Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS)
NFL Week 7
Date and Time: Sunday, October 19, 1:00pm EST
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
TV: CBS
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: CIN +3/IND -3
Over/Under Total: 50
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Sunday at 1:00pm we have a huge AFC battle when the Bengals travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts Both of these teams have a legit shot at winning the AFC, and this game could have huge implications on which of these two teams have the home field advantage.The Cincinnati Bengals come in at 3-1-1 after tying the Carolina Panthers just this past Sunday, while the Colts enter this game at 4-2 overall. In my opinion, this game could go either way and I love both of these teams chances in making a deep post season run in a couple of months. These two teams met just last December, and the Bengals came away with the 42-28 win. Will history repeat itself, or will the Colts show that they are a legit AFC contender and get payback in front of their home crowd?
This line opens with the Colts as a three point favorite at home over the Bengals. This is a typical Vegas line in games that are fairly evenly matched. The total points have been set at 50 on this game, so it appears that Vegas is looking for a 27-24 type contest here. On the injury front, Indy appears to be pretty healthy but the Bengals are still hoping that AJ Green can return from an injured toe and be on the field Sunday. As of Wednesday, Green had yet to practice, and it was not looking good. If Green again cannot go, the load will again fall on the back of Mohamed Sanu, who has been the Bengals leading receiver all season.
STOP LAYING -110 ODDS ON GAMES! START LAYING ONLY -105 (WHICH WILL SAVE YOU HUGE MOMEY) AT 5DIMES!
Andrew Luck and the Colts have been rolling. Since starting the season at 0-2, Indianapolis has put together an impressive four game winning streak. During that time, Andrew Luck has been on fire. He has recently passed Matt Ryan as the NFLs leading passer this season, and is on pace for the third most passing yards in a season in NFL history. To go along with this dangerous passing game, the Colts are also adding another 115 yards per game on the ground. This offense is GOOD. On the other side of the ball, the Colts are doing a decent job as well. The defense is ranked in the top 15 in the NFL in both passing and running D. In today’s NFL, you just need a “good” defense, and an efficient offense to take home a title, and that is exactly what the Colts have. I think a deep playoff run is in their future, but they want to set the tone this week by beating another potential AFC threat.
Some people still are not sold on Andy Dalton, and I am one of those people. Dalton is a good quarterback, but it always seems like on the big stage, and in the big games, he lets his team down. Just a couple of weeks ago, this was true when the Bengals went into New England and got dominated by a Patriots team that many thought were done for. It is those types of games that this team has to start winning in order to be taken seriously throughout the league. A road win versus the best passing offense in the NFL would sure help their image, and have a shot this Sunday to do that. We are still not certain if AJ Green will suit up, but even if not, Mohamed Sanu has done a great job making plays, and running back, Giovanni Bernard, is slowly becoming one of the most dangerous big play backs in the game. The key however to this game is the defense of the Bengals. They came into this season with high expectations, and statistically, they have fallen short. Cincy is ranked just 29th in the NFL in run defense, and 22nd in passing defense. If they cannot stop the Colts offense, I do not see this being a very close game. The Bengals are in need of some big stops and some big plays to have a chance to win this game.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: These games are always tough. Two teams with similar goals, that are both potential conference contenders. I could see this game going either way, but I am basing my pick simply on something I already pointed out. I do not trust Andy Dalton just yet in these type games. Andrew Luck, at home, versus a defense that has underachieved all season…yea, I am going Colts. I think Indy comes out and makes it known that they are a true Super Bowl contender, and Andrew Luck shows once again, why he was one of the most heralded QBs coming out of college in 30 years. The Colts win this game 27-17. PICK THE COLTS -3