One of the first NFL matchups this week will take place in Minneapolis, where the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings will square off. Minnesota has a commanding lead in its division, while the Colts appear to be looking toward the future.
But the Colts have proven themselves more than capable of pulling off an upset this season and will aim to earn another one on Saturday afternoon.
Indianapolis Colts Season Forecast
It was unclear what the expectations should be for the Indianapolis Colts this year since they were facing changes at the quarterback position. But this version of the Colts is clearly not built to break any Indianapolis Colts records with their performance on the field.
They enter this game at 4-8-1 on the season and have made changes at the coach and quarterback spots coming into this contest.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Colts opened at roughly +190 to win this game in Minneapolis, though their price has come down slightly since then. The Colts are now at +185 to win this game outright as an underdog.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
There has not been a substantial line movement ahead of this contest. However, the line did move slightly, which is the product of some early money coming in on the underdog. With both teams coming in on a short week, the underdog could have more of a chance than usual.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
The biggest thing that could make this bet lose is the gap in talent between these teams. Minnesota has one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, and that could cause the Colts problems.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Colts vs Vikings spread opened with the Colts as 5.5-point underdogs. That spread has since come down a point, with the Colts being 4.5-point dogs going into this week.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line has moved slightly as a result of early money coming in on the Colts. But there has not been a meaningful enough disparity in money or any significant injuries that would move it more than a point.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
With NFL point spreads of under a touchdown, a one-score game is all it takes for the underdog to lose. Therefore, there is a lot that could bring down this bet.
Total
Opening Line
The total for this contest opened at 46.5 and has since moved up a point to 47.5. This is a manageable total for these two teams to hit, especially with the skill position players on each side.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The biggest reason for the total moving up in this game are the talented players on both sides of the field. Jonathan Taylor leading the Colts’ offense, and Justin Jefferson leading that of the Vikings, could make for offensive fireworks.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
Turnovers could derail this total more than anything, as both quarterbacks are vulnerable to them.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trend to Know
Coming into this game, the Colts are 2-5 against the spread on the road.
Minnesota Vikings Season Forecast
When the NFL schedule was released before this season, it was expected that the Green Bay Packers would roll over the NFC North once again. But the Minnesota Vikings are off to a 10-3 start and are clear favorites to win the division. They will look to get the 11th win by beating the Colts here.
Moneyline
Opening Line
Minnesota opened as a moneyline favorite of -225 and has since come down to a price of -215.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
While the NFL team standings for this year show that the Vikings are clearly the better team, the line is moving away from them. That is a sign of confidence early in the week in the Colts, who have been competitive under Jeff Saturday.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
Kirk Cousins’s turnovers could cost those backing the Vikings to win this game, no matter how good the Minnesota Vikings standings have looked.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Colts vs Vikings spread opened with the Vikings as 5.5-point favorites. That number has since dropped to Minnesota being a 4.5-point favorite at home.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
This line has only moved a small amount, as early-week bettors have taken the chance to jump on the Colts to cover the number.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
The Vikings could very well lose against the spread if they do not find a way to get the ball to Justin Jefferson. He is one of the top receivers in the league in virtually all NFL player stats pertaining to his position, and the Colts could pull an upset if they can take him away.
Total
Opening Line
The Colts vs. Vikings total opened at 46.5 and has jumped up a point to 47.5.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
This Colts vs Vikings spread has moved in the upward direction as bettors willing to bet early in the week have shown respect to all of the skill position talent on the field.
What Could Make This Bet Lose
A slow start to this game from either team could derail this game from going over the total. The Vikings have some of the top NFL team stats on the offensive side of the ball, but a slow first quarter could make this total tough to get to.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trend to Know
Five of Minnesota’s last seven home games have gone under their respective totals.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On (h2)
The player with the top profit potential in this game is Justin Jefferson of the Vikings. Jefferson should be able to get over his player prop for receiving yards, as he has been lighting up opposing defenses.
A player who could be profitable on the first touchdown scorer market could be Mo Alie-Cox of the Colts. Alie-Cox has become a more influential part of the game plan of late for the Colts, and the fact that he is reliably off of the NFL injury report right now means he should get some red zone looks.
Finally, Adam Thielen could be a nice under-the-radar addition to a bettor’s prop card for this week. With Justin Jefferson getting all of the attention, Thielen could be a nice anytime touchdown scorer bet for Minnesota.
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