Eagles @ Colts: Injuries to limit both sides in tight tussle

The Philadelphia Eagles almost became the laughing stock of the NFL last week as they trailed the Jacksonville Jaguars, who’ve won just six games in total in the last two seasons, by 17 points at half-time.

A 34-point rally spared their blushes, but a far tougher test awaits in the shape of Andrew Luck’s Indianapolis Colts.

Here are the best bets for the game:

Game to go to overtime – 9/1

The Eagles’ offensive line is missing almost all of its usual starters, which was a large reason for the slow start against the Jaguars.

While the Colts have key men missing in their defence, they should pose enough problems to the still-rusty Eagles replacements to keep them quiet.

With the teams evenly matched on both sides of the ball, the large price on an extra period being needed is too good to ignore.

Eagles to score under 24.5 points – 1/1

With the aforementioned injuries to the offensive line a real thorn in the Eagles’ side, they are primed to fall short of what is a generous point-line from Ladbrokes.

Yes, they put 34 points on the Jaguars, but that franchise has been the league’s whipping boys for a while and the Eagles’ first-half performance will be enough to have the Colts excited.

Quarterback Nick Foles turned the ball over three times in that first period (he had four in total last season) while running back LeSean McCoy managed just 74 yards on 21 carries.

Under better pressure from the Colts, expect the Eagles to struggle offensively.

Colts to be the first team to score – 8/11

Continuing with the Eagles-will-fail theory, the price on Indianapolis scoring the first points of the game also rate as good value.

Whether it’s a field goal or touchdown, take the superior offense at Andrew Luck’s disposal to get on the board ahead of the unprotected Eagles.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.