To say 2020 was a success for the Indianapolis Colts might depend on who you ask. They were able to secure only their second playoff spot since 2015, but they were beaten by the Bills in the Wild Card round, sending them home earlier than Indy wanted. The good news, rookie Jonathan Taylor proved worthy of being the lead back and the potential to be a star. Other young players like Quenten Nelson, Khari Willis, and Julian Blackmon established themselves as dependable pieces to build a team around. Now, it’s time to shift focus to the offseason.
The new direction begins with Carson Wentz, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for conditional picks. Wentz is reunited with his old offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who led Wentz to MVP-conversation numbers in 2016 and 2017. Can the Colts continue their winning ways under their third veteran quarterback in three seasons? Will the Wentz project work out in Indianapolis? There’s plenty more to unfold with this team moving forward.
Indianapolis Colts Week 1 odds
The Indianapolis Colts kick off their 2021 season at home against the Seattle Seahawks. It’s the first game under the direction of Carson Wentz for Indianapolis, a position they’re all-too familiar with– the Colts have had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year dating back to 2015. The first half of last year saw the Seahawks post historically-bad numbers defensively, particularly in the passing game; they were on pace to allow the most passing yards and touchdowns in a season by a comfortable margin.
While focus surrounding the game may be on Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ run game, the game plan might differ slightly. Head coach Frank Reich was Wentz’ offensive coordinator the year he posted MVP numbers (derailed by injury, also when the Eagles won the Super Bowl) and Indianapolis has a history of throwing the football Week 1. Aside from 2017 where Scott Tolzein saw most of the snaps for Indy, the Colts have averaged 32.4 pass attempts in their season opener since 2015. Getting Wentz confident and in rhythm is certainly a focus for Reich.
The Colts () opened as slight 2.5-point favorites, swung by a homefield handicap.
Complete Week 1 betting preview: Colts vs. Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts futures odds
Futures are long-term bets that can range from an offseason to a full season (or beyond). Team win totals, award winners, and player performance are common futures.
Colts Super Bowl odds and other futures markets 2021
- Odds to win Super Bowl: +2800
- To win AFC: +1400
- To win AFC South: +140
- Make playoffs: -125
- Colts win total: 9.5 (-140)
Odds last updated July 12
Colts prop bets
Prop bets are based on individual performance, typically surrounding players. Last season, Jonathan Taylor was a favorite for prop betting. For example, Taylor’s projected rushing total in the Colts’ Week 13 matchup against the Texans was 79.5 yards. Those who thought he would rush for 80 or more yards bet the over while those who thought he would fail to rush for 80 yards bet the under. Taylor picked up 91 yards in the win and those who bet the over cashed out.
Search below for Indianapolis Colts team or player props currently being offered at sportsbooks. You can also look around at other teams and players using this tool. Happy shopping!
Indianapolis Colts 2021 schedule and betting odds
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 12 | vs. Seattle Seahawks | 1 p.m. ET | Colts -2.5 |
| Week 2 | Sunday, Sept. 19 | vs. LA Rams | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 26 | at Tennessee Titans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 4 | Sunday, Oct. 3 | at Miami Dolphins | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 5 | Monday, Oct. 11 | at Baltimore Ravens | 8:15 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 6 | Sunday, Oct. 17 | vs. Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 7 | Sunday, Oct. 24 | at San Francisco 49ers | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 8 | Sunday, Oct. 31 | vs. Tennessee Titans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 9 | Thursday, Nov. 4 | vs. New York Jets | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 10 | Sunday, Nov. 14 | vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 21 | at Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 12 | Sunday, Nov. 28 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 13 | Sunday, Dec. 5 | at Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 14 | BYE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Week 15 | Dec. 18 or Dec. 19 (Sat/Sun) | vs. New England Patriots | TBA | OTB |
| Week 16 | Saturday, Dec. 25 | at Arizona Cardinals | 8:15 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 17 | Sunday, Jan. 2 | vs. Las Vegas Raiders | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 18 | Sunday, Jan. 9 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
Best Colts betting site(s)
How to bet on the Indianapolis Colts
Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest of bets, decided by the straight-up winner and loser of each game. Consider the following example:
- Colts -115
- Browns +130
The Colts are considered favorites in this matchup (indicated by -115), requiring a $115 bet to win $100 (plus the initial bet back). The Browns are the underdog in this matchup, paying out $230 total for a $100 bet ($130 in winnings). How much either team wins or loses by does not matter in moneyline betting, the payout remains the same.
