There was a lot of excitement buzzing around the Indianapolis Colts this offseason after trading for quarterback Carson Wentz earlier in the NFL offseason. With him being reunited with head coach Frank Reich, the team was hoping that Wentz could get his career back on track. Unfortunately, that storyline came to a pause on Monday as it was announced that the signal-caller would miss the next 5 to 12 weeks with a foot injury. Now, the Colts are left to figure out who’ll be their starting quarterback to begin the year.
According to BetOnline, Jacob Eason is favored to be Indianapolis’ No. 1 QB to begin the 2021 NFL season at -130 odds. The Indianapolis Colts drafted the 6-foot-6 signal-caller in the fourth round of the 2020 draft and have shown that they’re high on him. In his last collegiate season, Eason recorded 3,132 passing yards for 23 touchdowns to 8 interceptions in 13 games with the Washington Huskies. So, the potential is certainly there for him to be an everyday starter one day.
Eason also had one of the strongest arms in his draft class, which is something that should help the Colts improve their downfield game. The one area that he does struggle with is whenever there’s too much pressure in the pocket, forcing him to make untimely mistakes. Fortunately for Eason, the Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, so that should help give him enough time to make the best decisions possible.
At the end of the day, there’s obviously some risk throwing a fourth-round draft pick into a starting position without any prior experience, but it’s a low-risk, high-reward situation for the Colts and Eason.
Indianapolis Colts Week 1 QB Odds
Odds via BetOnline as of Wednesday, August 4
- Jacob Eason (-130)
- Nick Foles (+250)
- Philip Rivers (+350)
- Brett Hundley (+650)
- Sam Ehlinger (+650)
- Marcus Mariota (+750)
- Cam Newton (+2000)
- Jimmy Garoppolo (+2000)
Could the Colts Acquire Foles?
Nick Foles (+250) has the second-best odds to be the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 1 starting quarterback despite the fact that he isn’t even on the team. In fact, Foles is still under contract with the Chicago Bears, however, that didn’t stop reporters from asking him if he’d be interested in replacing the injured Wentz just like he did four years ago on the Philadelphia Eagles. While he’s still a Bear, it certainly seems like Foles is open to the idea.
Reich was Foles and Wentz’s offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when they won the Super Bowl, so it makes sense for both sides. Foles gets to play with a coach he trusts and vice versa. The 32-year-old threw for 1,852 yards and 10 touchdowns to 8 interceptions in nine games (seven starts) last season, which leaves a bit to be desired, but perhaps playing in a Reich-run offense could help get him back on track. Besides, Reich may have more faith in starting Foles for the first few weeks than he would be throwing Eason into the flames right away.
Indianapolis Colts QB Odds: Could Rivers Come Out of Retirement?
Back in January, five-time Pro-Bowler Philip Rivers announced his retirement from the NFL. Fast forward half a year later and it’s looking like there’s a chance (+350) that he comes out of retirement already.
Rivers told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that he’s preparing for an opportunity to play later this season should a scenario arise. He added that he’s not ready to play yet, but perhaps a guaranteed starting job for the first few weeks of the new season could sway his mind. After all, Rivers spent last season with the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 28 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards, so it’s clear that he can still play. He event said in his interview that he wants to go to a place that wants them and is the right fit. Considering how he’s already familiar with the Colts franchise, players and staff, that could certainly check off both things on his list. Plus, Indianapolis would then have a proven backup option should Wentz’s injury need the full 12 weeks to heal.
