Posts Tagged ‘Indianapolis Colts’
NFL Playoff Preview
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego (8-8)
Saturday, 8:00PM Eastern
Bookmaker.com betting line – Indianapolis -1, 51 O/U
The Indianapolis Colts closed out the season as the hottest team in the NFL winning their last 9 straight games. Indianapolis was completely written off after 3-4 start, but has rallied with a vengeance. The Colts travel across the nation to San Diego to battle with the Chargers Saturday night. San Diego is the first team since the 1985 Cleveland Browns to capture a playoff berth without a winning record. However, San Diego took advantage of a weak AFC West division and trampled the Broncos last week 52-21 to gain postseason life. This game features two hot teams that did not lose one game in the month of December and it will be interesting to see who continues on this path. The Colts beat the Chargers in a great game earlier this season 23-20 and this game looks to be another exciting match-up.
San Diego became the first team to ever overcome a 3-game deficit to win their division in the final 3 weeks of the season. The Chargers offense has came to life in the final weeks of the season. San Diego has averaged 37 points per game in their last 4 games. The Chargers bring a strong passing offense to the table which is rather different than San Diego teams of the past. The Chargers running back LaDainain Tomlinson has lead one of the best ground games over the past few seasons. However, this year the running game has not been near as good considering the offense has been transformed into a passing attack. Tomlinson has 1,110 yards on the season with 11 touchdowns. QB Phillip Rivers has been the major asset to the offense this season throwing for 4,009 yards and 34 touchdowns. This game has all the making to be a great quarterback showdown between two of the best in the NFL.
Peyton Manning has the Colts offense back in high gear after a sluggish start to the season averaging a 5th best 255 yards per game through the air. The big reason the Colts have achieved late season success lies in the play of the Indianapolis defense. The Colts defense has been spectacular in the latter part of the season. In their last 5 games, Indianapolis has only allowed 11 points per game including a shutout last week over the Tennessee Titans. The Colts defense will get a big test this week against a high octane offense from San Diego. The Chargers offense ranks as the 2nd best scoring offense in the NFL averaging 26 points per game. Indianapolis will try to keep the San Diego offense in check and allow the Colts offense to continue their stellar play.
What to watch for…
The Indianapolis secondary is ranked as a top 5 pass defense in the NFL this season holding opposing offenses to only 188 yards per game. San Diego will try to utilize the passing game against this strong secondary. The winner of this battle when the Chargers have the ball could have a huge impact on how the game is played out. Expect a lot of passes in this game and watch for Peyton Manning experience in big games to shine as well.
Betting Trends…
Indianapolis is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the under in 4 of those 6 games as well. The Colts are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games on the road. San Diego is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games at home while reaching the under in 4 of their last 6 games. The Chargers are a strong 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home.
Pick – The line in this game is a little too high. San Diego posted 52 last week against a bad defense. Indianapolis has a solid defense that should keep this one under 51.
Tags: afc wild card, college football, football, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Colts - 6.5 , Total 44 The Indianapolis Colts can clinch their 7th straight post-season berth with a win on Thursday night at Jacksonville. The Colts have not lost a game since late October, winning seven straight. “At 3-4, we knew what the problems were,” coach Tony Dungy said, “A lot of it was ourselves and our execution. That’s what we focused on, more so than pointing the finger at someone or figuring out who was to blame. A lot of that gets back to the players really listening to the coaches. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts on the Road. The Jaguars won the first meeting between the two teams this season 23-21 but both teams look far different than they did back in September. The Jaguars only motivation now will be to keep the Colts from clinching a playoff berth. “I’m sure they would like to knock us out,” Dungy said. “We haven’t really been in that situation, but when you are and you can’t get in, that’s the motivation, especially if it’s a division rival. I’m sure they’d like to keep us out of the playoffs, so I’m sure we’ll get their best.” The Colts were not at their best last week against the winless Lions but still prevailed 31-21 as Dallas Clark had 142 yards receiving and a touchdown. Here are the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Colts are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games. The Colts are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games in December. The Colts are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC South. The Colts are 2-5-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings between the two teams. The Jaguars are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a home underdog. The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Jaguars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. the AFC South. The Jaguars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games. The underdog is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings between the two teams. SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 6 , Total 44 The Over is 4-0 in the Colts last 4 vs. the AFC South. The Under is 5-0 in the Jaguars last 5 games as an underdog. The Under is 6-1-1 in the Jaguars last 8 games on grass. The Under is 4-1 in the Jaguars last 5 games as a home underdog. The Under is 4-1 in the Jaguars last 5 games overall. The Over is 9-3 in the Jaguars last 12 games in December. The Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between the two teams in Jacksonville. Pick: Colts 3 out of 5 units
Indianapolis Colts (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)
Thursday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NFL Network
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, nfl, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers - 3 , Total 51 The Indianapolis Colts will try for their fourth straight win on Sunday as they meet the Chargers in San Diego. The game might be considered a revenge game of sorts for the Colts since it was San Diego that knocked them out of the playoffs. The problem with that theory is that the Chargers are in desperation mode as a loss on Sunday would really hurt their playoff chances. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts on the Road. The Chargers have had a variety of problems this season not the least of which is running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He is in the midst of the worst year in his career and San Diego is suffering. The Chargers have had to throw the ball on a regular basis. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is the AFC’s highest rated passer and he has already thrown 21 TD passes this season but being one dimensional in the NFL rarely works in the long term. If Tomlinson can’t run the ball effectively this week then it may not happen again this season. The Colts are allowing 138.5 yards per game on the ground this year. Indianapolis was missing safety Bob Sanders last week and Houston’s Steve Slaton ran for 156 yards against the defense. The Colts were able to win because Peyton Manning threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Sunday’s game could be another high scoring one for the Colts considering they are facing a San Diego defense that is last in the league, allowing 267 yards per game. Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. The Colts are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings but the underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings The Chargers are 6-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Chargers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Chargers are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games overall. SBG Global Current Line: Chargers - 2.5 , Total 49.5 The Over is 4-0 in the Colts last 4 road games. The Over is 6-2 in the Colts last 8 vs. the AFC. The Under is 5-0 in the Chargers last 5 vs. the AFC. The Under is 5-1 in the Chargers last 6 games overall. The Over is 13-6-1 in the Chargers last 20 games in November. Pick: Colts 2 out of 5 units
Indianapolis Colts (6-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-6)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, San Diego Chargers, sports
NFL Betting Preview The Pittsburgh Steelers proved last week they can win even without their starting quarterback as backup Byron Leftwich led them to a 23-6 win over the Washington Redskins after Ben Roethlisberger left with a shoulder injury. The status of Roethlisberger is up in the air for Sunday’s game against the Colts. The Steelers should still be favored at home, regardless of who is at quarterback. The Colts rebounded last week with a big win against New England as Peyton Manning went 21-for-29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the 18-15 win. “It’s a big win,” Manning said, “It’s important what we do with this. It sure would be nice to build off this, try to keep winning, get some kind of streak or some kind of rhythm established, but it doesn’t get any easier from here on out.” Manning will be facing the #1 ranked defense in the NFL on Sunday night. The Steelers are allowing just 234.1 yards per game. “Pittsburgh has a unique style of defense because of the players they have,” Manning said. “They do things nobody else can do because of the players they have. You don’t see anybody running wide open. You don’t see a busted assignment. They truly make you execute and do your job.” Indianapolis has had very little success at Pittsburgh in the past. They are 1-9 in the last 10 meetings at Pittsburgh. Here are more betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Colts are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 10. The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 10. The Steelers are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games in November. Check out the current line for this game at SBG Global. The Over is 10-2 in the Colts last 12 games in Week 10. The Under is 8-2 in the Colts last 10 games in November. The Over is 5-2 in the Colts last 7 road games. The Over is 7-1 in the Steelers last 8 vs. the AFC. The Over is 5-1 in the Steelers last 6 games in Week 10. The Over is 37-14-2 in the Steelers last 53 home games. The Over is 7-3 in the Steelers last 10 games on grass. Pick: Steelers 3 out of 5 units
Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, sports
NFL Betting Preview Normally when the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts get together it is the highlight of the NFL season. Not this year. The Patriots are holding their own at 5-2 without injured quarterback Tom Brady but the Colts are struggling at 3-4. New England has won three of the last five regular season meetings against Indianapolis. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Patriots on the Road. Normally you could look at the winner of this game as the favorite in the AFC. The winner of this game has gone to the Super Bowl in four of the last five seasons. That does not look to be the case this season. The Patriots are winning without Tom Brady but it has not been easy. The Colts are having a tough time winning at all. Quarterback Peyton Manning is not having a great season. He has 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions and his passer rating is the lowest it has been since his rookie season. It is not all bad for the Colts though. They could get three starters back this week as running back Joseph Addai, safety Bob Sanders and cornerback Kelvin Hayden may all play on Sunday night. While the division title looks out of reach for the Colts the playoffs are definitely not. “We’ve got to realize that there’s a lot of season left,” tight end Dallas Clark said. Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Patriots are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games on turf. The Patriots are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 road games. The Patriots are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games overall. The Patriots are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. the AFC. The Patriots are 0-6 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Patriots are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Indianapolis. The underdog is 10-3-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings between the two teams. The Colts are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on turf. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Colts are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 6 , Total 43.5 The Under is 7-1-2 in the Patriots last 10 vs. the AFC. The Under is 8-2 in the Patriots last 10 games in November. The Under is 4-1 in the Patriots last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. The Under is 9-3-2 in the Patriots last 14 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Colts last 5 games overall. The Under is 7-2 in the Colts last 9 games in November. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indianapolis between the two teams. Pick: Colts 2 out of 5 units
New England Patriots (5-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
Sunday, 8:20 pm Eastern – NBC
SBG Global Opening Line: Colts - 5.5 , Total 45
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, nfl, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Titans - 3 , Total 42 The unbeaten Tennessee Titans face their stiffest test of the season on Monday night as they host the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans are perfect on the season but their schedule has been fairly easy so far. “A lot of people still don’t respect us and feel like we haven’t played top-notch talent in the league yet,” safety Chris Hope said. “They’re still not sure about how good we are, and what better way to show them than on Monday Night Football against Peyton Manning and the Colts, one of the premier teams in the league.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Titans at Home. The Colts are in desperate need of a win on Monday to avoid falling below .500 and out of the AFC South race. They were routed last week at Green Bay 34-14 and if they don’t play better could face a similar fate on Monday. “I can’t really give you one, simple answer, try to summarize what’s going on,” said quarterback Peyton Manning, “We just need to play better, I need to play better and find a way to get into the end zone. Our offense needs to try to get the lead to help our defense out a little bit. We didn’t do our job.” The defense has been a mess without safety Bob Sanders who has not played since hurting his ankle in Week 2. They are giving up 153.5 yards per game on the ground and that could be a major problem against a Tennessee team that is 4th in the league in rushing. Indianapolis and Tennessee split their two meetings last season with the road team winning each time. Here are more NFL betting stats for Monday’s game. The Colts are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Monday games. The Colts are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in October. The Colts are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 vs. the AFC South. The Colts are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings between the two teams. The Titans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. The Titans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. the AFC South. The Over is 4-1 in the Colts last 5 vs. the AFC South. The Under is 6-2 in the Titans last 8 vs. the AFC. The Over is 21-10-1 in the Titans last 32 games in October. The Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings between the two teams. Pick: Colts 3 out of 5 units
Indianapolis Colts (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (6-0)
Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN
SBG Global Current Line: Titans - 4 , Total 40
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, nfl pick, sports, Tennessee Titans
NFL Betting Preview
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-3)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS
SBG Global Opening Line: Packers - 1 , Total 47
The Indianapolis Colts finally looked like themselves last week as they routed the Baltimore Ravens 31-3. Peyton Manning looked like one of the best players in the league again, Marvin Harrison showed he can still play and the defense was superb. The question for the Colts will be whether or not they can continue that excellent play this week at Green Bay. Manning completed 19 of 28 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns last week and was named the AFC offensive player of the week honors. “I guess in some ways, this really is like the first week of the season for me,” Manning said. “All I’ve ever known is taking every rep at every practice and playing in all the preseason games, so I did miss some time there and I’ve been working through that.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts on the Road.
The Packers have been up and down this season but their three losses are sure not quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ fault. He is playing hurt and he is playing well. “I think it’s a good message that he’s sending,” Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. “You view that quarterback position as a leadership position, and when your leader is maybe not 100 percent, yet he’s going out there and giving excellent effort and he’s playing well, performing well, that’s a plus.” Sunday’s game is a matchup of the passing game of the Colts led by Manning against a Green Bay defense that ranks 7th in the league. The Colts will probably have to throw more on Sunday since running back Joseph Addai is out with an injury.
Here is a look at the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Colts are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games in October. The Colts are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 7. The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
The Packers are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games overall. The Packers are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 1 , Total 47
The Over is 8-3 in the Colts last 11 games in Week 7. The Under is 7-3 in the Colts last 10 games on grass. The Over is 10-1 in the Packers last 11 games on grass. The Over is 7-1 in the Packers last 8 home games. The Over is 21-8-1 in the Packers last 30 games overall. The Under is 17-8-1 in the Packers last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Pick: Colts 2 out of 5 units
Tags: football, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, NFL Picks, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Packers - 1 , Total 47 The Indianapolis Colts finally looked like themselves last week as they routed the Baltimore Ravens 31-3. Peyton Manning looked like one of the best players in the league again, Marvin Harrison showed he can still play and the defense was superb. The question for the Colts will be whether or not they can continue that excellent play this week at Green Bay. Manning completed 19 of 28 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns last week and was named the AFC offensive player of the week honors. “I guess in some ways, this really is like the first week of the season for me,” Manning said. “All I’ve ever known is taking every rep at every practice and playing in all the preseason games, so I did miss some time there and I’ve been working through that.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts on the Road. The Packers have been up and down this season but their three losses are sure not quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ fault. He is playing hurt and he is playing well. “I think it’s a good message that he’s sending,” Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. “You view that quarterback position as a leadership position, and when your leader is maybe not 100 percent, yet he’s going out there and giving excellent effort and he’s playing well, performing well, that’s a plus.” Sunday’s game is a matchup of the passing game of the Colts led by Manning against a Green Bay defense that ranks 7th in the league. The Colts will probably have to throw more on Sunday since running back Joseph Addai is out with an injury. Here is a look at the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Colts are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games in October. The Colts are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 7. The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Packers are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games overall. The Packers are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 1 , Total 47 The Over is 8-3 in the Colts last 11 games in Week 7. The Under is 7-3 in the Colts last 10 games on grass. The Over is 10-1 in the Packers last 11 games on grass. The Over is 7-1 in the Packers last 8 home games. The Over is 21-8-1 in the Packers last 30 games overall. The Under is 17-8-1 in the Packers last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Pick: Colts 2 out of 5 units
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-3)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS
Tags: football, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, NFL Picks, sports
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts The two teams expected to battle for the AFC South title meet on Sunday at Indianapolis as the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts started slowly with Peyton Manning working his way back into form but have shown signs of life lately while Jacksonville has had all kinds of trouble early in the season. The Colts still have trouble though, as their top defensive player Bob Sanders is out for at least the next month, if not longer. “With a guy like Bob, of course, there’s going to be some dropoff,” defensive end Dwight Freeney said. “Maybe you won’t see someone make that spectacular play, but you’ve still got to make plays. When one guy goes down, another guy has to step up, and there have to be 11 guys swarming to the ball.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts at Home. The Jaguars were thought of as serious Super Bowl contenders but if they lose on Sunday they would start the season at 0-3 and that kind of start usually dooms any team’s Super Bowl hopes. Only three teams since 1990 have started the season at 0-3 and still made the playoffs. The Jaguars have all kinds of problems on the offensive line and have been unable to move the ball consistently. “Is it perfect right now? No,” Jaguars right tackle Tony Pashos said. “But the effort’s there and we’re going to get it right.” The Colts have owned the Jaguars recently, winning six of the last seven meetings between the two teams including both games last year. Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC. The Jaguars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in September. The road team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings between the two teams. SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 5 , Total 41.5 The Colts are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games in September. The Colts are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. the AFC South. The Colts are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Over is 7-1-1 in the Jaguars last 9 road games. The Under is 6-1 in the Jaguars last 7 games in September. The Over is 10-2-2 in the Jaguars last 14 games overall. The Over is 7-2-2 in the Jaguars last 11 vs. the AFC. The Under is 9-3 in the Colts last 12 games in September. Pick: Jags 3 out of 5 units
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS
SBG Global Opening Line: Colts - 5 , Total 41.5
Tags: football, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, nfl, NFL Picks
NFL Preseason Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Colts - 3 , Total 37 Indianapolis will open up their new stadium on Sunday as they host the Buffalo Bills in preseason action. The game will be shown on NFL Network and could end up being a battle between backup quarterbacks. Normally the starters for both teams would play into the third quarter but Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning is still out and Buffalo starting quarterback Trent Edwards is questionable. That means that Jim Sorgi will get a lot of playing time for the Colts while J.P. Losman will see a lot of time for the Bills. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts at Home. The Colts could have a couple of starters back in action on Sunday. Top defensive stars Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney might play on Sunday. Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy has said the starters will play into the third quarter on Sunday. “I always like to do that in the third preseason game – get us playing in the third quarter so we get the feel for what we do at halftime and how we make adjustments, incorporating that into the second half. I’d say those guys would play into the third quarter for sure.” Dungy said. The Colts lost the Hall of Fame game to Washington, lost to Carolina in week 1 in overtime and defeated Atlanta last week. Buffalo has split their two preseason games, winning last week against Pittsburgh but losing their opener against Washington. SBG Global Current Line: Colts - 5.5 , Total 38 NFL betting stats show that this will be the fifth preseason meeting between the Colts and Bills. Indianapolis has a 3-1 preseason series edge. The two teams used to be in the same division for many years which is why they have only met four times in preseason history. Looking at the NFL betting stats for the coaches we see that Buffalo head coach Dick Jauron has a below .500 record against the spread in his preseason career. Tony Dungy is also below the .500 mark against the pointspread in the preseason as head coach of the Colts.
Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 8:00 pm Eastern – NFL Network
Tags: betting, Buffalo Bills, football, Indianapolis Colts, nfl, NFL Picks, nflx, preseason, sports
