The favorite has historically been a good investment in these international games, and we're going back to that angle with the Colts against Washington in London.

Indianapolis has gotten off to strong starts recently, and I think the first quarter is the optimal way to attack the Colts rather than laying the full-game spread.

Last week against Houston, Indianapolis actually did not start with the football. That matters when looking at the first-quarter market because we're potentially getting a little extra value based on a game where the Colts had one fewer early possession opportunity and still found a way to get the win.

The injury situation also favors Indianapolis.

Washington remains significantly more banged up, particularly along the offensive line. Starting guard Sam Cosmi has already been ruled OUT with concussion/throat issues, while Nick Allegretti and Lucas Patrick have both been limited this week. That's on top of Laremy Tunsil already being lost for the season with a torn triceps.

The Commanders also have several important players operating at less than 100 percent. Jayden Daniels has been limited while working back from the dislocated left elbow that kept him out last week. Daniels says the elbow feels good, but he's practicing with a brace and Washington continues to evaluate whether he's ready to return. Rachaad White has not practiced because of a shoulder injury, while Frankie Luvu, Javon Kinlaw, Charles Omenihu, Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott have all been limited. Safety Nick Cross has also been ruled out.

That's a substantial contrast with Indianapolis.

The Colts are relatively healthy at their most important positions. Jonathan Taylor went from limited Wednesday to a full participant Thursday. Charvarius Ward also progressed to full participation, Akeem Davis-Gaither was full Thursday, and Ashton Dulin returned to a full practice after initially sitting out Wednesday. Keenan Allen has been limited, while Mo Alie-Cox has missed practice because of illness, but Indianapolis does not have anything resembling Washington's combination of quarterback uncertainty, offensive-line issues and injuries throughout the defense.

That health differential is particularly interesting early in an international game.

Washington is asking an already compromised offensive line to deal with the unusual London routine, while Daniels could either be returning from a dislocated elbow or Marcus Mariota could make another start. Indianapolis should have much more continuity offensively and can immediately lean on Jonathan Taylor and a healthier offensive line.

The game is at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff, adding the usual international-game variables to the matchup.

There's also a reasonable chance Indianapolis gets the opening possession. If the Colts receive, I like their chances of putting together the first scoring drive and forcing Washington to play from behind immediately.

I like Indianapolis in the game overall, but instead of laying the full-game number, I'll isolate what I believe is their biggest advantage: the opening script.

Healthier roster, more offensive continuity, a compromised Washington offensive line and uncertainty surrounding the Commanders' quarterback situation.

Pick: Colts 1st Quarter ML -160

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