NFL
Colts - Packers betting trends: Pick, odds, point spread and over/under prediction | NFL week 2
We take a look at the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers matchup in week two, including the oddsmakers picks and our own view of how it shakes down.
The Green Bay Packers head into Week 2 of the NFL season facing the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field, but without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who suffered a sprained MCL in last week’s loss to the Eagles. Stepping in for Love is Malik Willis, a name that’s familiar to Tennessee Titans fans. He’s yet to throw a touchdown in the NFL and went 1-2 as a starter in 2022. But with Love sidelined, the Packers’ hopes now rest on Willis’ shoulders.
Meanwhile, the Colts are also coming off a tough Week 1 loss. They fought hard but ultimately fell to the Houston Texans 29-27. Despite giving up a staggering 417 total yards, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson managed to keep his team in the game, accounting for three touchdowns. It was a promising display, though Richardson’s inconsistent accuracy remains a concern as he’s still finding his rhythm as a passer in the NFL.
This game feels pivotal for both teams. The Packers and Colts each face long odds to make the playoffs this season, with Green Bay sitting at +172 and Indianapolis at +198, according to FanDuel. Dropping to 0-2 will make those numbers climb even higher, so the pressure is already building as these teams look to avoid a deep early-season hole.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Colts -156, Packers +132
- Point Spread: Colts -3 (-102), Packers +3 (-120)
- Over/Under: 40.5 (-115/-105)
Breaking Down the Matchup
With Love out, Green Bay’s offense takes a hit. It’s tough to gauge exactly what Willis will bring to the table in this new role. If his brief stint in Tennessee offers any clues, we can expect a run-heavy approach. In those three starts for the Titans, Willis struggled in the passing game but leaned on the ground attack. That’s likely the blueprint again this week, especially considering Green Bay’s rushing success last week when they racked up 163 yards, including 84 from Josh Jacobs.
The Colts, on the other hand, need their defense to step up after a rough outing against the Texans. Houston ran 76 plays, chewing up both the clock and Indianapolis’ defensive line with 213 rushing yards. If they can’t tighten up, it could be another long day, especially with Green Bay likely relying on its ground game to ease Willis into the starting role.
For the Colts, Richardson’s dual-threat ability keeps defenses on edge. He’s electric with his legs but still has work to do as a passer, completing just 9 of 19 attempts last week. His athleticism, though, is undeniable, and if Green Bay’s defense plays like it did against the Eagles, Richardson could take advantage. The Colts are hoping that his playmaking ability keeps them in the game.
Key Bets
- Packers +3: If you’re not entirely sold on Green Bay winning outright, taking them at +3 might be the safer move. The Packers’ defense has issues, no doubt, but they’ve kept games close recently, losing by three points or fewer in 10 of their last 13 outings. Willis, while unproven, might be able to manage the game well enough to keep the Packers within striking distance.
- Over 40.5: Last week, the Packers and Colts combined for 56 points between them. While Green Bay’s offense takes a hit with Love out, there’s still enough firepower on both sides to push this total over. Richardson’s mobility, paired with Green Bay’s commitment to the run, should lead to enough scoring chances to clear that 40.5 mark.
Prop Bets to Consider
Anthony Richardson Anytime Touchdown (+140): Richardson found the end zone last week, extending his streak of rushing touchdowns to five games. With his legs being a reliable part of his game, and Green Bay struggling to contain runners like Saquon Barkley in Week 1, Richardson is a solid bet to score again.
Josh Jacobs Over 66.5 Rushing Yards (-110): Jacobs ran for 84 yards last week, and with Love out, expect Green Bay to lean even more on their workhorse. Against a Colts defense that gave up 213 yards on the ground last week, Jacobs should have no trouble hitting the over on this rushing total.
Packers at Home, Colts on the Road
It’s tough to count out the Packers at home, especially with an extra couple of days to rest up after their international trip. While Love’s absence is significant, it doesn’t spell doom for Green Bay. Malik Willis, though inexperienced, brings mobility and some starting experience from his time with the Titans. Green Bay’s defense needs to step up after a tough showing against the Eagles, but they’ve had time to regroup. Meanwhile, Indianapolis comes into Lambeau fresh off a frustrating loss, but their offensive weapons, led by Anthony Richardson, can make an impact if given the chance.
This game could easily come down to which team avoids costly mistakes or who has the ball last. Green Bay’s extra rest advantage, playing on Friday in Week 1, might be enough to give them the edge. It’s hard to say Willis will light it up, but the Packers at +3 on the spread looks like a smart play, especially with the Colts’ shaky defense. If you’re feeling bold, backing the Packers to win outright could pay off nicely.
Final call: Packers +3, Under 40.5.