Point spread
Betting on the point spread is determinant on how many points a team wins or loses by. Take the following example:
- Colts -6.5 (-110)
- Texans +6.5 (-110)
In this example, Indianapolis is favored by 6.5 points, indicated by “-6.5.” If the Colts win the game 24-17, the Colts (-6.5) win the bet and would have a total payout of $19.09 on a $10 bet ($9.09 in profit). If the Texans keep the game within seven and lose 24-20, the Texans (+6.5) would win, and the payout would be the same as listed above.
Point total (over/under)
The point total refers to the over/under line set by books. This number projects the total number of points scored in a game and, like prop betting, is bet whether one thinks the score will go over or under the set point total. For example, a Colts game against the Packers had a projected point total of 54.5 points. The Colts won the game 34-31 in overtime, resulting in 65 combined points. Those who bet the over on the point total in this game would cash out.
A strong defense and potent offense built on the run game caused the Colts to have pretty middle-of-the-road point totals in 2020 (often between 52 and 56 points). Moving into 2021, whoever starts at quarterback for Indy will determine their point totals. Barring them landing a star quarterback in free agency or via trade, the Colts will likely have lower point totals as the new signal caller gets integrated into the offensive system.
In-play and live betting
Sometimes, the most thrilling and rewarding bets are bets made while games are being played. These are referred to as live bets or in-play bets. Odds are ever-changing during games, which would prove to be fruitful for sharp and prepared bettors. For example, if the Colts (-245) were heavily favored against the Jets (+210) before kickoff, a payout on a $10 bet on the Colts to win would win just $4.08.
However, say the Colts fell to a big 27-6 deficit in the first half despite controlling the overall game (due to costly turnovers or a special teams gaffe). Odds may swing in favor of the Jets, who may be a -110 favorite at halftime. Taking the Colts to come back and win the game could present plus-odds (say, +130). Should a bettor take Indianapolis (+130) at halftime and the Colts pull off the comeback, winners would win $13 instead of $4.08 (plus the initial $10 bet).
This could also be an effective way to “hedge” your bet; say a bettor took the Jets (+210) in that game, but Indianapolis jumps out to a 21-0 first quarter lead and is controlling the overall feel of the game, bettors could hedge by throwing some money down on Indianapolis (-270) to return some of the inevitably-lost bet.
Parlays and teasers
You can always string bets together in the form of parlays or teasers. Usually during busy Sundays, bettors can parlay several teams to win or cover against the spread and if all bets are successful, the payouts are multiplied. Teasers function similarly, except they allow bettors to move each point spread to a more favorable line in exchange for diminished odds.
Colts 2020 recap
Record: 11-5
Record ATS: 8-8
Over/under record: 9-7
Under new quarterback Philip Rivers, the Colts were able to collect an impressive 11 wins; it took all 11 of those wins to secure a spot in the AFC Playoffs. Wins this season came over 13-3 Green Bay and AFC South champion Tennessee, but ultimately the Colts couldn’t outpace the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. The Colts finished eighth in the NFL in scoring offense (27.9) and 11th in scoring defense (22.9) but came up just short in the AFC South race.
If “good, not great” was embodied in an NFL team, it would be the 2020 Indianapolis Colts. They beat the opponents in games they were favored (Jaguars, Jets, Bengals) but couldn’t always get it done against playoff teams (Browns, Steelers, Ravens). Vegas had the right projection of this team, as they finished 8-8 against the spread and 9-7 against the point total.
Colts 2021 offseason moves
Trades: QB Carson Wentz (from Eagles)
Re-signings: WR Zach Pascall (second-round tender), TE Mo Alie-Cox (one year, $3.4 million), RB Marlon Mack (one year, $2 million), CB Xavier Rhodes (one year, $6.5 million)
Free agent losses: QB Philip Rivers (retirement), T Anthony Castonzo (retirement), EDGE Denico Autry (to Titans)
Free agent signings: DL Isaac Rochell (one year, $2.5 million)
Draft picks: EDGE Kwity Paye, QB Sam Ehlinger