The NFL Week 16 slate comes to a close with a non-conference clash on Monday Night Football.
The San Francisco 49ers visit the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Field. I pass on the side and total, instead drilling down into the NFL props markets for this Monday matchup.
Here are my best 49ers vs. Colts props for December 22. And for more NFL picks, check out our complete 49ers vs. Colts predictions.
49ers vs Colts MNF props
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Josh Downs |
Over 24.5 receiving yards | -110 |
 Jauan Jennings |
Longest reception Over 21.5 yards | -115 |
| Colts (Blake Grupe) |
Over 1.5 field goals | -115 |
Josh Downs Over 24.5 receiving yards
Josh Downs was one of Philip Rivers’ favorite targets in the veteran quarterback’s first start last Sunday. Rivers attempted 27 total passes, and five of those came to Downs, who caught three of those balls for just 13 yards (one for a touchdown).
The San Francisco 49ers have a softer secondary than the Seattle Seahawks, and the Niners’ passive zone-heavy schemes are susceptible to slot receivers.
Downs is the Colts’ primary slot option, and those quick, short routes are a perfect fit for Indianapolis’ limited passing game.
Head coach Shane Steichen said to expect more vertical passes from this offense, and with the game indoors and a pass-positive game script (Indianapolis Colts +5.5 at home), there is a high ceiling for the Indianapolis receivers.
Downs did miss practice time this week, but it wasn’t due to an injury (personal reasons). The majority of his Week 16 projections come in at 31.6 receiving yards or higher, with some models as high as 46 yards.
Jauan Jennings longest reception Over 21.5 yards
Jauan Jennings is set up for a mighty Monday showing against a depleted Colts secondary missing its two top corners once again in Week 16.
Indianapolis is down Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward, and this pass defense has given up big gains through the air, allowing 12.4 yards per completion over the past three games — tied for fourth most.
On the season, Indianapolis’ man-centric schemes have given up the 10th most receptions of 20+ yards. Jennings leads the 49ers attack in explosive plays, with seven catches for 20 or more yards, and also tops the team with the most targets vs. man coverage.
With fellow WR Ricky Pearsall once again injured, Jennings’ role in this offense gets a shot in the arm.
He’ll be the primary deep threat, and while he hasn’t played in many indoor games throughout his career, his yards per reception soars from seven to more than 11 yards in domed venues.
Indianapolis Colts (Blake Grupe) Over 1.5 field goals
Indianapolis’ offense is expected to look better in Week 16.
The Colts are playing indoors at home against a weaker defensive foe (compared to Seattle), and Rivers has now had two weeks to shake off five years of rust and get acclimated in the playbook. That may not translate into touchdowns, however.
San Francisco is a “bend but don’t break” defense that plays a more passive style. The Niners don’t blitz much, they tackle well, and don’t allow anything over the top with one of the highest rates of zone coverage.
They allow 5.6 yards per play (22nd) but tighten their belts inside the red zone. Over the past three games, the 49ers have given up TDs on just 40% of their opponents' RZ possessions.
I could see the Colts’ drives stalling out before the goal line, leaving kicker Blake Grupe to pick up the slack.
Grupe went 3-for-3 on field goals in the loss at Seattle last week, including a 60-yard bomb late in the fourth quarter (the longest FGM in Colts’ history). He’s a perfect 5-for-5 on FGAs since joining the Colts in Week 14 after kicker Spencer Shrader was injured.
Bet on MNF at bet365!
Your Monday Night Football bets are never ordinary at bet365! Sign up now and by placing $5 on your first bet, you get $150 in bonus bets — win or lose!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
49ers vs Colts MNF prop betting card
- Josh Downs Over 24.5 receiving yards (-110)
- Jauan Jennings longest reception Over 21.5 (-115)
- Colts Over 1.5 field goals (-115)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
