Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers odds, picks and predictions

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) and Carolina Panthers (1-6) meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Colts vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Colts failed to cover the spread as 2-point home underdogs in a 38-27 loss vs. the New Orleans Saints as the Over (44) hit last Sunday. QB Gardner Minshew was 23-of-41 passing for 213 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT, and Indianapolis lost its 3rd straight game.

The Panthers covered as 3.5-point home underdogs in a 15-13 win vs. the Houston Texans last Sunday as the Under (42.5) cashed. This year’s No. 1 overall pick, Panthers QB Bryce Young, outdueled No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud and led Carolina to its 1st win of the season.

Sunday will be the 1st time Panthers coach Frank Reich faces the Colts after being fired Nov. 7, 2022, during his 2nd stint with the team.

FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS

Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+

Colts at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:29 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Colts -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Panthers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
• Against the spread (ATS): Colts -2.5 (-110) | Panthers +2.5 (-110)
• Over/Under (O/U): 44 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Colts at Panthers key injuries

Colts

• CB JuJu Brents (quad) out
• WR Josh Downs (knee) questionable
• LB Zaire Franklin (knee) doubtful
• QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) out
• OL Braden Smith (hip/wrist) out
• S Rodney Thomas II (knee) questionable

Panthers

• S Vonn Bell (quadriceps) doubtful
• WR DJ Chark Jr. (elbow) available
• CB Donte Jackson (quadriceps) questionable

Colts at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 20, Colts 17

Moneyline

The PANTHERS (+115) seem to have turned a corner after their Week 8 bye when Reich was replaced by coordinator Thomas Brown as the offensive play-caller. While Carolina only scored 15 points last time out, the move may have given the team a new sense of hope moving forward — especially after finally getting its 1st win.

The problem with small sample size is that we don’t know how important the switch to Brown actually was. However, we do know that Minshew is 9-19 as a starter in his career.

Give me the No. 1 overall pick and the home team that is potentially trending upward instead of the backup with a career losing record over a decent sample size.

BET PANTHERS (+115).

Against the spread

While I do believe the Panthers will win straight up, taking the points with Panthers +2.5 (-110) isn’t the best price. If you can get a 2-team 6-point teaser at -120 odds or greater, I would tease Carolina up to +8.5 and go through the key numbers of 3 and 7.

Otherwise, PASS on the spread. Bet the moneyline and/or the total instead.

Over/Under

I know it’s small sample size, but it seems like Carolina’s road to victory will be through a low-scoring game again. I LEAN UNDER 44 (-110) in this spot, because I expect this matchup to look very similar to Carolina’s win last Sunday.

However, if you’re dead-set on the Colts winning, you’ll likely need Indianapolis to continue its streak of scoring 20-plus points and should consider Indianapolis Colts: Total points Over 23.5 (+100).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Corey Scott on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire