Football Betting

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Pointspread Free Pick

Every year for the past five years has been the Texans year, at least according to the NFL pundits and so called “experts” but I don’t see it happing until Gary Kubiak is gone. The Texans open their season at home against the stalwarts of the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts. The bookmakers are playing into the Texans delusion as they have set the football betting line much closer than it probably should be against the Colts.

The NFL odds have set the football betting line with the visiting Colts as the -2-point favorites and a bet on the underdog Texans will pay bettors +110 on the moneyline.

Football Betting Lines

Indianapolis Colts -2 -110 -130
Houston Texans +2 -110 +110

Game Total 47½

Location: Reliant Stadium – Houston TX
Game Time: 1:00pm
TV: CBS

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The Houston Texans have lost 15 of 16 games against the Indianapolis Colts but like has been the story the pundits are making the Texans as their trendy pick to break through. To be fair to the Texans, they have a fantastic quarterback-receiver combination in Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, as last season Schaub threw for 4770 yards and Johnson led the league with 1569 receiving yards.

The Texans run game is suspect; Steve Slaton had a solid rookie year but fell off last season and will back up Arian Foster. Foster was solid in six games last season averaging 4.8 yards a game. However now that their opponents have had a chance to see what he brings, that number will drop considerably.

The Houston Texans defense is young and improving but right now, especially after some poor showings in the preseason it’s clear the defense isn’t on the same level as the Texans pass game.

It’s hard to bet against Peyton Manning in any game and especially in any game where the line is less than a field goal. Manning is waiting for his new contract and after Tom Brady signed to be the highest paid player in the league, Manning will get his soon.

The Colts are still the favorites to win the AFC South, beyond Peyton Manning, the team doesn’t have any superstars and that’s worked fine for the past decade. They play like robots and just win, the winning is dominant in September where they have a .813 winning percentage over the past decade. It’s their best month of the season.

Manning has Reggie Wayne back but look for Pierre Garcon to take some of the big plays that Wayne is used to getting. Dallas Clark is still money, Austin Collie had a great rookie season catching 676 yards and seven touchdowns and those numbers should improve in 2010.

The Indianapolis Colts defense is always a question mark but the team seems to answer it every year. They begin the season with Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders healthy and they will cause enough problems for the Texans offense to keep their scoring to a minimum.

These teams have played several close games over the years and part of that has to do with the Texans treating this game like their Super Bowl. The line of just -2 on the Colts looks fantastic to me and I think the Colts win this game by 10.

NFL Betting Pick: Indianapolis Colts -2

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Point Spread Free Pick

Thursday, December 17 - 8:20 PM ET

BetUS NFL football betting odds: INDIANAPOLIS -3, Total 42.5

The Colts are listed as a three-point favorite, with a posted total of 42.5 points.

A lot of the speculation surrounding this game - and what caused a delay in the football betting line going up at BetUS - involved whether the Colts were going to play all their starters, and to what extent those starters were going to play.

Coach Jim Caldwell had a Tuesday press conference and indicated that it was going to be business as usual. “We're just going to treat like we have these previous 13 games played,” he said. “If they're not able to go, if doctors don't release them to play, they won't play. That's the only reason why they won't go.”

Here are some pro football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

• IND has covered its last four games
• IND has won its last ten road games SU
• IND has covered nine of its last ten road games
• JAX has covered two of its last nine games
• JAX has won four of its last six games SU
• JAX has played four of its last five games UNDER the total
• JAX has covered one of its last five home games
• JAX has won five of its last six home games SU

Also...

• JAX has covered seven of the last ten meetings
• IND has won four of the last five meetings SU
• Four of the last six meetings have gone OVER the total
• IND has won four of the last five meetings SU as the road team
• Six of the last eight meetings in Jacksonville have gone OVER the total

At least it appears as if Indianapolis will not treat this like a pre-season game, even though they have already clinched the home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and set the record for most consecutive regular season wins with 22 in last Sunday's game against Denver.

