Alex Smith's impending return to the 49ers' starting quarterback position has been the talk of San Francisco. It is also apparently a topic of interest in Las Vegas, where odds makers are giving over/unders on the yardage, touchdowns, and interceptions the well-rested Smith will throw Sunday against the Colts.
Niners Nation points out the odds being laid for the statistical success of Alex Smith on his week eight return. It would not appear they expect a repeat performance from "The Little Alex That Could" whom we saw last week. After a 206 yards and three touchdowns in just one half last week, the odds makers are giving Smith an over/under of just 179.5 yards passing for the whole game this week.
That is to say, if Smith throws for fewer than 179 yards, bettors who took the "under" will win. If Smith throws for more than 179 yards, bettors who took the "over" will win. If Smith throws for precisely 179 yards, then the house has successfully screwed everyone who placed a bet.
There are also props available on whether Smith will throw more touchdowns than interceptions. The proposition that he will throw more touchdowns pays even money. The proposition that he'll throw more interceptions than touchdowns is set at -130, meaning Smith's doubters and haters would have to wager $130 to win $100. See that, everybody? Alex Smith is getting the benefit of the doubt!
But all things considered, those aren't generous predictions being made for Alex Smith. At least he isn't Aaron Rodgers. They're taking odds on how many times he gets sacked.
Sunday De Ja Vu for Alex
Today's Alex Smith era will begin the same the way the first one did back in 2005.
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The last time around that time Alex Smith debuted as a 49ers starter didn't go so well. Smith threw four interceptions, was sacked five times, and managed a measly 8.5 quarterback rating in a 28-3 loss to these very same Colts. Smith's luck was so awful that day that the radio receiver in his helmet wouldn't even work.
The Colts are undefeated this time too, waiting for the 49ers with a 6-0 record. Indy hasn't lost a regular season game in an entire calendar year. Their last regular season loss was all the way back on October 27, 2008, against the Titans.
Speaking of a while ago, Smith hasn't started a game for the 49ers since Week 10 of the 2007 season.
But did you see any rust on him when he was out there throwing for three touchdowns and a 118.0 quarterback rating this Sunday against the Texans?
Joe Kukura is a freelance writer who isn't sure whether the bookies mean it when they say, "Good luck".
