Green Bay Packers vs Indianapolis Colts Picks and Predictions September 15th 2024

The money line favors the Colts at -178 as they face the Packers at 1:00 ET on Sunday, September 15th. The Colts are the road team and the favorite, with a point spread of -3.5. The Packers, the underdog with a +148 money line, will host this week two non-conference matchup at Lambeau Field. FOX will televise the game, and the over/under line is set at 41 points.

Indianapolis vs. Green Bay Key Information

• Teams: Colts at Packers
• Where: Lambeau Field Green Bay
• Date: Sunday, September 15th
• Betting Odds IND -178 | GB +148 O/U 41

The Colts Can Win If…

The Colts are coming off a 29-27 loss to the Texans, and despite the loss, they did cover the spread as +3 point underdogs. The game had an over/under line at 48.5, and the teams combined for 56 points. Indianapolis led 7-6 after the 1st quarter, but Houston took a 12-7 lead at halftime with a late field goal. The Texans extended their lead in the 3rd quarter, and the Colts made things interesting in the 4th quarter by outscoring the Texans 14-14.

In the 4th quarter, the Colts made a push, trailing 29-13, with two touchdowns from Anthony Richardson, one to Ashton Dulin and another one rushing. However, the Texans also had a strong 4th quarter, led by Joe Mixon’s rushing touchdown. This was a tough loss for the Colts, as they had a chance to win it late in the 4th but ultimately fell short.

In their 29-27 loss to the Texans, the Colts’ offense managed just 14 first downs and 104 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Despite the loss, quarterback Anthony Richardson had a good game, throwing for 212 yards on just nine completions. He finished with two touchdowns and a passer rating of 101, but also threw one interception.

Indianapolis’ running game was led by Richardson, who also rushed for 56 yards and scored one touchdown on the ground, with a long run of 19 yards. Alec Pierce was the top receiver, with 125 yards and a touchdown, including a 60-yard reception. The Colts’ offense struggled overall, finishing with a 47.4% completion rate and allowing two sacks.

In their 29-27 loss to the Texans, the Colts’ defense gave up 213 rushing yards on 40 attempts, resulting in a 5.3 yards per attempt average. Despite recording four sacks and hitting the quarterback more than their opponents, the Colts allowed Houston to rush for over 200 yards and control the game on the ground. Indianapolis did limit the Texans to 204 passing yards on 24 completions, but they still managed to score two passing touchdowns.

The Colts allowed Houston to convert on 50% of their third down attempts and finish with 417 total yards in the game. The Colts’ run defense and inability to get off the field on third downs were key factors in their defensive performance.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Colts have gone 1-2 straight up. Their record vs the spread sits at 1-2 in these matchups, while posting a 2-1 over-under mark.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Indianapolis has a record of 6-4. The team’s record vs the spread was just 6-4, in addition to an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Packers Can Win If…

The Packers’ 34-29 loss to the Eagles in their most recent game dropped their record to 0-1. Despite the loss, Green Bay had a chance to pull off the comeback, as they led 19-17 at halftime and kept things close until the end. The Packers were +1.5 point underdogs heading into the game.

Green Bay missed a 43-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, and the Eagles outscored them 3-0 in the 4th. The combined 63 points easily surpassed the over/under line of 49.5 points.

The Packers’ running game was efficient, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt and totaling 163 yards on 21 attempts in their 34-29 loss to the Eagles. Jordan Love threw for 251 yards, completing 17 of 34 passes, and he finished with two touchdowns and one interception. Green Bay managed 19 first downs and 410 total yards in the game.

Jayden Reed was the top receiver with 138 yards and a touchdown, including a 70-yard reception. Love’s 260 yards passing led the team, and he was sacked twice. The Packers struggled on third down, converting only 27.3% of their chances.

In their 34-29 loss to the Eagles, the Packers’ defense gave up 144 rushing yards on 38 attempts. Despite this, they did force two interceptions and held Philadelphia to a 28.6% conversion rate on third down. Green Bay allowed 266 passing yards on 20 completions, with two passing touchdowns and 410 total yards.

