Indianapolis Colts As Favorite Betting Trend

The Colts' struggles as favorites stem from a franchise caught between rebuilding phases and unrealistic market expectations. Indianapolis has cycled through multiple quarterbacks since Andrew Luck's retirement, creating an identity crisis that manifests most clearly when the betting public expects them to dominate weaker opponents. The team consistently gets overvalued by oddsmakers who remember their playoff pedigree, while the reality is a roster lacking the depth and consistency needed to cover spreads against desperate underdogs. Indianapolis particularly struggles with the psychological burden of being favored against divisional opponents and teams with nothing to lose. Their coaching staff under Frank Reich and now Shane Steichen has shown a tendency toward conservative game management when ahead, often allowing inferior teams to stay within striking distance. The Colts' offensive line inconsistencies and defensive lapses in coverage have repeatedly turned what should be comfortable victories into nail-biting affairs that fall short of the spread. Smart bettors should fade the Colts as road favorites of more than a field goal, especially against teams fighting for playoff positioning or playing spoiler late in the season. This trend carries the most weight when Indianapolis faces desperate opponents in November and December.