Colts vs. Chargers Week 1 Prediction
The Colts will officially turn the page on Andrew Luck’s retirement when they visit the Chargers at 4:05 p.m. ET. Are the Chargers laying too many points or will the Colts struggle to keep pace as an underdog?
Game Snapshot
473 Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) at 474 Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5); O/U 45
4:05 p.m. ET, September 8, 2019
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA
Public Betting
According to our NFL Public Betting Chart page, the Chargers are receiving 68% of the betting tickets as a 6.5-point favorite over the Colts.
Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Spin
Devin Funchess (back) was upgraded to full participation at Thursday’s practice. Funchess began the week as a limited participant but saw his full reps on Thursday, shredding any tinge of doubt surrounding his Week 1 status. He’ll operate as the No. 2 wideout against the Chargers, though knowing Jacoby Brissett’s tendencies, tight ends Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron will also be heavily involved.
Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Spin
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Melvin Gordon is expected to report “in the window that spans from Week 6 through Week 8.” It’s well known that Gordon needs to report by Week 10 in order for 2019 to accrue towards his free agency, so it’s no surprise the 26-year-old holdout is eyeing the latest possible moment to return. With the Chargers’ bye set for Week 12, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Gordon held back until the team returns in Week 13 against the Broncos. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will reportedly work as a committee until Gordon returns, with the former handling a majority of the team’s passing-down work.
Indianapolis Betting Trends
The Colts are 1-10 against the spread in their last 11 games when playing in Week 1.
Los Angeles Betting Trends
The Chargers are 1-4 against the number in their last five home games.
Prediction
This line feels inflated because of Luck’s retirement. Jacoby Brissett isn’t a journeyman or a relative unknown – he’s 27 and does have some NFL experience. Granted, he’s not Luck, but this is still a talented Colts team and as long as he’s not a disaster, I expect Indy to hang with the Chargers today in Carson. Speaking of L.A., the Bolts won’t have Melvin Gordon (holdout) or talented safety Derwin James, so to expect them to blow the Colts out today in Carson is a stretch. I see this game being competitive throughout.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: Indianapolis Colts +6.5