Colts Overtake Browns for Third-Best Odds to Represent AFC in Super Bowl 54
- The Colts moved ahead of the Browns and into third spot in the 2019 AFC Championship odds
- The Colts were 10-6 last season and an AFC Wild-Card team
- Indianapolis most recently were AFC Champions in 2009
Even though Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season is still over a month away, the Indianapolis Colts are already on the move.
A cross-section of the odds at leading sportsbooks has elevated the Colts up to the third betting choice to win the 2019 AFC Championship. Indianapolis moved past the Cleveland Browns and trail only the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, last season’s AFC and Super Bowl champion, in the NFL Conference odds.
2019 AFC Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | +333 |
| New England Patriots | +342 |
| Indianapolis Colts | +497 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | +670 |
| Cleveland Browns | +705 |
*Odds taken 07/19/19
The Colts last played in the AFC Championship Game in 2014, losing 45-7 to the Patriots.
Browns Out?
For much of the NFL offseason, the Browns were the flavor of the month. Action on Cleveland especially spiked after the Browns acquired All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants.
There’s a lot to like about Cleveland. Sophomore Baker Mayfield is at quarterback, and he’ll hand off to Nick Charles, or go to the air to Beckham or Jarvis Landry. That’s an awful lot of weapons.
However, there’s also much that’s enticing about the Colts. After sitting out the 2017 season following shoulder surgery, QB Andrew Luck rebounded with an All-Pro campaign. Marlon Mack rushed for 908 yards and nine TDs.
Receiver TY Hilton gets out of bed catching passes. He’s gone over 1,000 yards in five of the past six season. Tight end Eric Ebron enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018, snaring 13 touchdown receptions.
Eric Ebron set career highs in receptions, yards and receiving TD last season in Indy, and played multiple positions in the @Colts offense.@Ebron85 was the only player in the NFL with 3+ receiving TD when aligned tight, in the slot, and out wide.
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— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) July 16, 2019
Linebacker Darius Leonard was the NFL defensive rookie of the year. Guard Quenton Nelson gained consideration for the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year, a rarity among linemen.
Indy’s average odds went from +710 a month ago to +670 currently. Cleveland saw its average odds fade a touch from +670 to +680.
Colts Ahead Of The Curve?
Another edge you have to give Indy over Cleveland is that when it comes to postseason football, the Colts have been there and done that.
Colts vs Texans Highlights |NFL Wild Card Playoff Highlights| https://t.co/dedl9eDctO pic.twitter.com/RJB9eDe136
— Velox News (@Velox_News) January 9, 2019
Not only did Indy go 10-6 and earn an AFC wildcard playoff berth last season, the Colts beat the Houston Texans in an AFC Wildcard Playoff game before succumbing to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
Cleveland hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002. Teams rarely get in and go all the way the first time through the cycle.
Miami Nice
Another trend working in Indy’s favor is the location of Super Bowl 54. It’s at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
When the Colts go to the Super Bowl, they always take their talents to South Beach.
Walking in to the Super Bowl Tailgate Party we had to stop and take a picture in front of our Super Bowl XLI Ring. Good memories? pic.twitter.com/OJkNVyVDz9
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 3, 2019
The Colts franchise has earned trips to Super Bowls 3, 5, 41 and 44. All were held in Miami.
Absolutely bet the Colts.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
