Indianapolis Colts

Luck of the draw

Last season the Colts got off to a rough start when starting quarterback Andrew Luck suffered an injury before the regular season. The Colts were unable to account for his loss, the team settled on third string option Jacoby Brissett, who led them to a 4-12 record. It was the Colts' first losing season since 2011 and the third consecutive year that they missed the playoffs.

In the offseason, the Colts decided to let go of Coach Chuck Pagano, who had been with the team since 2012. As a replacement, the Colts were able to acquire former Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich.

This year, the return of Andrew Luck will be crucial to define Indianapolis Colts betting odds throughout the year. With Luck, the team is a playoff contender. Despite having a thin roster, Luck guided this team to the playoffs for three straight years before initially injuring his shoulder in 2015. Without him, the team does not make the playoffs. It is that simple.

So far, Luck has been making appearances in training camp, making throws and staying in form, but has not taken a snap in an 11 vs 11 drill yet. After hastening his return from the initial injury in 2015 and suffering re-aggravations, he wants to be as careful as possible this time around not to rush his return.

Looking for a Winning Formula

Second year GM Chris Ballard is making sure that if Luck does in fact return, he will have personnel around him that are capable of winning. He has been busy drafting a number of linesman in the past two years that would provide Luck with the protection he needs to make a safe return.

Guards Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith were taken with 2 of the Colts’ first three picks in the 2018 draft. Ballard also brought in a promising tight end in Eric Ebron, who was formerly with the Detroit Lions. Ebron has 186 career receptions for 2,070 yards over four seasons with the Lions.

Ballard also signed veteran offensive linesmen Matt Slauson and Austin Howard. Slauson played last season with the Chargers. He is a 9 year NFL veteran with over 100 games played. Howard is also an experienced linesman, having played 8 years for five different teams. He was undrafted out of college and worked his way onto the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010.

Youth Movement

Another big factor affecting the Colts betting odds this year will be if their rookies are able to make the lineup and if so, what kind of impact they will have.

The Colts had an NFL-high 11 draft picks this season, five of which came in the first two rounds. The Colts used all five of those picks on backs and defensive linesman, but with the later picks they chose some offensive talent that may be able to break the roster this year.

First on that list is North Carolina State running back Nyheim Hines. Hines is a speedy runner who also took returns in college, which is something the Colts may have him do as well.

Despite the return of Luck and the influx of younger players, the Colts are still projected to finish last in their division according to the football betting odds on our NFL Sportsbook. However, with the return of Luck in question and the influx of young players eager to make an impact on the roster, the Colts' potential may betray the odds.

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