The Indianapolis Colts saw their Super Bowl odds tumble at several sportsbooks following the news that Carson Wentz is expected to miss up to three months following foot surgery.
Originally installed at +2900 by FanDuel to win Super Bowl LVI, those odds shortened to +2600 after the Colts agreed in mid-February to acquire Wentz from Philadelphia
The Colts are now being offered at +3100 at FanDuel, where they have fallen behind New Orleans and Dallas at +3000.
Indianapolis’ outrights also saw notable adjustments at BetRivers, where the Colts’ Super Bowl odds have moved from +2500 to +4000. Their odds of winning the AFC South moved from -106 to +180, with Tennessee now the division favorite at -134.
“Getting ahead of the market is key when it comes to betting futures,” said Rush Street Interactive COO Mattias Stetz. “But it can be a double-edged sword, especially in the NFL where injuries are unfortunately part of the game.”
BetRivers also temporarily removed Week 1 odds for the Colts’ home game against the Seattle Seahawks. Originally 2.5-point favorites at the book, BetRivers said it is “likely” that Indianapolis will now be around a 2.5-point underdog with second-year quarterback Jacob Eason expected to start in Wentz’s place.
Colts ‘Optimistic’ About Carson Wentz’s Return
Wentz was scheduled to undergo surgery on his left foot Monday and be sidelined for five to 12 weeks, coach Frank Reich said.
“Obviously we’re optimistic and hopeful that we can be on the front end of that,” Reich said of the timeline.
Reich told reporters Wentz had a previous foot injury dating back to as far as high school. A broken bone loosened and caused pain for Wentz, Reich said. That bone will be removed entirely during the operation.
Wentz, 28, has a history of injuries dating to his time at North Dakota State. With the Eagles, he suffered a rib fracture, torn ACL, back injury and concussion.
Eason ran the first-team offense to end Thursday’s practice and again Friday and Saturday. He was a fourth-round pick in 2020 out of Washington but has no NFL game experience.
“The job is Jacob’s right now … and he’s gotta earn it. But he’s in the driver’s seat,” Reich said.
Frank Reich-Nick Foles Reunion?
If the Colts opt to pursue a veteran, Bears backup Nick Foles is expected to be available. He’s the No. 3 quarterback behind Andy Dalton and Justin Fields in Chicago.
Foles stepped in for an injured Wentz in 2017 and guided the Eagles to a victory in Super Bowl LII. Reich was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator at the time.
“Listen, Frank Reich is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, coaches of all time. He understands me as a player,” Foles said. “He understands me as a person. But you know, I haven’t had any talks with them. I’m a Chicago Bear right now. But he knows me, he understands.”
The Colts signed quarterback Brett Hundley on Saturday. The 28-year-old will compete with 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger (Texas) and undrafted free agent Jalen Morton for a roster spot.
–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)
