Colts vs. Eagles: Carson Wentz returns looking to bring new life
The Philadelphia Eagles get quarterback Carson Wentz back in Week 3 as the defending champs welcome Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts to town.
After winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl last year, the Philadelphia Eagles put a ton of stock into Nick Foles to start the season. With a 1-1 record to start 2018, however, things haven’t looked all that great for Philadelphia. Lucky for them, they’re going to get a huge shot in the arm from the return of starting quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Wentz was hurt at the end of the 2017 regular season, suffering a torn ACL that forced Foles into action. Though Foles obviously performed admirably in relief, Wentz is clearly the future and a star at the position. However, he comes in with limited weapons as Jay Ajayi is expected to be out against Indianapolis and Alshon Jeffery is also still out of action.
With that said, Brandon Graham and the defense stepping up may be the most critical part of this game. The defense has been questionable at best to this point and, if this team is going to compete for another Super Bowl, they are going to have to pick it up on that side of the ball.
As for the Colts, Andrew Luck coming back this season has been a huge boost for a team that was bad last season. Having said that, Indianapolis still lacks a lot of talent from top to bottom. Thus, if they are to have much success, it’s largely going to be contingent on Luck’s performance.
TV and Game Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV
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One of two things is clear about this matchup. Either the oddsmakers are highly in favor of Wentz returning, or they don’t yet have faith in Luck and the Colts. Regardless, the Eagles enter this game at home favored by a full touchdown.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Philadelphia -7
Moneyline: Philadelphia -290, Indianapolis +245
Over/Under: 46
All odds courtesy of Odds Shark
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Prediction
In truth, I don’t think that the return of Wentz is going to go as swimmingly as he and the Eagles likely hope. He’s likely to be less mobile than he once was in his first game back off the ACL injury. Having said that, his return should light a fire under a talented Philly team and do enough to propel them past the feisty Colts.
Final Score: Indianapolis 21, Philadelphia 24