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Colts vs. Packers Week 2: Promos, Odds, Predictions, Picks & Best Bets

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Colts vs. Packers Week 2: Promos, Odds, Predictions, Picks & Best Bets

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September 15, 2024February 12, 2023
Colts vs. Packers Week 2: Promos, Odds, Predictions, Picks & Best Bets

The Malik Willis era will begin for the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 when they host the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field.

Willis will start in place of franchise quarterback Jordan Love, who sprained his MCL at the end of the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Willis, who started three games for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, has never thrown an NFL touchdown and is 1-2 as a starter.

The Colts are also 0-1 yet fought valiantly in their 29-27 home loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Indianapolis surrendered 417 yards of total offense, yet quarterback Anthony Richardson kept his team afloat with three total touchdowns and nearly got the best of C.J. Stroud.

Both teams are underdogs to make the playoffs this year, as Green Bay is +172 to reach the postseason while Indianapolis is +198 to make the playoffs at FanDuel Sportsbook. An 0-2 start will make those odds even longer for whichever team loses on Sunday, making this an important game for both sides.

If you’re looking to bet on this game at our favorite NFL betting sites, keep reading for our predictions and best bets.

Game Details

  • Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay Packers
  • Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 (Week 2)
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
  • Watch: FOX

Odds Summary

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change.

Colts vs. Packers Moneyline

Love’s injury will get all the attention (and deservedly so), as the Packers’ offense will need to regroup on the fly. Their defense also needs to bounce back after getting gashed for 34 points and 410 total yards last week. 

Willis will likely lead a run-first attack since that’s what he did in his three starts spelling Ryan Tannehill for the Titans. Green Bay was also dominant on the ground last week with 163 rushing yards, including 84 by Josh Jacobs.

The Colts’ defense also needs to step up after struggling to get off the field last week. Houston ran 76 plays in its two-point win and killed a lot of clock with its ground game, racking up 213 rushing yards and keeping the ball out of Richardson’s hands.

This game may come down to which quarterback is on the field last or avoids a crushing mistake. Green  Bay has a two-day rest advantage over Indianapolis, so we like the home team to score a slight upset.

Colts vs. Packers Spread

If you aren’t sure about the Packers winning outright sans Love, then getting them at +3 on the spread should be more enticing.

Green Bay’s defense struggled with the difficult field conditions last week and has a tough matchup against the Colts’ potent offense this week. Still, the Packers have stayed within three points of their opponent in 10 of their last 13 games.

Love is a big reason for that trend, of course, and he’s a far better quarterback than Willis. Still, Willis is 1-1-1 against a three-point spread as a starter.

As long as Green Bay’s defense shows up, Willis is competent enough to keep his team within a field goal at home.

Colts vs. Packers Total

This total is shockingly low considering last week’s results, which saw both teams combine for 56 points scored and 63 points allowed. 

Even factoring in Love’s absence, there’s still plenty of offensive talent on both sides. Richardson has a good supporting cast with Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., while weapons like Jacobs and Jayden Reed should help elevate Willis in his first start in two years.

Both teams can run the ball and should put up a good amount of points. The total of 40.5 is a low bar to clear, so take the Over.

Colts vs. Packers Props

Anthony Richardson Anytime Touchdown (+140)

This prop bet hit for us last week, so we’re going to keep recommending it until Richardson gives us reason not to. 

Following last week’s score, Richardson now has a rushing touchdown in all five of his career games. While his passing ability is still suspect (career 57.3% completion rate), his legs are the most reliable part of his game. 

Given Green Bay’s struggles against Saquon Barkley last week and Richardson’s sizable volume of carries (6.2 per game), keep hammering him to score, especially at plus odds.

Josh Jacobs Over 66.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

With Love out, look for the Packers to lean heavily on Jacobs this week, especially after running for 84 yards on 16 carries in Week 1.

Jacobs should have fresh legs after getting two extra days off to recuperate, making him even more dangerous against a unit that surrendered a league-high 213 rushing yards last week. Look for Jacobs to feast in his first home game at Lambeau.

Colts vs. Packers Best Bets Summary

  • Moneyline: Packers (+132). The action is heavy on the Colts, but can they be trusted to go on the road and win a game? Willis may catch Indy off guard and Jacobs should have a huge day in a surprise Green Bay win.
  • Spread: Packers +3 (-120). The Packers lost by just five points against arguably the best team in the NFC last week. While Willis isn’t Love, he’s good enough to keep Green Bay within a field goal at home.
  • Total: Over 40.5 (-115). Even without Love, this game should still have plenty of scoring. Both offenses were excellent in Week 1 (56 combined points) while both defenses were terrible (63 points allowed), and this low total gives us plenty of wiggle room.
  • Prop 1: Anthony Richardson Anytime Touchdown (+140). The young quarterback has a touchdown in all five of his career starts. Look for that streak to swell to six in a favorable matchup this week. 
  • Prop 2: Josh Jacobs Over 66.5 Rushing Yards (-110). Indianapolis allowed 159 rushing yards to Joe Mixon last week, setting up Jacobs (84 rushing yards in Week 1) for a big game.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images