in the Super Bowl loss. Buckner not only gets after the quarterback he’s solid against the run. End Justin Houston had a team-best 11 sacks and All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard anchor what should be a much improved group. 

I say should because there are still some concerns in the secondary. Xavier Rhodes struggled through injuries last season underwhelming along the way. His healthy return makes the group instantly better. What will help the most is an improved pass rush and that’s where Buckner fits in. He was better than anything the Colts could get with the 13th pick and should continue to perform at a high level since he’s still young. 

2020 Indianapolis Colts Schedule Analysis 

There were a lot of people on the Colts bandwagon last year until the sudden retirement of Luck. The entire season and direction of the franchise changed with that move. Still, the Colts started fast winning five of their first seven games only to sputter in the second half. There is a chance for another fast start with six of their first seven games in 2020 against teams that missed the playoffs last season. The Vikings, who the Colts play at home in Week 2, are the only team in that opening salvo that qualified for the postseason.  

The back half of the season figures to be a little more difficult, but overall the schedule isn’t too overwhelming, leading me to back the OVER on the win total. There are questions to the overall strength of the AFC South. The Texans made a number of questionable moves and are the Titans for real after a surprise run to the AFC Championship. A trip to Jacksonville/London has dogged the Colts the last few years. Breaking that spell in the opener will lead to bigger things down the road. 

Bet Indianapolis Colts Win Total at BookMaker.eu 

Rivers may not have been Indy’s first choice but he’s not a bad consolation prize. Give him weapons and an offensive line that can offer some protection and Rivers could have a big season. He signed a one-year deal and he’s motivated to get somewhere he’s never been in his NFL career. That’s good news for the Colts and their fans. The schedule looks favorable making the OVER a solid pick on the 2020 win total. 

NFL Odds: Indianapolis Colts OVER 9 Wins 

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- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com