After a brief period of a stalemate, the Indianapolis Colts were able to lure the Philadelphia Eagles into trading quarterback Carson Wentz which dramatically impacted both franchises. For the Colts, it was the type of move that could make them into Super Bowl contenders.
NFL betting sites have adjusted the Colts’ Super Bowl betting odds following the trade. Furthermore, these online betting sites have released a few prop bets on how Wentz will perform during the regular season with his new team.
Let’s huddle up to examine the latest odds courtesy of BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie.
The Carson Wentz Trade
At the end of the 2020 season, it appeared that the Eagles were heading into the offseason unsure of whether or not they would keep Carson Wentz or move on after firing head coach Doug Pederson.
It seemed that once Pederson was fired, dirty laundry was being aired about the issues within the team between Wentz and Pederson. Furthermore, details also came out that Wentz was disconnected from many key players on the team.
Eventually, Wentz became available for trade at the right asking price. Despite the Eagles setting a high price tag, no team was willing to meet their demands. Eventually, the price came down and it became a bidding war between the Colts and the Chicago Bears.
Carson Wentz instantly makes the #Colts Super Bowl contenders.
Top 5 running game
Top 10 defense
The coach that made him elite— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) February 18, 2021
The Bears were unable to beat the Colts’ offer and eventually the Eagles gave in. Philly received a 2021 third round draft pick and a 2022 second round draft pick. However, that 2nd round pick could turn into a 1st rounder depending on Wentz’ play. That stipulation got the trade done.
In order to become a 1st round pick, Wentz has to play 75% of the snaps this upcoming season or play 70% of the season and the Colts make the postseason.
Based on his injury history, that 70% threshold could be challenging. However, if he does hit that mark, I don’t see any reason to believe that the Colts can’t make the Playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl 56 Betting Odds
Following the Buccaneers impressive performance over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 55, sports betting sites released their Super Bowl 56 betting odds.
At the time of the release, the Colts were listed with +2200 odds according to Bovada. That put them as the 9th highest favorite. They were the 5th highest AFC team behind the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, Browns and Dolphins.
Following the trade of Wentz, the Colts have seen their odds improve to +2000 with many online sportsbooks.
Do the Colts Offer Value With Their SB 56 Odds?
Right now, these Super Bowl odds are very appealing as they offer solid value.
Indy is a good team who lost in the Playoffs by three points to the Buffalo Bills. Yet, they had the ball at the end of the game and were driving to kick the tying field goal. The Bills defense came up big and Indy lost.
Indy’s offense finished 9th in scoring and 10th in total offense last year. They feature a franchise running back, arguably the best offensive line, and have plenty of playmakers to support Wentz.
They’re also healthy across the board, which is something that you can’t say about the Eagles over the last few years.
With Frank Reich as the offensive minded head coach, and the former offensive coordinator for the Eagles when Wentz had his best years, this Indy offense should flourish once again.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they surpassed their numbers from last year. In order for Indy to do that, they will need Wentz to play at a high level.
Let’s take a look at some of the prop bets that were available from BetOnline regarding Wentz’s production in the 2021 season.
At the time of this writing, BetOnline had just pulled down their listings for these prop bets. However, we will still examine them as I’m confident they will return to active listing very soon.
Will a Change of Scenery for Wentz Equal a Change on the Field?
In addition to changing teams, Wentz will apparently change football numbers as well. According to Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who currently wears the #11 that Wentz had in Philly, he won’t be changing his number:
“(Wentz) asked me how locked in I am on No. 11. I told him I’m pretty locked in. He said, ‘Alright, that’s fine. I’m going to change anyway.’ I’m staying No. 11.”
This led Wentz to declare to his new teammate that he will be changing anyways, so a new jersey number fits in line with this new change. But, will these changes also take place on the field?
Carson Wentz Total Passing Yards
- Over 4000 yards (NA)
- Under 4000 yards (NA)
In his five year career, Wentz has only thrown for over 4,000 yards one time. That came in the 2019 season when he played 16 games and finished with 4,039 yards.
For his career, Wentz averages 247.2 passing yards per game. That equates to 3,955 yards if he plays 16 games this upcoming season.
Last year, Philip Rivers threw for 4,169 yards and averaged 260.6 passing yards per game. It was a solid season for the now retired QB. Yet, it also reminds us that Indy is a run first team and not a vertical passing attack.
For this prop bet, go with Wentz to throw for Under 4,000 yards.
Total Passing Yards –Under 4,000 yards
Carson Wentz Total TD Passes
- Over 23.5 TDs (NA)
- Under 23.5 TDs (NA)
Wentz has gone over this mark twice in his career when he threw 33 TDs in 2017 and 27 TDs in 2019.
It’s important to note that Wentz only played 13 games in 2017 due to an injury. Furthermore, that was the year that he was paired up with Frank Reich.
Wentz averages 1.66 TDs per game. If you multiply that by 16 games, it comes out to 26.5 TDs. I can see Wentz hitting this mark. Go with the Over for this prop bet as well.
Total TD Passes –Over 23.5 TDs
Carson Wentz Total Interceptions
- Over 11.5 INTs (NA)
- Under 11.5 INTs (NA)
For his career, Wentz has 50 INTs as he’s throws an average of .73 INTs per game. Spreading that out across a 16 game season and the number comes out to 11.7 INTs.
In three of his five seasons with Philly, Wentz threw for 7 INTs or less. His rookie year saw 14 INTs, but the concern was last season where he threw 15 INTs in just 12 starts.
Wentz certainly played poorly last season, but the entire Eagles’ team was a mess. They were riddled with injuries where their entire starting wide receiving group missed numerous games. Additionally, they had a subpar offensive line that couldn’t hold up under the pressure or run block.
Carson isn’t going to have those problems with Indy where they have a great offensive line, solid depth at wide receiver and tight end, and a young running back in Jonathan Taylor who is only going to get better.
I like for Wentz to throw less than 11 INTs this season. Go with the Under 11.5 option for this prop bet.
Total Interceptions –Under 11.5 INTs
Rick Rockwell
As a longtime freelance writer, avid sports fan, former athlete, and experienced sports bettor, Rick Rockwell has risen up the ranks at GamblingSites.org to become the self-professed “King of the Blog” in his first year with the site. …
