Colts Vs. Cardinals Week 6 Betting Picks and Predictions
Colts Look Legit, and Murray's Foot Has Cards on Upset Alert
The Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts are going to face off on Sunday, and Arizona's trip to Indianapolis comes after one of the wildest losses in franchise history. Leading Tennessee 22‑8 in the fourth quarter last Sunday, running back Emari Demercado appeared to have a 72‑yard touchdown, but he dropped the ball just short and the Titans took full advantage of the slip.
An enraged Jonathan Gannon yelled at Demercado on the sideline and then followed up with an apology. The flub ignited a 16‑point comeback by Tennessee that saw them win, 22‑21, and stretch their string of heartbreaks ending in the final second. The controversy doesn't stop there. Quarterback Kyler Murray went out of that one for a toe problem and is designated questionable, while tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) and linebacker Cody Simon (knee) sit.
Indianapolis Colts roll on, toe-toeing the AFC South and the naysayers who were waiting for the "wheels to fall off." Following a brutal 40-6 thrashing of the Raiders, Indy are at 4-1 and looks very much like a playoff contender. They're absolutely prolific in the red zone, with the most in the NFL with 12 total touchdowns in Goal to Go scenarios, as they most definitely know how to close drives. Quarterback Daniel Jones, in what's being referred to as a career revitalization, is quietly enjoying a fine year with 1,290 passing yards as well as a fine 71.3% completion percentage.
Indianapolis is humming after a 40‑6 demolition of the Raiders. Jonathan Taylor scored three touchdowns and Jones continued his efficient start. However, the Colts suffered a major blow when kicker Spencer Shrader tore his ACL and MCL; he had made 13 of 14 field goals and will miss the season.
Betting markets opened Indianapolis as roughly a touchdown favorite and analytics give them a 65% win probability. Arizona's offense can be explosive when Murray is healthy; he leads the team in passing and rushing and may look to redeem the Week 5 gaffe. Gannon insists Demercado will not be punished and hopes the public apology galvanizes his locker room.
Gannon's apology to Demercado highlights the franchise's attempt to move forward. Arizona's chances hinge on Murray's health; he's questionable with a foot injury while tight end Tip Reiman and linebacker Cody Simon are out. While Murray's likely to play and should be fine, any physical limitation for a QB whose running ability is key to his game is a massive concern, especially against an Indianapolis team that ranks in the top five in defensive opponent EPA.
For Arizona to recover from their issues in the latter stages of the game and make the comeback, Murray's foot needs to hold up and star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who had 98 yards last week, needs to exert a monster performance when facing a stingy Colts defense.
The Colts are large home favorites, at 7 points, but the Cardinals unexpectedly have been a great bet versus AFC teams of late, going 7-1 against the point spread in their past eight AFC offerings. The betting market is still hesitant to treat the Colts as an elite team, which opens the door for a big play. However, Sunday's contest could hinge on which team handles its recent drama better.