The Packers’ defense managed two sacks and limited the Eagles to a 58.8% completion rate. However, Philadelphia still found success moving the ball and finished with 34 points in the game.

• Green Bay has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. In these games, they have a 2-1 record vs the spread and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Across Green Bay’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. Against the spread, Green Bay went 6-4 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Packers to cover as home underdogs. Currently, the point spread lines have the Packers at -3.5, and we have the Colts pulling off the upset by a score of 19-16. For this week two matchup between the Colts and Packers, we like Green Bay to cover at home.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 41 points, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 35 points.

Packers Face Colts with QB Situation Unsettled

The Green Bay Packers are facing a major question at quarterback as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. With Jordan Love’s status in doubt due to an MCL sprain, the Packers may have to turn to backup Malik Willis, who is still adjusting after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans in August.

Jordan Love’s Injury Status

Jordan Love, who sprained his MCL late in the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, remains questionable heading into the weekend. Head coach Matt LaFleur has kept the door open for Love to potentially start, but the third-year quarterback has not practiced all week, leaving his availability in doubt.

LaFleur emphasized Love’s experience, saying:

Love’s recovery timeline for the sprained MCL is estimated at three to six weeks, so LaFleur and his staff are prepared to make a late decision on whether Love will take the field.

Malik Willis in Line to Start

If Love is unable to go, the Packers will rely on Malik Willis, the third-year quarterback out of Liberty. Willis, who was acquired from Tennessee in August, saw limited action last week, completing one pass and taking a sack during his brief appearance. Though he has shown promise, his overall NFL stats (35-for-67 passing, 350 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions) highlight the learning curve he may still be on.

LaFleur expressed confidence in Willis, saying:

Offensive Weapons for Green Bay

In Week 1, Jordan Love was effective, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns, with Jayden Reed and Christian Watson emerging as key targets. Running back Josh Jacobs, in his Packers debut, contributed 84 rushing yards, adding balance to the offense. If Willis starts, he’ll need to rely on these playmakers to establish offensive rhythm.

Colts Look to Anthony Richardson’s Dual-Threat Ability

The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) are also dealing with uncertainty heading into Week 2, although not at quarterback. Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson impressed in the Colts’ 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans last week, throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 56 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised Richardson’s big-play ability, noting:

Richardson will be a major focus for the Packers’ defense, which struggled last week against another dual-threat quarterback, Jalen Hurts.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

The Packers are not only dealing with Jordan Love’s uncertain status. Key offensive contributors like wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf/shin) and running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.

On the Colts’ side, the defense has been hit hard by injuries. Starting cornerback JuJu Brents was placed on injured reserve, while defensive linemen DeForest Buckner (back), Kwity Paye (hamstring), and wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) are all questionable for Sunday’s game. Safety Julian Blackmon has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, adding further strain to the secondary.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Packers’ QB Situation

Whether Jordan Love or Malik Willis takes the field, the Packers’ offense will need to find its rhythm quickly. If Willis starts, his performance could shape the direction of Green Bay’s season as they await Love’s full recovery.

2. Colts’ Defensive Adjustments

With several injuries in their secondary, the Colts will need to find ways to contain Green Bay’s passing attack. Kenny Moore II will likely step into a larger role as they look to prevent big plays from the Packers’ talented wide receivers.

3. Anthony Richardson’s Impact

Richardson’s dual-threat capability could cause problems for a Packers defense that struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks. Richardson will aim to take advantage of Green Bay’s defensive vulnerabilities with his combination of passing and rushing skills.

What’s at Stake

Both the Packers and the Colts are looking for their first win of the season after opening losses. For the Packers, much depends on the health of Jordan Love, but the coaching staff remains confident in Malik Willis if he’s called upon to start. On the other side, the Colts will look to build on Anthony Richardson’s promising Week 1 performance, hoping to secure a victory in a tough road environment.

This matchup in Green Bay promises to be a key test for both teams as they try to bounce back from opening-week struggles.