Indianapolis Colts -3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars >> Join Now to Bet!

Of course, there is this other matter - that of an undefeated regular season and the possibility of true immortality, which could possibly come by way of a matchup with an undefeated New Orleans Saints team in the Super Bowl. I truly wonder whether there is some subtle word coming down from the NFL front office, not to mention CBS, the network that will televise this season's "Big Game." There would be an awful lot of extra interest- and money - in a game between two teams where someone's "0" had to go.

The Colts have been cutting things close since the sixth game of the season, winning by totals of four, three, one and two points, and having some trouble putting away teams like Tennessee and Denver who they beat by bigger margins. Still, they have a 9-4 ATS record. The season's opening game, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, was a 14-12 decision over these Jaguars, where Reggie Wayne had 162 yards receiving and Peyton Manning had 301 passing yards, and Jacksonville failed to convert on a two-point try after a fourth quarter touchdown by Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jacksonville looks like the kind of team that would present occasional problems against the Colts, and they have through the years, covering seven of the last ten times these teams have played. In the first meeting, however, the stat sheet made it look like it was not as close as the score indicated. Indianapolis held the overall yardage edge, 365-228, and held the Jags to just 12 first downs. David Garrard completed half his passes and had 122 yards through the air.

The Jags like to pound the ball with their running game, which has averaged 4.6 yards a pop, although in the last three games they've totaled only 298 yards, and really, if you're going to attack this Colts defense, you are probably better off going after the secondary. Quarterback Garrard may be too limited in his options to do that, and the game plan might also limit him to a certain extent. Can Jacksonville limit what Manning can do through the air? Not if they can’t significantly step up the pass rush, which has just 14 sacks, by far the lowest figure in the league.

The Colts have covered all six road games this year, and nine of the last ten. I know that after last week's loss to Miami the Jags are in for a hell of a fight if they want to make the playoffs, and in a year where Indy had some losses on its record this could be a game the Jags could steal. I don't see it happening here. We're going with the more reliable squad, laying a field goal with the Colt.

JAY'S PLAY: INDIANAPOLIS -3 ***
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

AFC Playoffs - Superbowl Contenders

If the playoffs started today, two things would be very clear. The Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargers would be the two teams to beat in the AFC.

That’s if the playoffs started today. There’s a still a lot to get through and some very good games this week that could determine which teams will have success both straight up and wagering wise in this season’s playoffs. Right now all we can do is speculate as BetUS will be releasing Super Bowl Football odds in the very near future.

Let’s take a look at the AFC playoff picture and think about at which odds the teams might be worth a bet to win this season’s Super Bowl.

Worth a Super Bowl Bet?

1. Indianapolis Colts

Strengths: The Colts appear to be getting stronger. They dominated a Denver Broncos team 28 to 16 at home last Sunday and have nobody in their path to a 16 and 0 season. They play Jacksonville on the road, the New York Jets and Buffalo on the road. Will they be stopped? Highly doubtful. 16 and 0 is well within reach. Their biggest strength, of course, is Peyton Manning.

Weaknesses: Peyton Manning. Oh, wait, did I just write that? The greatest quarterback to ever live, yes, I really believe that, has thrown 10 interceptions in the last 6 games. That’s 10 out of the 14 picks he’s tossed this season. Peyton appears to be slowing down. That’s not good. Also, as terrific as they looked against Denver, they still allowed wide receiver Brandon Marshall to grab 21 catches for 200 yards and 2 TDs. That’s Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall who lit them up, not Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates.

Worth a wager? Definitely not. No football sportsbook in their right mind is going to give you higher than +250 or +300 on these guys to win the Super Bowl. They look great but pull back the layers and there are serious concerns regarding this team.

