The Indianapolis Colts get set to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 of the NFL season. Last week, Carolina finally got the monkey off of their back, securing their first win of the season. Meanwhile, Indianapolis continues to trend downward.
The Colts have lost their last three games. Their defense has been non-existent during that stretch. Will that continue? Let’s take a look.
Indianapolis Colts Vs. Carolina Panthers Odds and Match Details
Team | Spread | Total | ML |
Indianapolis Colts | -2.5
-108 |
O44
-110 |
-130 |
Carolina Panthers | +2.5
-112 |
U44
-110 |
+110 |
DraftKings Sportsbook provides all odds.
Fixture: Indianapolis Colts @ Carolina Panthers
Date and Time: Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4:05 p.m. EST
Location: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
Weather Forecast: Partly Cloudy, 70 Degrees, 5 mph wind
Field Surface: Turf
Indianapolis Colts Vs. Carolina Panthers Injury Report
Colts Injuries
- Josh Downs (WR)-Knee: Questionable
- Zaire Franklin (LB)-Knee: Questionable
- Braden Smith (T)-Foot: Questionable
Panther Injuries
- Xavier Woods (S)-Abdominal: Questionable
- Hayden Hurst (TE)-Illness: Probable
- Justin Houston (LB)-Hamstring: Questionable
- Chandler Wooten (LB)-Hamstring: Questionable
Indianapolis Colts Key Stats
As stated above, the Colts’ defense has practically been non-existent during this losing streak. They have allowed 38 points per game during this losing streak. This has resulted in them moving to last place in the NFL in this category.
Defense is not the only concern for the Colts here. They need to do a better job of protecting the football. Part of this has been because of the quarterback situation they are currently facing.
QB Gardner Minshew is filling in for QB Anthony Richardson due to a shoulder injury. In his last three games, Minshew has thrown five interceptions and fumbled the football four times. Clearly, turnovers are a concern for this team.
Another thing to watch in this game is the point total. The Colts are on a big Over trend this season. Six of their first eight games have gone Over the projected point total. If their defense keeps giving up this many points, expect that trend to continue.
Carolina Panthers Key Stats
Rookie QB Bryce Young secured his first-ever win last week against the Houston Texans. There are certainly signs he is heading in the right direction. He had 235 passing yards and completed 71% of his passes in that game. Both are his second-highest of the season.
Admittedly, Carolina’s defense has not been much better than the Colts. Fortunately, they are facing one of two defenses that give up more points than them this week.
Carolina also has five fewer giveaways this season than Indianapolis. If they can protect the football here, they have a shot at outlasting the Colts.
Game Prediction
Few people are giving the Panthers a chance in this game due to their slow start. However, I am concerned about how many interceptions Minshew has thrown of late and how many points the Colts’ defense has given up during this losing streak. For those reasons, I am going with Carolina to pull off the upset.
Final Pick
Carolina Panthers ML (+110)
Get More NFL Betting Content
For the latest news and trends around the NFL, click here or follow me on Twitter @JohnGalletley. If you want to see our NFL Week 9 picks, check out our full podcast episode at Fantasy Sports Heroics.