Colts-Raiders Line Makes Major Move After Carson Wentz Lands on COVID-19 List
By Peter Dewey
The Indianapolis Colts might be in trouble in Week 17, as they will likely be without quarterback Carson Wentz, who was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Wentz, who is unvaccinated, may be replaced by undrafted free agent Sam Ehlinger, and that has moved the Colts-Las Vegas Raiders line at WynnBET Sportsbook.
With Carson Wentz out Sunday, Indy’s playoff hopes now figure to rest with QB Sam Ehlinger. https://t.co/Kap2JlIZk9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2021
Indianapolis opened as a 8.5-point favorite at WynnBET Sunday night, was a 7-point favorite on Monday and moved to a 7.5-point favorite before Wentz landed on the COVID-19 list. Now, the Colts are 6.5-point favorites.
However, Wentz could make a comeback for Sunday's game based on the NFL adopting the CDC's new recommendations for quarantining with COVID-19.
A break for Colts’ QB Carson Wentz, who is unvaccinated and tested positive today. https://t.co/2Blb2l5UiY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2021
Still, this is a huge move for two teams in the playoff race in the AFC, as Indy (9-6) and Las Vegas (8-7) both need wins to solidify a spot in the postseason. This is especially big for the Raiders, as they’ve won back-to-back games to put themselves in position to steal a playoff spot.
Vegas Knew Carson Wentz Was on COVID-19 List Before Adam Schefter Report
There’s an old saying that, “Vegas always knows,” and in this case it certainly did.
WynnBET had moved this line down to Colts -5 before taking it down and adjusting to the new line of Colts -6.5 now that the NFL has adopted the CDC's five-day quarantine period. That leaves a chance for Wentz to play on Sunday.
The spread in this game was moving at several books nearly a half an hour before Wentz was reported to have landed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The point spread started moving toward the Raiders about half an hour before the Colts announced that Carson Wentz was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, suggesting that some in the gambling community had inside information about it.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) December 28, 2021
Losing Wentz would be a massive blow for Indy, and it would likely need to rely on Jonathan Taylor once again to carry the load.
The Raiders are one of the better run defenses in the NFL, allowing just 4.2 yards per carry, and they held a strong Denver Broncos rushing attack to just 18 yards on 16 carries in their Week 16 win.
They may not be able to hold Taylor down as easily, but if Ehlinger is under center, the Raiders may dare him to beat them as they look to stay alive in the AFC playoff hunt.