Commanders vs. Colts Prediction: In Heinicke We Trust (NFL Week 8)

The 3-4 Washington Commanders travel to Indianapolis to take on the 3-3-1 Colts in a cross- conference clash.

The Colts have had a hell of a past 5 days.

They lost to the Titans last week in Nashville, 19-10, and have been swept by the Titans in the AFC South for two years in a row.

Couple that with the fact that it came out early this week that QB Matt Ryan would be benched for back-up Sam Ehlinger due to injury but also, poor play.

Matt Ryan talking about being benched while he teammates play ping pong across the room pretty much sums up the Colts season so far… pic.twitter.com/8k4pEUQ1xi

— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) October 26, 2022

This whole situation for the Colts is a mess and one that needs to be cleaned up quickly if they want to stay afloat in the AFC race.

Running back Jonathan Taylor has yet to really get going this year, due to injury, bad offensive line play and lack of opportunity.

Will the QB change be the spark that the Colts need?

Speaking of quarterback changes, the Commanders had to turn to QB Taylor Heinicke last week and for the next month as QB Carson Wentz recovers from a broken finger.

Heinicke stepped right in last week and led the Commanders to a thrilling victory against the Packers at home.

"He's up there drinking a beer and enjoying the show."

Taylor Heinicke grew up watching the Packers with his dad. Today, he secure a W against his childhood team🔽 pic.twitter.com/rmMxL59vXq

— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) October 23, 2022

I have always been a Heinicke fan and think that he will fill in more than admirably for Wentz over the next month.

He just makes plays and will give the Commanders a chance to win every time he is running the offense.

He also has a very nice rapport with stud wideout Terry McClaurin, which will only build back up with more reps and live action.

So, in the battle of the back-ups, who is more likely to come out on top?

Odds

Available at BetOnline

Spread

• Commanders +3 (-110)
• Colts -3 (-110)

Moneyline

• Commanders (+126)
• Colts (-148)

Total

• Over 39.5 (-110)
• Under 39.5 (-110)

Prediction

This is another line that doesn't make too much sense to me.

This should be closer to a pick em' based on the play of the Colts alone.

The biggest strength of the Commanders is their front 7 on defense. The biggest weakness of the Colts is their offensive line.

Throw in a first start this season for QB Sam Ehlinger and that is a recipe for disaster for the Colts.

The Colts aren't a good football team and I think the books are still way overvaluing them so let's take advantage.

I am taking the Commanders with the points here and think they quite possibly win outright.

Best Bet

Commanders +3 (-110)

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Props

As of right now, there are no props available for this game so check back later this week to see who I am targeting in this matchup.

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—  Sweatpants Jesus  (@Sweatpantsjesus) October 25, 2022

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