Following a playoff season in Frank Reich’s first year as coach Indianapolis has restored high expectations. In the same way, the Chargers have made the playoffs in Anthony Lynn’s first two years as head coach. This makes the week one matchup between these teams one of the most appealing for NFL bets. Neither the Colts or Chargers are accidental winners. Each team had solid metrics of quality teams. In particular, the Chargers were near equal of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Indianapolis plays in the highly winnable AFC South.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers
| Date and Time: | Sunday, September 8, 2019, 4:05 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California |
| Colts vs. Chargers TV Coverage: | CBS |
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | +3 (-119) | 47½ (-110) |  |
| Chargers | -3 (-101) | 47½ (-110) | |
| |||
Colts vs. Chargers Overview
Last year the Colts finished with an NFL bets record of 10-6 straight up, 8-7-1 against the spread, and 8-8 on totals. Indy finished fifth in the NFL for scoring offense and 10th for points allowed. Los Angeles was 12-4 straight up, 9-7 against the spread, and 8-8 on totals. Overall the Chargers ranked sixth for scoring offense and eighth for points allowed. In the playoffs, Los Angeles lost in the AFC Divisional round at New England 41-28. While the Colts lost at Kansas City 31-13 in the AFC Divisional round.
More Luck of the Horseshoe?
Certainly, the arrival of Reich helped rejuvenate Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck returned to being a key sportsbook asset in 2018. To show he produced his fourth Pro Bowl season and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Luck had a 98.7 QB rating good for 4593 yards with a 39/15 TD/INT ratio. Wide receiver TY Hilton was Luck’s top target. Hilton had 76 catches for 1270 yards and six TD’s. Concurrently running back Marlon Mack kept defenses honest. Mack ran for 908 yards, 4.7 yards per carry and nine touchdowns.
Rivers Flows for Success
Extending LA’s NFL bets success was quarterback Philip Rivers. First, it was the eighth Pro Bowl season for the 16-year pro. Rivers compiled a 105.5 QB rating with 4308 yards and a 32/12 TD/INT ratio. Wideout Keenan Allen was Rivers favorite target. To illuminate Allen had 97 catches, 1196 yards, and six touchdowns. Running back Melvin Gordon kept defenses honest with 885 yards, 5.1 YPC, and 10 touchdowns.
Colts and Chargers Against the Spread
The Colts are:
- 5-3 ATS as road dogs
- 2-9 under the total as an away dog
- 2-6 ATS versus the Chargers
- 1-6-1 under the total against LA
The Chargers are:
- 2-5 ATS as a home favorite
- 1-4 under the total as a home favorite
- 3-1 ATS at home against the Colts
- 0-4 under the total in home games vs. Indianapolis
Colts vs. Chargers NFL Bets
Consistent with last year is what looks to be an even matchup here for the week. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to find a pairing that is so similar. Namely Luck and Rivers headline well-balanced teams. Even the coaching of Reich and Lynn looks dead even. It follows that the underdog is a good way to go with all else being equal.
NFL Bets Pick: Indianapolis Colts
NFL Bets Score Prediction: Colts 23, Chargers 24
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