Indianapolis Colts (14-1) 10-4-1 ATS, 8-7 O/U at Buffalo Bills (5-10) 7-8 ATS, 5-10 O/U, Week 17, Sunday January 3, 2010 1:00 p.m. EST Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Not out at time of print
Over/Under: N/A
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There were a lot fans who did not agree with the way the Colts handed over the game last week to the New York Jets, but in the end it really didnt make a difference as the Colts had already secured home field throughout the playoffs. What about the fans who paid good money to see an entire full effort by the Colts? Too bad! People will always complain about something but you know as soon as Peyton Manning gets hurt in a game that has no clout those same fans would be head hunting.
I think it would be great to see another undefeated team but the act of not playing those key players only emphasizes just how team oriented Indianapolis is, especially with all thats on the table. They know they must stay healthy to make a push besides its not like they held out the starters the whole game.
The Buffalo Bills come into this game after losing last week to the Atlanta Falcons 31-3 and the week before that to the New England Patriots 17-10. Will the Bills be the beneficiaries of the Colts apprehensive game plan this week? If the Bills are lucky enough to be in the game when the studs exit they will have their chance to add a second loss to the Colts resume.
The Bills are averaging 15 points, and 267 yards of total offense per game. Buffalo gains 159 yards passing and 107 yards rushing per contest. Defensively they allow 21 points and 354 yards of total offense to their opponents. The Bills give up 188 yards through the air and 165 yards on the ground. Buffalo has only managed 9.7 points per game in their last three games.
The Colts are averaging 27.3 points and 376 yards of total offense with 291 yards passing and 84 yards rushing. Defensively, the Colts allow 18.5 points per game to the opposition. Indianapolis gives up an average of 216 yards passing and 118 yards to the running game.
Buffalo is 2-5 SU, 2-4-1 ATS and 2-5 O/U at home this season. The Colts are 7-0 SU, 7-0 ATS, and 4-3 O/U on the road this year.
Obliviously the Colts are the favored team this week but more importantly for the Colts is their health heading into post season play. Buffalo is a team looking for a spark heading into the off season and they might just get it this weekend on their own field but they will have to play well even if the Colts pull all of their Kings off the board.
The word on the street is that this game opened at Colts -7 with a total of 38. Al Rothstein down at the Tangiers was unavailable for his picks and currently the online casinos and offshore sportsbooks are off as well. Im sure this is due to the potential 50/50 play of the Colts stars. Given the Bills track record, -7 may be a decent spread. But make sure to double check your favorite online casino sportsbook for the most current lines.
The Colts will certainly hold back the horses this final weekend of the regular season but that might not cost them a win as Buffalo is a hurting unit. The Bills will start their third string QB Brian Brohm, who is making his NFL debut thanks to ankle injuries by Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Indianapolis should get their fifteenth win on the season despite who finishes the game. Buffalo is too wrecked on both sides of the ball to pose a threat.
Wilsons Pick: Colts 17, Bills 14. Luck to ya.
