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Indianapolis Colts vs Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio
Sunday October 16 – 1:00PM EST on CBS
Spread (ATS): Cincinnati Bengals -8
Money Line: Indianpolis Colts +280, Cincinnati Bengals -335
Over/Under: 41
Odds courtesy BetOnline.com
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are one of three remaining winless teams in the NFL this season. However, after a couple of disastrous games they have been close in their last three contests, all decided by 7 points or less. They also seem to have settled on Curtis Painter as their quarterback, ending the Kerry Collins Experience – thankfully. They may not break through with a win this week but they are no longer a laughingstock.
Since Painter took over the Colts have looked much better. They may be playing more conservatively than what we are used to seeing but he has a QB rating of 100 and has yet to throw an interception in two starts. It definitely appears that his favourite target is Pierre Garcon – he has caught all of Painter’s 4 TD tosses and currently the Colts leading receiver. That might not be sitting well with the more established Reggie Wayne but this is a lost season either way so hopefully he won’t stir up trouble.
Given what we have seen of the Colts over the last few weeks it is surprising that Cincinnati is as heavily favoured as it is. It just doesn’t look right so it will be interesting to see if old habits die hard at the betting window and the line comes down some leading up to kickoff. This doesn’t look like a team that is going to go zero for the season but I don’t think they are going to get their first W this week either. Can they keep it close.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are in the thick of things in the AFC North. They have a pretty light schedule this year so if they can keep playing well they should be able to remain in the race. This is a critical game that they must win against an inferior Indianapolis team. The Bengals aren’t glamourous but they are getting it done with superb defense and a rookie quarterback. Sounds a lot like other teams in their division from the past – Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Believe it or not Cincinatti has the #1 defense in the NFL in yards allowed. They are 6th in points giving up just 18 per game. Those numbers have allowed new QB Andy Dalton to play conservatively keeping them in the ball game. He needs to cut down on his interceptions but he has already developed a chemistry with top pick reciever A.J. Green, who is as good as advertised. This offense should keep improving as the season progresses.
It is hard not to root for the Bengals. They took a stand with Carson Palmer and now they appear to be heading in the right direction as a franchise. Despite the good vibes it is hard to envision a big -8 attached to them. To me it has to come down before I would make a big play on them especially with a team as desperate as Indy is right now. You can throw out series data with Peyton Manning on the sidelines.
ATS Pick: Indianapolis +8
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Cincinnati 28 – Indianapolis 21
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