Following a 4-12 crash last season Indianapolis did what arguably should have been done a year or two before. Chuck Pagano was finally fired as head coach. To begin with the Colts have gone three straight seasons without a winning record. Likewise, franchise quarterback Andrew Luck is seeing his potential go to waste. Luck missed the entire 2017 NFL betting season due to shoulder surgery. But prior to that he suffered from the lack of talent and depth necessary to win. In fact, general manager Chris Ballard was shocked at the team’s lack of toughness.
2018 Indianapolis Colts NFL Betting Futures
Date and Time: Season opens September 9, 2018
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Pagano
Initially Ballard knew his first season would be difficult. And that the Colts were lacking in many areas. Yet the lack of fire and desire was totally off putting to him. For that reason, it was easier to show Pagano the door. While many called for his head in 2016 owner Jim Irsay hesitated. Although it was expected Pagano was gone Irsay backed off. However, Pagano didn’t stand a chance last year without Luck. Above all Luck’s presence may not have mattered.
No quality or ability
To begin with Indy lacks a quality roster and overall ability. Add in their lack of fight and it’s a squad that needs retooling. Accordingly, in his second season on the job Ballard has worked to shore up competitiveness. Commencing with the draft Ballard drafted four linemen with his first five picks. True, it may not pay immediate NFL betting dividends. Due to poor quality line play Luck has been battered into submission. Along those same lines it has damaged his career. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett was sacked a league high 56 times last year.
Nowhere to go But Up
Left guard Quenton Nelson was the sixth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Especially relevant is that Indianapolis expects him to be an immediate sportsbook asset. In addition, second round pick Braden Smith will push for a starting assignment at right guard. Offensively the Colts have nowhere to go but up after ranking 31st in total yards in 2017. Identical was their inability to finish. To illustrate they ranked 30th in the NFL for scoring. But with Luck back in the saddle even marginal improvement can move the needle.
Pro Bowl Receivers
Now despite the bad 2017 numbers Luck has a couple of Pro Bowl receivers. Wideout TY Hilton and tight end Jack Doyle will keep defenses honest. Equally important is running back Marlon Mack. While he saw spot duty as a rookie he is the projected starter this year.
Matt Eberflus
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Of great concern to some is that Eberflus has never been a pro coordinator. In the same way Frank Reich is a first-time head coach.
Matchup to Watch
Commencing with an improved AFC South the Colts will struggle for NFL betting improvement. Equally important is that they’ll be improved. Compared to last year they’ll have more fight. Correspondingly they could inch towards eight wins.
Indianapolis Colts 2018 Futures Betting Odds Pick
To sum up the new look Colts should win eight games in 2018.
NFL Betting Online Pick: Indianapolis Colts to go 8-8
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