Jaguars vs Colts Odds - Manning, Colts continue dominance over Jaguars
Indianapolis is the NFL betting favorite in the AFC South, which they have won in five of the last six seasons. They’ve overcome Jacksonville many times to accomplish this, and Peyton Manning has been the conductor. Look for more Manning magic when the two kick off the NFL season on Sunday.
Jaguars vs Colts Odds: Colts -7
- WHAT: NFL betting action
- WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
- KEY STAT: Indy has won seven of their last 10 against Jacksonville
- PICK: Indianapolis
Jaguars vs Colts Odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Jaguars’ ground game struggled in the preseason, although Maurice Jones-Drew didn’t see much action. However, Troy Williamson has emerged as a decent target for quarterback David Garrard. Still, they’re not even close to the Colts, whose first-team offense will be the key to their online betting chances. The biggest concern is the health of running back Joseph Addai, but rookie Donald Brown impressed in the preseason. Betting Edge: Colts
Jaguars vs Colts Odds maker breakdown: Defense
Jacksonville isn’t going to intimidate anyone on defense, but they don’t make very many mistakes, either. Linebackers Clint Ingram and Daryl Smith are injury worries, but they should be cleared in time to play in Indy. The Colts have their own injury concerns in safety Bob Sanders, who is still struggling with a knee injury that has bothered him since his rookie season. His partner, Antoine Bethea, has a cracked bone in his hand. Betting Edge: Draw
Jaguars vs Colts Odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Indianapolis ranked in the bottom five of the league last year in both kickoff and punt returns, while Jacksonville was in the top 10 in defending those returns. Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has been bothered by an ailing hip, but Jacksonville’s special-teams ace, Montell Owens has a knee injury. Betting Edge: Draw
Jaguars vs Colts Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
As mentioned earlier, the loss of Sanders and possibly Bethea is a knock to the Colts’ secondary, but it may not hurt as much as people think because of the Jaguars’ poor passing game. This is where Jacksonville’s injuries to Ingram and Smith may be more important, because they’ll need to be at full strength to slow down the Colts, especially in Indy. Betting Edge: Colts
Jaguars vs Colts betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Colts have dominated their AFC South rivals, winning seven of their last 10 meetings. A big reason is Manning, who has 4,053 yards against the Jaguars in 15 games, along with 29 touchdowns and only 10 picks. He blitzed the Jaguars for 364 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16 last year, and he looked excellent in the preseason. It won’t be a blowout as their last three meetings have been decided by seven points or less, but Manning at home is pretty close to a sportsbook lock. Go with the Colts to cover, but not by much. STAN’S PICK: Colts
For more sports betting tips and picks on the gridiron, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Jaguars vs Colts matchup, check out our stats section. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
