NFL Indianapolis Colts Odds: Offense In-Depth Betting Analysis

Ever since the surprise retirement of quarterback Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts have struggled to find a quarterback. They’ve tried out Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, and while Rivers got them to the playoffs, that was just a one-and-done appearance. Brissett was solid in terms of game management but just couldn’t get enough going to make the Colts’ offense dynamic, and Wentz and Ryan both basically imploded. This year saw the Colts snag Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson in the draft, and he and Gardner Minshew are the top two signal-callers on the depth chart. When will Richardson start, and how much impact will he have in the early season? These are just two questions to consider as we look at the Colts’ offense going into 2023 and as you consider your NFL betting strategy.

NFL Betting News: An In-depth Analysis of the Indianapolis Colts Offense

It’s important to note that Richardson might not have to be the starting quarterback to have an immediate impact on the Colts’ attack. His running ability is outstanding, and adding him in packages will make the Colts harder to game-plan for. When Richardson showed up at Florida, he started out as the backup quarterback behind Emory Jones. Every now and then, though, Richardson would make an appearance on the field, leading to highlight-reel plays. So while Richardson continues to develop into an NFL-caliber passer, it will be interesting to see how the team uses him in jet sweeps and other situations where his speed can create some chunk plays.

Let’s not forget tailback Jonathan Taylor, who is still the pivotal player in the Colts’ attack. The subpar play from Matt Ryan last year, combined with poor blocking and pass protection from the offensive line, allowed opposing defenses to dare the Colts to beat them on the ground. They loaded the box and jammed holes, which is why Taylor couldn’t get to the 1,000-yard mark. If Richardson can do a better job attracting the attention of opposing defenses and the O-line can do its job, then Taylor should get back well above 1,000 yards – and earn himself a look at the Pro Bowl.

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Tight end Jelani Woods could get a ton of catches this season; many times, when a rookie quarterback is looking to get rid of the ball quickly, a trusted tight end becomes a familiar target. Woods has size, at 6’7” and he also has wide receiver speed, which will make him a popular target for passes, on third down as well as in the red zone. Another intriguing pass target will be Josh Downs, who is a little undersized for a possession receiver, but he has shown he can play larger than his size. He also has sneaky speed, so he could burn some defensive backs or linebackers coming out of the slot.

Let’s think about special teams here as well, because points can come out of the return game. Cornerback Dallis Flowers was outstanding last season, but this year Brian Mason has replaced Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator. The team added Isaiah McKenzie in the offseason, and he has significantly more experience in the return game than Flowers does. In seven seasons, McKenzie has 108 returns (50 kicks and 58 punts) and 1,630 return yards (1,112 on kicks and 518 on punts) with a punt return for a touchdown. Some packages could put both return men out there and force opposing kickers and punters to pick their poison, while others could put just one out there in the middle.

With these changes, the Colts have a real shot at finally amping up that offense, giving Jonathan Taylor the sort of passing game that will unleash his ability to pound the ball – and avoid the backbreaking turnovers that have been a part of the Colts’ offense since Phillip Rivers showed up.

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Indianapolis Colts Offensive Positions