Colts vs Ravens Betting Odds: Baltimore Favored Over Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) are likely to be without quarterback Anthony Richardson Sunday, when they visit the Baltimore Ravens (2-0). Richardson suffered the concussion in last week’s game against the Texans. Gardner Minshew played well in relief for Indianapolis and will hold the fort down if needed to step in and start. The Colts vs Ravens betting odds show Baltimore is favored by 8 points with the total sitting at 45 points.

Colts a Different Team With Minshew

The dynamics of the Indianapolis offense changes when Richardson isn’t in the lineup. Minshew is the better passer, but Richardson’s running ability has to be accounted for. Richardson is the team’s second-leading rusher with 75 yards and he has three of the team’s four rushing touchdowns. He’s tied for the lead league in rushing TDs in the NFL player stats.

The Colts will be more of a traditional offense with Minshew under center. The Colts only have two passing touchdowns on the season, with each QB having one.

The Indianapolis defense hasn’t played particularly well and is one reason why the Colts are 2-0 in totals. The Colts have been strong against the run, but are allowing 287 passing yards per game. Indianapolis is allowing 25.5 points per game, but has scored 26, which is why they’re 1-1 straight-up and against the NFL spreads.

Baltimore Playing Well on Both Sides of the Ball

The Baltimore Ravens are one of nine unbeaten teams in the football standings NFL. They’re also one of seven teams to be 2-0 against the spread. The Ravens are averaging 26 points per game and allowing 16.5. Baltimore is near the top of the league’s rushing statistics once again, averaging 144 yards and 4.2 yards per carry. The Ravens are throwing for 196 yards per game.

Baltimore is spreading the ball around, with running back Justice Hill the only player on the team with more than one touchdown. Five different players have scored for the Ravens.

Defensively, the Ravens are allowing 69 rushing yards per game and 206 passing yards per game. They shut Houston down in the opener and were able to outscore the Bengals 27-24 last week. The defense has helped the Ravens go 1-1 in totals so far this season.

What to Expect

With Minshew at quarterback, the Colts are likely to make more use of the short passing game. The Colts will still run some, but will be missing a key element of the running game in Richardson. But the Ravens have been tough to run against, so Indianapolis will likely stick to the air.

The Ravens like to run the ball, but the Colts are allowing just 2.5 yards per carry. But not all of Baltimore’s runs are by design, many times it’s Lamar Jackson taking off with the football. So the Ravens are unlikely to change anything up in that regard. Baltimore will look to take advantage of the Colts’ struggles against the pass and throw often, letting Jackson make something happen with his feet when the situation calls for it.

Who to Bet On?

The Colts vs Ravens betting odds of Baltimore -8 is probably pretty much what it would be if Richardson was playing. The rookie quarterback has tons of potential, but will still make some rookie mistakes along the way. Minshew won’t make some of the errors. But he’s unlikely to run 15 yards for a touchdown either.

Indianapolis is catching Baltimore at a good time. The Ravens are off the win against the Bengals and have Cleveland and Pittsburgh on deck. So Baltimore may not be entirely zeroed in on this game, especially without the hype of Richardson taking place all week.

Jackson could have a huge game through the air if the Ravens choose not to test the Colts’ rushing defense too much. NFL teams will look to take advantage of weak areas and the Indianapolis secondary fits that bill so far this season.

The Colts vs Ravens betting odds of 45 on the total sounds about right from a numbers standpoint. But the way the game looks to pan out could have more passing attempts than normal from these two teams. When that happens it tends to favor the over. But the Ravens are just 9-18 in home totals of 45 or more since 2018. That’s enough to cause hesitation on the over.

There’s a little bit of value on the Colts in this one, so will side with Indianapolis +8. Minshew is a good enough quarterback to move the ball through the air and the Ravens are off a big win against Cincinnati.

For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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