Despite winning just four games a year ago, the Indianapolis Colts have some high hopes heading into the 2018 regular season because of the return of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. On the flip side of the coin, the Cincinnati Bengals have some legitimate hopes of reaching the postseason after going 7-9 last season while finishing with a nice flourish over their final five games.
If you’re wondering whether Luck and the Colts can cover the chalk as a field goal home favorite against the Bengals, let’s get to my expert NFL Week 1 odds pick right now.
Bengals vs Colts 2018 NFL Week 1 Odds & Analysis
When: Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 1:00 PM ET Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana TV: CBS Radio: TuneIn NFL Week 1 Odds: Indianapolis -3 / Total: 46
Why Bet On The Cincinnati Bengals?
Why should you bet on Cincinnati in this regular season opener? Well, first and foremost, the Bengals are the more complete team in this affair. Despite their modest 7-9 mark a year ago, the Bengals are the much better defensive team in this contest. Cincy finished a respectable 16th in points allowed last season (21.8 ppg) while Indianapolis finished an uninspiring 30th by allowing 25.3 points per game.
In addition to that, I’m also expecting Cincinnati to be a lot better offensively with second-year running back Joe Mixon and second-year wide receiver John Ross making much bigger contributions than they did a year ago when the Bengals finished 26th in scoring (18.1 ppg). Last but not least, the Bengals have a big edge in the coaching department with longtime head coach Marvin Lewis having infinitely more experience than first-time Colts head coach Frank Reich.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 18.12
- Total Yards: 280.50
- Pass Yards: 195.12
- Rush Yards: 85.38
- Average Score Against: 21.81
- Total Yards: 339
- Pass Yards: 211.19
- Rush Yards: 127.81
Why Bet On The Indianapolis Colts?
Why should you consider betting on Indianapolis in this week 1 matchup of AFC playoff hopefuls? Because they’re playing at home and have a gifted quarterback in the once ballyhooed Andrew Luck. Let’s just be honest for a moment NFL betting aficionados. The fact of the matter is that, when you have an elite quarterback, your chances of winning in the NFL increase exponentially and that’s clearly going to be the case for the Colts with Andrew Luck back on the field. Indianapolis is also playing at home where the home fans should be in a frenzy to see Luck lead the Colts to victory in what will undoubtedly be an emotionally-charger atmosphere.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 16.44
- Total Yards: 284.56
- Pass Yards: 180.75
- Rush Yards: 103.81
- Average Score Against: 25.25
- Total Yards: 367.06
- Pass Yards: 246.50
- Rush Yards: 120.56
NFL Betting Trends for Bengals vs Colts
- Indianapolis is 1-0 ATS vs Cincinnati over the last 3 seasons
- Cincinnati is 1-0 SU vs Indianapolis over the last 3 seasons
- 1 of 1 games in this series have gone over the total over the last 3 seasons
Bengals vs Colts NFL Week 1 Analysis and Prediction
Indianapolis may be playing at home and they may have their franchise quarterback back on the field in 2018, but the fact of the matter is that Indianapolis has issues on both sides of the ball that are going to keep them from challenging for more than anything outside of a .500 record.
A lot of people are sleeping on the Cincinnati Bengals, but I’m not and I expect them to get their 2018 campaign started off with a huge, confidence-boosting road win in this affair.
