Across the NFL Week 16 odds comes an intriguing afternoon matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons.
With the Colts in the heat of a tight AFC Wild Card race and the Falcons losing ground in the NFC South, both teams are feeling the heat.
In this cross-conference affair, will the Falcons’ stingy defense and QB change spark a home win, or will the Colts continue their hot streak as winners of five of their last six contests?
Colts vs Falcons Odds
NFL odds used for this Indianapolis vs Atlanta preview were found at FanDuel Sportsbook and are current as of December 21 at 3 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Falcons (-112) • Colts (-104)
- Spread: Falcons -1.5 (-104) • Colts +1.5 (-118)
- Total Points: Over 44.5 (-105) • Under 44.5 (-155)
- Implied Score: Falcons 22.5, Colts 21.5
Colts vs Falcons Predictions
Score Pick: Colts 21, Falcons 13
In the final stretch of the regular season, the Indianapolis Colts have postseason aspirations, while the Falcons have gone back to Taylor Heinicke as their starting quarterback.
That change will likely go one of two ways, and considering the Falcons are coming off a loss to the team with the worst record in the NFL, it will likely go poorly.
This game should be centered around the rushing attacks, and the Colts have leverage in that department. As a result, Indianapolis will assert control and get out of Atlanta with the victory.
If the Falcons can find a spark with Heinicke back in at quarterback, though, they should be able to put up more points in the game.
Colts vs Falcons Best Bets & Props
Falcons Under 22.5 (-108)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1.5 units
For the NFL bet of the day, the best bet to roll with is the Atlanta Falcons to go Under their projected point total of 22.5 this Sunday.
While Heinicke has outperformed this total in all three of his games played this season, the change at quarterback is a demoralizing move for a team that was operating with playoff aspirations.
While the flame isn’t entirely out on the Falcons’ playoff hopes, last week’s loss was critical to their chances, and the team likely comes out flat as a result.
Tyler Allgeier Over 33.5 Rushing Yards (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
While trying to predict Arthur Smith’s usage can be a stressful task, Tyler Allgeier has surpassed this number in three of his last four games.
Toss in the fact that the ground game is probably relied on with the quarterback change, and Allgeier passing this number seems like a safe gamble.
Additionally, the Colts have the 26th-ranked rush defense, so the Falcons should have some opportunities to produce with Allgeier getting the football.
Race to 15 points: Indianapolis Colts (+100)
Bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
In a game in which one offense has struggled to produce week to week, the Colts should be the safer bet to hit the 15-point mark first in this one.
With Jonathan Taylor healthy, the offense should be balanced and productive. The Falcons defense has done well in terms of limiting yardage, but if the offense can’t take advantage, then there should be plenty of early opportunities for Indianapolis to score.
Colts vs Falcons Same-Game Parlay
Colts vs Falcons SGP (+230)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Colts (-104)
- Under 44.5 (-108)
- Falcons Under 22.5 (-115)
These two teams are trending in opposite directions as the end of the season nears.
The Falcons’ change at quarterback reeks of panic more than confidence in Heinicke. As a result, the Colts should come out with more intensity, and their offense has the balance to make that work.
It could be a close matchup, but expect a low-scoring affair in which Indianapolis pulls away as the victor.