2. San Diego Chargers

Strength: Everything. This team is loaded. The Chargers have won 8 games in a row, QB Phillip Rivers is playing his eye-balls out, RB LaDanian Tomlinson is getting healthier and the defense is rock solid. During their 8 game winning streak, they’ve beaten Dallas, Denver and the New York Giants on the road and beat Philadelphia at home. They’re a solid team.

Weaknesses: None. Sure, a case can be made that Coach Norv Turner is a liability but his team has won 8 games in a row in the NFL and beaten some good teams on the way. The Chargers are also 6 and 2 ATS during that 8 game winning streak which means that they are taking care of business.

Worth a Super Bowl bet? Yes! Yes! Yes! They’re just as good as Indianapolis, if not better, and have the complete package. There are no weaknesses on this team right now. None. Take the odds on the Charges as soon as humanely possible.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Strengths: The Bengals’ D is very solid although it didn’t look that way last Sunday when it gave up 30 points to Minnesota. Still, the Bengals’ defense should keep them in games. They also have a terrific running game with Cedric Benson and Carson Palmer, Ochocinco and the rest of the wide receivers are good enough to get the job done when called upon even though the Bengals would prefer to simply run the ball.

Weaknesses: They’re a good team, but not a great team. Do they have a real weakness? Nope, but they aren’t exceptional in any area. They remind me of the 2006 Seattle Seahawks or 2007 Chicago Bears, two teams that made the Super Bowl but just were okay and lost. That’s Cincinnati. They’re good but not great.

Worth a Super Bowl bet? At odds of +800 to win the AFC Championship that might be the better bet. The Bengals could upset San Diego or Indianapolis, but they’re not going to win it all. Unless there’s a monumental upset in the NFC, the Bengals don’t have a shot to win the Super Bowl.

4. New England Patriots

Strengths: Tom Brady and Wes Welker can beat any defense in the NFL. I’m tempted to put Randy Moss with them, but Moss needs to start producing again before I can do that. With Brady and Welker on offense, the Patriots can dominate.

Weaknesses: Bad coaching from Bill Belichick, a shoddy defense, no real running game to speak of, an inability to win on the road, lack of heart…you name it and the Patriots probably have it. This team just isn’t that great. They play in the AFC East, though, which is why they probably will make the playoffs.

Worth a Super Bowl bet? No. Did you hear me? No. They’re not good enough. Flat out. The NFL pre-season favorite to win the Super Bowl just isn’t good enough to even get there.

Best Long Shot

Denver Broncos - - Yes, they just got kicked in the mouth against the Indianapolis Colts but they caused Peyton to throw 3 interceptions and held the Colts to 220 yards passing and 92 yards rushing. The Broncos got down 14 to 0 in that game and had to start passing much earlier than they probably would have preferred.

If they had been able to get their running backs going, then the score might have been closer. Also, Coach Josh McDaniels has shown the ability to adjust when needed. That will be the key to their success in the playoffs…if they make it. Denver is +2000 in the sportsbook to win the AFC Championship. I think they’re worth a bet.

Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts Pointspread Free Pick

A pair of teams with playoff aspirations lock horns at Lucas Oil Field on Sunday afternoon, when the Denver Broncos (8-4, 8-4 ATS) get it on with the Indianapolis Colts (12-0, 8-3-1 ATS) in an imperative  battle. Denver is in a chase to get back on top of the AFC West, but it's going to take a Herculean effort to get the job done. The Colts have already wrapped up the AFC South championship, but they can lock everything up, including a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win and losses by both San Diego and Cincinnati.

The Week 14 NFL betting line features Indianapolis as a 7-point choice of the oddsmakers. The 'total' chimes in at 44 at BetUS.com right now!

Has there been a streakier team in the NFL than Denver this year? After opening up the year at 6-0 both SU & ATS and looking like absolute world beaters, the Broncos slumped to four straight losses before picking up wins in back-to-back weeks. After pounding the Giants 26-6 on Thanksgiving night at home, the Broncos snapped a two-game road losing skid last weekend with a dominating 44-13 win at Kansas City.

