The Indianapolis Colts will hit the road to take on the San Francisco 49ers for Week 7 of Sunday Night Football.
When this game was added onto the schedule for Sunday Night Football, these two teams weren’t supposed to be below .500. That is the case however, as both teams have had to deal with injuries that have set them back.
Currently, 49ers first round pick and starting quarterback Trey Lance is sidelined due to an injury. However, former starter Jimmy Garoppolo has returned to practice.
Meanwhile, the Colts have had to dance around a couple of injuries as well, including T.Y. Hilton, who made his return last week, and Carson Wentz, who has been banged up nearly every week up to this point.
Which team can overcome their early woes and build on a win in Week 7?
Odds and lines current as of Friday, October 22.
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Sunday Night Football Prediction Week 7
The San Francisco 49ers are averaging 377.8 yards of offense this season, but that’s only amounted 23.4 points per game. Defensively, the 49ers are allowing 348.6 yards and giving up 23.8 points per game.
The quarterback situation has been the big question mark for San Francisco, as neither Garoppolo or Lance can get in a real rhythm when given the opportunity despite solid blocking up front and a running game that always seems to deploy quality backs.
Meanwhile, the defense has struggled to stop the run and also hasn’t looked great against the pass. They’ve allowed an average of 235.4 yards in the air and 113.2 rushing yards per game. If anything, the pass rush has been the best part of this defense.
That pass rush would’ve dominated the Colts offensive line in past weeks. However, Quenton Nelson, an All-Pro guard for the Colts, is expected to return from the IR this week and play. This is massive news for a team that has really struggled in pass protection all season long in Nelson’s absence.
With better pass protection, Wentz will be able to utilize all of his weapons from Hilton to Michael Pittman to Jonathan Taylor and others. The Colts have so much potential on offense and just haven’t been able to put it all together. Eventually, the Indianapolis offense will consistently score around 31 points per game.
I say this because the Colts’ defense has also been terrible. They’ve allowed 268.8 passing yards per game this season and allowed Lamar Jackson to have a career night two weeks ago, missing on just six passes for over 400 yards and a comeback win.
The Indianapolis secondary can’t be trusted, but against either of the two 49ers quarterbacks, the Colts should be able to find ways to get stops. Their rushing defense has been one of the best in the NFL, and if they can hold the 49ers to third and longs, they’ll get the stops they need to win.
SNF Week 7 Pick: Colts 31, 49ers, 21
Carson Wentz could have his most productive week of the season if Quenton Nelson is able to return for the Indianapolis Colts this week. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Sunday Night Football Best Bets Week 7
SNF Best Bet: Colts Moneyline (+165) at WynnBET
We’ve got two underachieving teams on Sunday Night Football in Week 7. However, one of those teams is (+165) with the other being (-215).
The Colts have mostly been poor on the defensive end, but they’re still allowing just 21.8 points per game thanks to their rushing defense. The 49ers love to run the football, which could force them into a bunch of third and long situations.
Meanwhile, the offensive line for the Colts is going to be much improved with Nelson expected to return, which is reflected in the NFL gameday odds. The Colts have so much talent on the offensive end, and if Wentz has time in the pocket, it’s game over.
SNF Best Bet: Colts Team Total Over 19.5 (-114) at FanDuel
I like the Over in this game, but it’s going to be hard for me to back either of San Francisco’s quarterbacks. Instead, I’ll take a look at the Colts team total of 19.5 on FanDuel sitting at (-114).
The Colts need just 20 points to cash this ticket and are already averaging 23.2 points per game with a terrible offensive line. With Nelson returning and Wentz finally healthy, the Indianapolis offense can be one of the best in the league.
The Colts are a balanced attack with so many weapons, showcasing speed, deep threats and reliable pass catchers. Indianapolis can score plenty against the 49ers, who have done nothing right this year defensively.
Let’s ride with the Over in primetime and make this our NFL bet of the day.
