The San Francisco 49ers (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) will be looking to halt a three-game losing streak both SU and ATS when they host the Indianapolis Colts (2-4, 4-2) in the Week 7 Sunday Night Football matchup. The 49ers are coming off a bye week and could have Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) back under center as the starting quarterback while the Colts routed the Houston Texans 31-3 last Sunday as 11.5-point home favorites.
- Date/Time: October 24, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
- TV Coverage: NBC
- Sportsbook Odds: 49ers -3.5 | O/U 44.5 (Line History)
- Colts vs 49ers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
There has been no line movement so far with regard to the point spread, but the total has moved up one point to 45.5 in early wagering action. That could obviously change later in the week as the starting QB situation becomes more clear for San Francisco.
Garoppolo should be good to go, but rookie Trey Lance could be ready as well despite dealing with a sprained knee he suffered in a 17-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan has a very tough decision to make if both are healthy enough to play, as Lance was shaky in his first career start at Arizona and got hurt.
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Indianapolis News & Notes
The Indianapolis offense got a much-needed confidence boost against Houston, with quarterback Carson Wentz completing 11 of 20 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and running back Jonathan Taylor rushing for 145 yards on 14 carries – including an 83-yarder – and scoring twice.
It definitely helped to have wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (four catches for 80 yards) back on the field for the first time this year, although he left in the second half with a quad injury. That could just be precautionary due to the nature of the blowout victory, and he will be needed again in this matchup at San Francisco.
The defense also responded well on a short week after giving up a 22-3 lead in a 31-25 loss to the Baltimore Ravens the previous Monday night.
San Francisco News & Notes
This has become a must-win game for the 49ers, and they should be healthier than they were going into the bye. That said, key players such as tight end George Kittle (calf) and kicker Robbie Gould (groin) still reside on injured reserve, so those areas could continue to be weaknesses for the team.
This is a very big game and opportunity for whoever lines up under center as well, with a good performance likely setting the table for one or the other to become the starter over the long term.
The biggest advantage Lance has is his ability to run (89 yards vs the Cardinals on 16 carries), so San Francisco may be even more cautious in bringing him back. In other words, Garoppolo’s future could depend on how he does here.
How Indianapolis Will Cover
The Colts have to realize the 49ers are much better than the Texans and not pat themselves on the back too much following their latest win. They played extremely well at Baltimore too before blowing the big lead and need to get off to a strong start again in this spot. They are capable, though, of not only covering but pulling off the SU upset.
How San Francisco Will Cover
San Francisco will cover if Shanahan makes sure his players know this is the team’s biggest game of the season to date and they respond positively to that challenge. This is a great coaching test for him, and one he must pass if the 49ers are going to stay in the playoff race. Garoppolo will likely be the key, so if he plays and plays well, they will cover.
Computer Pick: 49ers -3.5
For more Week 7 predictions, visit our NFL Computer Picks page.
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Buy Sports Picks Now- Indianapolis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 road games.
- SF is 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS in its last 6 home games.
- Indianapolis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 SNF games.
