Stampede Blue
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off one of the strangest games you will ever witness. It was one they had no business competing in yet they had a chance to win with less than a minute remaining. On the road, against an NFC heavyweight and trotting out a quarterback who has been retired for five years seemed like a recipe for disaster. It didn’t work out in the end, but the Colts have a chance against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football to show that they may have found something that could work. FanDuel Sportsbook isn’t quite convinced, however, and sees them as sizable underdogs with a +5.5-point spread.
The money line starts at +210 while the over/under is 46.5.
Philip Rivers looked rusty. Balls were overthrown and the timing just wasn’t there. That should have been expected, though, as he has been at home for five years and had less than a week with the team. He was able to give the Colts a 13-6 halftime lead on a touchdown throw to Josh Downs, however. That got him fired up, but it was the “6” part of the 13-6 that ending up costing the Colts as they gave up field goals at the end of each half. That was the difference maker as the defense held firm most of the evening but the offense couldn’t generate enough fire power. It could have been a disaster. Now, it is a question of how long can this last and will there be enough time?
The 49ers are showing they aren’t going anywhere in the toughest division in football as they are hanging around at 10-4. The game on Sunday against the Colts will be pivotal for them after they got their free space on the bingo card by beating up on the Titans. It seems every game for the Titans starts off tighter than expected as the 49ers carried a 17-10 lead into halftime. They extended it to 31-10 on the strength of three Brock Purdy touchdowns, and while the Titans controlled the fourth quarter, the damage had already been done.
This is a big game for both teams. The Colts have to win. Yesterday did them zero favors, so if they want to make the postseason, they need to run the table. The 49ers are still eyeing a divisional crown and possible number one overall seed. They will be tough to take down as they will be fully motivated to take the road win. Desperation makes for some interesting contests. It has already driven the Colts to bring Philip Rivers out of retirement. Will it be enough?
