Rams vs Colts Preview: Indy Waiting on Taylor, Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts will look to build on their surprising start when they host the Los Angeles Rams Sunday (1 p.m. ET) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After opening as a slight underdog, the Colts are now favored by a point (-110). They’re also -120 on the moneyline, while Los Angeles is +1 (-110) on the spread and +100 to win outright. The projected point total is 46.5 (-110 Over, -110 Under).

Who has the edge? Read on as we break down this NFL matchup in our Rams vs Colts preview.

Betting Trends

The Los Angeles Rams are 2-0-1 against the spread this NFL season and 6-2-1 over their last nine games. However, they’ve lost eight of their last nine games on the road. The Indianapolis Colts, meanwhile, are 3-6 ATS over their last nine games, including 2-1 this season. The total has gone Over in four of the Colts’ last five games. It’s also gone Over in the last six games between these NFL teams. That’s important to remember when assessing the odds in our Rams vs Colts preview.

So Far, So Good for Indy

The Indianapolis Colts pulled off one of the biggest upsets of Week 3, edging the Baltimore Ravens 22-19 in overtime as a 7.5-point underdog. Gardner Minshew, filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson (concussion), threw for 227 yards and a touchdown as Indianapolis improved to 2-1 (2-1 ATS) under first-year head coach Shane Steichen.

The Colts also sacked Lamar Jackson four times and forced two turnovers.

While Indianapolis was the subject of ridicule during the offseason for its handling of Jonathan Taylor, the Colts — projected for just 6.5 wins — appear plenty capable of beating expectations. After three games, the Colts’ odds of winning the AFC South have jumped from +550 to +275, leaving Indianapolis a smidge behind the Tennessee Titans (+250). The Jacksonville Jaguars are still the favorite, albeit now at +130 odds.

As the Colts look to build on their encouraging start, Taylor’s future in Indianapolis remains in flux. Taylor, who is currently on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list while he recovers from an ankle injury, is embroiled in a contract dispute with the team. The front office refused to give him a new deal in the offseason, prompting Taylor to ask for a trade. While the Colts granted him permission to seek one, they’ve yet to find a taker for their high asking price. Thus begs the question, will Taylor suit up Indianapolis this season? He’s eligible to return Week 5.

In 11 games last season, Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns on 192 carries. Veteran Zack Moss has done well in his absence, averaging 4.4 yards per carry over the last two games. But getting back Taylor, one of the NFL leaders in rushing, would be a boon to the Colts’ odds.

Rams’ Offense Hits Wall

The Los Angeles Rams came up just short Monday, losing 19-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals to fall to 1-2 (2-0-1 ATS) on the season. Matthew Stafford was sacked six times, as the Rams’ offense went into hiding.

It’s easy to see why expectations were low for the Rams. Without All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles is struggling to find consistency. After two strong weeks to open the season, rookie wideout Puka Nacua and second-year running back Kyren Williams were both non-factors in the Rams’ latest loss. And without much help from the offensive line, Stafford struggled to operate. Keep that in mind when analyzing the odds in our Rams vs Colts preview.

Will Los Angeles bounce back? Perhaps, but it’s clear the Rams — who were projected for 7.5 wins — need Kupp back to compete to their capabilities. The Rams remain a longshot in the NFC West, as their odds of winning the division have dropped from +1000 to +1600. But perhaps they can win enough to stay in the wild card hunt. Only time will tell.

Handicapping the Game

The Rams still have a ways to go to get back to competing for championships. That was evident after Monday’s loss, in which they managed just 292 yards and didn’t reach the end zone until 1:03 remaining. Nacua and Tutu Atwell have been pleasant surprises, but the Rams dearly miss Kupp, Stafford’s veteran safety blanket. Without him, there’s simply too many holes offensively.

Indianapolis, of course, has concerns of its own. While Minshew is one of the NFL’s better No. 2 quarterbacks, Richardson (when healthy) gives the Colts the big play capabilities they’ve been lacking. Steichen said Monday that the rookie first-rounder remains in concussion protocol, clouding his availability for Sunday’s game.

If Richardson is healthy enough to play, it makes sense to side with the Colts as a slim home favorite on the NFL betting line.

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

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