Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets: NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks

Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets
Thursday, 8/7/14, 7:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: New York -3
Current Betting Line: New York -3
Opening Total: 36.5
Current Total: 36.5
Odds Courtesy of 5Dimes

Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck will see limited time on the field Thursday

Indianapolis finished the 2013 campaign with an 11-5 record and its first AFC South Division title since 2010, which is important to consider when making your NFL predictions on a weekly basis. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is unsure how much playing time many of the team’s veterans will see in this affair, but he would like to get some extra work for the franchise’s interior offensive line that’ll protect quarterback Andrew Luck.

The Colts have posted a consecutive 2-2 preseason records over the last two years since Luck and Pagano arrived in town, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines. Prior to 2012, Indianapolis went seven exhibition seasons without a record of .500 or better—compiling a 5-25 SU record over that span with a veteran club. Many question remarks will need to be answered over the next few weeks—specifically the fourth wide receiver spot behind Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks. Wayne won’t participate in this affair due to rehab from last year’s season-ending knee surgery.

New York will start out with Geno Smith under center to open up the 2014 preseason, but he’ll certainly be challenged by backup Michael Vick, as both players posted similar numbers in last Saturday’s Green & White practice. Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is looking for consistency from the position, while both players present problems for opposing defenses due to their running ability. It’s important to point out that head coach Rex Ryan is 0-5 SU in first games during exhibition play, but rebounds with a 9-6 mark in the remaining contests before the regular seaosn.

The Jets are easing new running back Chris Johnson into the offense, as he gained 14 yards on five carries in last week’s team scrimmage. Ryan isn’t going to hurry the former Tennessee Titans star due to his ongoing recover from knee surgery last season. New York will likely limit him to under 28 carries over the next few weeks, as he’s failed to go over that type of number in the last five preseasons.