How Anthony Richardson Injury Impacts Colts Starting QB Odds

• Anthony Richardson remains a -245 favorite to start Week 1 for the Colts despite dislocating his pinky finger in the preseason opener
• Daniel Jones saw extended playing time after Richardson’s injury but failed to impress, going 10-of-21 for 144 yards
• Keep reading for the complete Colts Week 1 Starting QB odds, plus why Richardson’s injury might not change anything

Anthony Richardson’s latest injury had Colts fans holding their breath Thursday night. The third-year quarterback took a crushing hit from Ravens linebacker David Ojabo and left the field with his right pinky bent at a 90-degree angle. Online sportsbooks barely flinched though.

Richardson is still sitting pretty as a -245 favorite at FanDuel to start Week 1. That’s serious confidence from the books, especially after watching him play just six snaps before getting hurt.

Colts Week 1 Starting QB Odds

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Why the Books Aren’t Sweating

The good news came fast for Richardson. X-rays were clean, and Coach Shane Steichen called it “just a dislocation” that popped back into place. Richardson could be back at practice as soon as Saturday, which is wild considering the visual of that bent finger.

Richardson even threw some light passes on the sideline after getting his finger fixed. That’s the kind of toughness that keeps you in the starting lineup and keeps the oddsmakers on your side.

Richardson has missed 17 games due to injuries over his first two NFL seasons. The guy can’t catch a break, literally. He dealt with an AC joint injury as a rookie that required surgery, then had shoulder issues during this year’s offseason work.

Jones Gets His Shot, Doesn’t Cash In

Daniel Jones had the perfect opportunity Thursday night. Richardson goes down early, and suddenly Jones gets the spotlight against Baltimore’s backups. What does he do with it? Goes 10-of-21 for 144 yards. That’s a 47.6% completion rate for those keeping score at home.

The Colts are paying Jones $14 million this year, with every penny guaranteed. That’s backup money in today’s NFL, but it’s still serious cash. Problem is, Jones has been the definition of mediocre throughout his career. Three more interceptions than touchdowns over the past two seasons tells you everything.

Jones had a touchdown to Ashton Dulin wiped out by an offensive pass interference call, but that’s about the only positive you can pull from his extended audition. Against second-stringers, you need to dominate if you want to steal a starting job.

The Richardson Problem

Richardson’s injury wasn’t just bad luck. He didn’t recognize the blitz coming and got absolutely crushed. That’s a Year 3 mistake you can’t make. Missing that read is almost worse than the actual injury.

Richardson completed just 47.7% of his passes last season, dead last among qualified quarterbacks. He threw more picks (12) than touchdowns (11) and even took himself out of a game because he was “tired.” That’s not exactly franchise QB behavior.

The Colts find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Richardson has the physical tools: the cannon arm, the rushing ability (10 career rushing TDs), and the potential to be special. Jones is what he is: a game manager without the accuracy to actually manage games.

Prediction for Colts Starting QB in Week 1

Unless Richardson’s finger situation gets worse, he’s starting Week 1. Steichen wants to give Richardson every chance to prove himself, and a dislocated pinky isn’t changing that plan.

These -245 odds at football betting apps feel right. Richardson would need to completely fall apart in practice or suffer a setback for Jones to leap him.

Jones hasn’t shown anything in six years that suggests he’s the answer.

Riley Leonard at +8000? Save your money. The sixth-round rookie is purely a developmental project who won’t sniff the field unless both guys ahead of him get hurt.

Richardson’s leash might be short once the regular season starts, but he’ll get first crack at keeping this job. The Colts need to know what they have in their former fourth overall pick, finger injury or not.