The Indianapolis Colts have found their starting quarterback after acquiring Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday.
The Colts were rumored to be one of the top landing spots for Wentz and it came to fruition when they acquired him for a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick.
If Wentz plays 75 percent of offensive snaps this season or 70 percent and the Colts reach the playoffs, the second-rounder will turn into a first for the Eagles. Wentz also has four years left on his contract with a potential buyout in 2022.
Wentz Addition Doesn’t Move Colts’ Super Bowl Odds
Before the trade, Sportsbetting.ag had the Colts’ 2021 Super Bowl odds at +2500. Despite replacing Philip Rivers with the much younger Wentz, the Colts’ odds have stayed the same.
On the other hand, Sportsbetting.ag has increased the Colts odds of winning the AFC Championship from +1400 to +1200.
One reason for the lack of a big leap in odds could be because Wentz didn’t look great last season. In 12 starts in 2020, Wentz had 2,620 yards, 16 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and 10 fumbles.
If that’s the version of Wentz that the Colts are getting this season, that won’t be good enough to topple AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.
The Colts are hoping that by reuniting Wentz with head coach Frank Reich, they can turn back the clock towards his MVP-level form. In 13 games with Reich as Wentz’s offensive coordinator in 2017, Wentz put up 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions.
Now that version of Wentz could cause oddsmakers to change their tune. Besides, Wentz hasn’t had a chance of playing behind an offensive line as good as the Colts’. In 2020, the Colts allowed just 21 sacks, which was second-lowest across the NFL.
Colts’ AFC South Odds Improve
While oddsmakers might think that Wentz needs to show more promise before the Colts become Super Bowl contenders, they still have a good shot at winning the AFC South.
BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag have increased the Colts’ AFC South odds from +125 to +110. They’re now tied for the top spot with the Tennessee Titans. Their odds shifted from -105 to +110.
While winning the entire AFC or Super Bowl is far from a guarantee. However, the Colts are in good shape to win their division. Last season, the Colts had an 11-5-0 record and went 4-2-0 against divisional opponents. With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans both in rebuilding phases, the Titans are the only real threat to Indianapolis’ divisional aspirations.
In 2020, the Titans also had an 11-5-0 record and were eliminated in the Wild Card Round, just like the Colts. With offensive threats like AJ Brown and Derrick Henry, the Titans are poised to fight for the AFC South title for years to come. However, if Wentz can turn things around, it might be the Colts’ division to lose.
