By Ian S Palmer
The New York Jets will be clashing with the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana this September, 21. The Colts entered the season as a Super Bowl contender in some experts’ eyes due to the big-name players they acquired in the offseason. However, they fell 27-14 to the Buffalo Bills in their season opener in Buffalo. Meanwhile, the Jets took down the Cleveland Browns by a score of 31-10.
Jets vs Colts – Football Betting Preview
bet365 NFL Betting Line:
- bet365 lists the Jets +7 at 10/11 with the Colts -7 at 10/11 with the over/under 47 points at 10/11
The Jets had a relatively easy time of it at home last week in their win over Cleveland, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn’t at his best as he went 15-for 24 in passing and threw for 179 yards. He was intercepted once and tossed two touchdown passes. It was his first start as the club’s quarterback though, so perhaps nerves got the best of him. The Jets dominated the game on both sides of the ball. They ran for 154 yards with Chris Ivory leading the way with 20 carries for 91 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Cleveland’s running backs chipped in with just 20 carries and 46 yards.
Fitzpatrick got some help from playmakers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall as each of them caught a touchdown pass and combined for a total of 99 yards. The defense played well and forced the Browns into five turnovers. The Jets should be confident considering how Buffalo handled the Colts. Indianapolis gave up 147 yards in the ground to Buffalo and New York could go the same route. New York’s secondary should be able to do well enough against the Indianapolis receiving corps, but they’ll be without cornerback Antonio Cromartie who was injured against the Browns.
The Colts added veterans Andre Johnson and Frank Gore during the offseason, but they didn’t have the greatest of debuts for their new club. Gore carried the ball eight times for just 31 yards while Johnson chipped in with 24 yards on four receptions. The offensive and defensive lines basically let the Colts down as the Bills nullified them. Quarterback Andrew Luck gained 243 yards by going 26 for 49, which averaged out to five yards each pass. He also threw a pair of interceptions and touchdowns and the Colts’ rushing game was limited to just 64 yards.
The offensive line will need to play a lot better against New York and Luck could have a bit more time in the pocket since Jets’ pass rush isn’t as good as Buffalo’s. Indianapolis may be without T.Y. Hilton as he was injured in week one. In their past 20 home contests, Indianapolis is 14-5-1 against the spread. Look for the Colts to bounce back this week and take a relatively close game.