Anthony Richardson's Backup Role Changes the Indianapolis Colts Betting Picture for 2026

NFL Anthony Richardson’s Backup Role Changes the Indianapolis Colts Betting Picture for 2026

By Ben Gale

September 3, 2026 • 12:02 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Anthony Richardson’s Backup Role Changes the Indianapolis Colts Betting Picture for 2026

Indianapolis Colts Settle Quarterback Depth Chart, and Your 2026 Bets Can’t Ignore It

Anthony Richardson has been named the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 2 quarterback behind Daniel Jones for the 2026 NFL season, as reported by Yahoo Sports on September 3. The move happened at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, ending weeks of speculation about the depth chart. Richardson beat out Riley Leonard for the backup job but won’t start.

The on-field numbers speak volumes: Richardson owns just a 50.6% career completion rate, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 15 NFL starts. Every Colts fan wanted a surprise breakout. Instead, the franchise rides with Daniel Jones as the only real starter, the Colts’ upside script just got much tighter.

This is a message to bettors banking on “next man up” upside or the potential for a rookie leap. It’s not happening in Indianapolis this fall. The BDL database confirms there is no current Daniel Jones injury, but the Colts are battling several other key offensive and defensive injuries and suspensions. They finished 8-9 last year and ended on a -7 loss streak. That’s not the profile of a team about to overdeliver: it’s a team locking in bland mediocrity at the most important position.

The betting implication is simple: the Colts have shut the door on any redemption narrative under center. With Richardson entrenched as the backup, and the starter Daniel Jones coming off a shaky run in New York, the risk is all on the offense falling flat if Jones can’t deliver. Every over bet on this team just got riskier, and every futures bettor hoping for late-season juice from a young quarterback got shut out before Week 1.

The Colts’ Quarterback Room Now Caps the Team’s Upside

The last 12 months told a story: the Colts were desperate for a spark at quarterback. What they delivered is a conservative reset. The market baked in some hope that if Richardson outperformed in camp, there could be fresh legs and raw talent ready to lift the offense if Jones stumbled. That hope is now broken glass. Richardson’s career metrics, sub-51% completion, more picks than touchdowns, tell bettors exactly what they’d be getting. There is no hidden ceiling, only exposed risk.

This is about win totals, playoff odds, and weekly bets. With no quarterback safety net worth betting on, you fade the upside in every Colts market: overs, player passing props, season-long futures, and team totals all took a clear downgrade. Even if Jones stays healthy, the underlying roster is thin on both sides of the ball. The defensive and offensive depth charts are battered, and, for now, there’s zero compelling path to “surprise contender” status.

Richardson’s QB2 status: removes the young-QB breakout angle from all upside bets on the Colts.
Colts ended 2025 at 8-9 with a -7 loss streak: tempers any narrative of positive momentum.
No Daniel Jones injury but multiple other key starters are injured or suspended: injuries compound the risk for a thin roster.
50.6% completion and a negative TD:INT line for Richardson: the market doesn’t fear a benching, it expects offensive stagnation.
Jones is entrenched as QB1 with little credible fallback: any injury or regression triggers instant negative line moves.

2026 Betting Markets Will Respond, Here’s What to Watch

The way I see it: with Richardson locked in as backup, the market will limit its upside expectations for the Colts. The ceiling isn’t high, and now the floor looks even less stable. Over bets on Colts win totals or high-octane passing props are in the danger zone, especially if you see lines hovering at 8.5 wins or higher at standard juice.

I’m on the under with this current setup. Richardson’s profile isn’t pushing Jones, and there’s no injury-related value swing to chase. The offense, already flagged for health risks, just got its speculative value capped. My full record and the updated recommendation live on the Indianapolis Colts picks and track record, check it before the market moves.

Key Developments: Betting Implications for Colts Fans

Richardson promoted to QB2, not starter: Colts lose “rookie breakout” angle for their upside cases.
8-9 and -7 loss streak to finish 2025: sharp bettors fade narrative over-corrections toward improvement.
Multiple starters on offense/defense with injuries or suspensions: Indianapolis has less margin for error if Jones slips.
Sub-51% completion, more INTs than TDs for Richardson: backup threat offers no real prop or moneyline hedge value.
Market likely recalibrating toward conservative totals and slim playoff chances: seasonal over lines are overvalued.

Key Takeaways: How to Bet the 2026 Indianapolis Colts

Fade the Colts season win total over 8.5: the ceiling is capped by QB depth and a battered roster.
Limit exposure to Colts offensive props: quarterback and personnel volatility kills passing upside.
Monitor Daniel Jones’ health weekly: any injury means immediate negative swings in line value.
Avoid Colts playoff futures at current price: there’s no backup-fueled late-year spark coming.
Wait for in-season line moves driven by defensive/offensive injury updates before buying low.
Pass on speculative “breakout” narratives: the Colts have locked in their floor and capped their ceiling.
Check the Indianapolis Colts picks and track record before confirming any wager.

“I’m thankful the Colts believe in me enough to make me QB2.”Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts quarterback

This article was produced with AI assistance by Ben Gale, with editorial standards and betting methodology overseen by Richard Gale (senior gambling industry executive, ThePicks founder), and reviewed by the ThePicks editorial team. All statistics sourced from live BDL API data and verified source material. All betting opinions are those of ThePicks analysts.

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/anthony-richardson-im-thankful-colts-155316162.html

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Frequently Asked Questions

Anthony Richardson was named QB2 after beating out Riley Leonard for the backup spot. His NFL career so far features a 50.6% completion rate and negative TD:INT ratio. The Colts went with Daniel Jones as starter, prioritizing experience and a steadier hand under center.

Richardson’s move to backup lowers the Colts’ perceived ceiling. Bettors should fade speculative overs on win totals and offensive props, as there’s little evidence Richardson offers a breakout safety net if Jones struggles or is injured.

Yes, Daniel Jones is currently healthy and fully active as the Colts’ starting quarterback for 2026, according to BDL and news sources. There is no reported injury. However, Colts fans should monitor weekly reports for any changes.

Richardson’s career numbers are a 50.6% completion rate with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 starts. This history suggests the Colts’ backup plan isn’t a boost for team upside, impacting long-term win total and futures bets.

Daniel Jones is the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback for 2026. Anthony Richardson is the backup (QB2), with Riley Leonard losing out for the role. The pecking order is now locked entering the regular season.

The under is the stronger play right now. With Richardson entrenched as backup and Jones as the only viable starter, the Colts’ risk-adjusted ceiling has shrunk. The recommendation is to fade speculative overs until proven otherwise.

While Daniel Jones is healthy, the Colts face significant injuries and suspensions at other starting offensive and defensive spots, according to BDL data. These absences further weaken the roster outlook ahead of the season.