Colts vs. Saints Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: How to Bet Monday Night Football

Colts at Saints Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds

• Odds: Saints -9
• Over/Under: 46.5
• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPN

Odds as of Sunday evening and via DraftKings, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.

After losing a 48-46 heartbreaker to the Niners last weekend, the Saints welcome the reeling Colts to the Superdome on Monday Night Football.

New Orleans is a heavy favorite, but our experts encourage bettors to consider the over/under in a game that bodes well for Drew Brees and star receiver Michael Thomas.

Monday Night Football Injury Report

Which team is healthier? Colts

The Colts aren’t in too bad of shape heading into this game. They already ruled out cornerback Kenny Moore (ankle), while cornerback Pierre Desir (groin) is listed as questionable, and T.Y. Hilton (calf) is considered a game-time decision.

Jared Cook was able to clear the concussion protocol, so he’s been removed from the Saints’ injury report. Where the Saints are suffering the most is on defense after placing Sheldon Rankins (Achilles) and Marcus Davenport (foot) on injured reserved earlier in the week. The absence of Davenport is brutal for their run defense and pass-rush as he was second on the team in quarterback pressures, sacks and hurries, per PFF. They’ll also be missing safety Vonn Bell (knee) and linebacker Kiko Alonso (thigh). — Justin Bailey

Biggest Mismatch

Michael Thomas vs. Colts Secondary

Thomas has essentially been on a career-long tear. Since entering the NFL in 2015, Thomas has never caught fewer than 92 passes for 1,137 yards in a season. He’s taken it to a new level this year, averaging a ridiculous 9.3 catches for 109.3 yards per game — both league-high marks.

The Colts surrendered 456 yards through the air to Jameis Winston last week in a game (mostly) missing Mike Evans, so one could only imagine how ugly it could get against Brees and Thomas. Making matters worse, the Colts will be without top cornerback Kenny Moore II, who ranks 16th in Pro Football Focus’ cornerback grades (ankle). The Colts were already ranked 22nd in schedule-adjusted efficiency against No. 1 wide receivers, according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric, and that ranking figures to drop a few spots after Thomas is done with them. — Chris Raybon

Sean Koerner's Projected Odds

• Projected Spread: Saints -8.5
• Projected Total: 47

I’m close to the market here, so this is a pass for me. — Sean Koerner

Expert Pick

Matthew Freedman: Over 46.5

If last week’s 94-point Saints-49ers game didn’t drive the point home, nothing will: Never fade the Superdome.

With Drew Brees, the Saints at home are 66-46-2 (15.5% ROI) to the over. They don’t call it the Coors Field of Fantasy Football for nothing.

Matthew Freedman is 506-383-21 (56.9%) overall betting on the NFL. You can follow him in our free app.