Lucky us, we get to write about the Colts again… NFL Week 16 ends in a matchup between a team that is now mathematically eliminated from the playoffs (Colts), and a team looking to make their first playoff appearance with Quarterback Justin Herbert (Chargers). The Colts have benched Matt Ryan for the second time this season, and this time they are handing the reigns to Super Bowl winner Nick Foles. Meanwhile, the Chargers will no doubt try and do Charger things, and make a seemingly impossible game to lose, into a nail biter.
Check out our preview and NFL betting tips for the Chargers and Colts below! And if you're looking for a bet on the game, then why not consider a bet with Neds?
Los Angeles Chargers at Indianapolis Colts Preview & Betting Tips
Lucas Oil Stadium, Tuesday 12:15pm AEDT
Last Week
The Chargers won last week, but must be a little disappointed in the way they had to work to get it done. Titans Quarterback Ryan Tannehill went down early, before eventually coming back in, however he was clearly compromised (Tannehill was later ruled out for the season). Despite this, the Chargers needed a last-minute field goal drive to win the game at home over the Titans. Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert had a rough day, throwing for 313 yards and 2 interceptions, however his poise on that final drive would give hope to Chargers fans.
Meanwhile, the Colts only went and gave up the biggest lead in NFL history. At 33-0 at halftime, the Colts were looking at a massive win, and a chance, albeit a slim chance, at still making the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Colts choked hard, allowing the Vikings to score 36 second half points, which pushed the game into overtime. From there, the Vikings were able to kick a field goal to secure their 11th win of the season. Through other results, the Colts are now mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, so it’ll be interesting to see what they’re playing for moving forward.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Chargers
Joey Bosa (OLB) – OUT
J.C. Jackson (CB) – OUT
Jalen Guyton (WR) – OUT
Rashawn Slater (OT) – OUT
Indianapolis Colts
Shaq Leonard (OLB) – OUT
Jonathan Taylor (RB) – OUT
Armani Watts (DB) – OUT
Kenny Moore (CB) – QUESTIONABLE
Match Preview
This is a tough handicap, given the change in quarterback again for the Colts. What even is Nick Foles at this point in his career? Foles hasn’t been taking any first team snaps all season, being used purely as a scout team quarterback. In my mind, this would indicate the game plan is going to be ultra conservative for the Colts. They are going to run the ball, and hope Foles doesn’t make any massive mistakes. Unfortunately for the Colts, they are currently ranked 31st in rushing DVOA, and they’ve lost their number 1 rusher Jonathan Taylor. Fortunately for the Colts, they take on one of the worst rush defences in the league.
The Chargers continue to get healthier, and they have two winnable games coming up, however they need to win this game to ensure they stay in the playoff picture. They are 7-6-1 against the spread this season, with their biggest win against the spread being in week 14, as they beat the Dolphins straight up as an underdog. They don’t tend to blow teams out, and have generally been a slow starting offense.
Therefore, with great trepidation, I’m splitting 2 units on the Colts to cover the first half spread, and to cover the full game spread. I wouldn’t say I’m overly confident, but I also don’t trust the Chargers to win by margin away from home.
Alternate Bet: Indianapolis Colts (+5) - $1.91 @ Betfair (1u)
Indianapolis Colts (+3) 1st half spread
$1.85 (1 Unit)