HC Josh McDaniels’ defense looked a lot like the old "Orange Crush" out there, as the unit held the hapless KC offense to 222 total yards and forced three turnovers. The rushing game was simply flawless as well. RBs Correll Buckhalter, Knowshon Moreno, and Peyton Hillis all had fantastic games. The trio combined to carry the ball 40 times for 246 yards and a pair of TDs.

What more can be said about the Colts than what has already been said? Last week, they stopped the seemingly unstoppable train, the Tennessee Titans, with a 27-17 victory at home. It seems like every time this team has its back to the wall, it finds a way to persevere. Just look at Indy's L/6 games. San Francisco had a chance to win at the gun. Houston could've tied the game and forced overtime as time was expiring. The Colts needed to stage an epic comeback to conquer New England. They withstood a furious Baltimore rally. They eliminated a 17-point deficit against Houston. And finally, they took QB Vince Young's best shot and came up strong with their defense in the red zone to effectively cripple Tennessee's season.

QB Peyton Manning is just 315 yards away from reaching 4,000 on the season, and he paces the NFL's #1 passing attack at 302.8 yards per game.

The Colts may be perfect in the record books, but they're far from a flawless team. How many times can these guys take the best shots from the opposition and prove victorious? This is the biggest challenge that this team has faced outside of New England in months. Look for Denver to hang around in this one with just enough offense to get the job done. Manning may lead his team to another win, but the Broncos should stick inside of this touchdown spread.

Rose's Recommendation: 3* Denver Broncos
Rating Scale 1* - 5*

Colts vs Jaguars Prop Bets

Here's the list of Props offered at The Greek  (the Greek Review). Prop bets are lots of fun to play while watching,  the guy over at NFL Picks Pro is an excellent prop handicapper and usually has a couple selections for the National games like tonight.

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to score first in the game will be Wager is official once first score in game is recorded. Max wager is $300
101 Indianapolis Colts -155
102 Jacksonville Jaguars +125

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to score last in the game will be Wager is graded once game is final. If Game doesn't go 55 minutes, team that scored last in game is winning wager. Max wager is $300
103 Indianapolis Colts -130
104 Jacksonville Jaguars +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to win opening coin toss Wager is on which team will win the opening coin toss. Winning team is one that calls head or tails, not team who receives the ball. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager is $300
105 Indianapolis Colts -105
106 Jacksonville Jaguars -105

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will there be a score in 1st 7min 30sec of 1st qtr Wager is official after first 7 minutes and 30 seconds have been played. If a team scores at the 7 minute and 30 second mark, Yes is the winning wager. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
107 Yes -165
108 No +135

12/18/2008 8:10 PM The first score of the game will be Wager is official once first score of the game is recorded. Overtime counts towards wager. If neither team scores in the game 0-0 tie, wager has no action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
109 Touchdown -160
110 Field Goal or Safety +130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Indianapolis first score of the game will be Wager is after team listed scores in the game. Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
111 Touchdown -165
112 Field Goal or Safety +135

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Jacksonville first score of the game will be Wager is after team listed scores in the game. Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
113 Touchdown -160
114 Field Goal or Safety +130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to score 1st in the last 2 mins of 1st half Wager is on which team will score first in the last 2 minutes of the first half. If neither team scores wager has NO ACTION. First half must go 30 minutes for action. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300.
115 Indianapolis Colts -135
116 Jacksonville Jaguars +105

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will 1st down in game happen on a pass or run play Wager is on how the first 1st down will achieve. If first down is done via a penalty, 2nd first down becomes the wagering option. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300
117 Pass Play -175
118 Run Play +145

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to use 1st timeout in the game Wager is on which team will call the 1st Timeout in Game. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
119 Indianapolis Colts -120
120 Jacksonville Jaguars -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM The first turnover of the game will be On fumble, it has to be lost fumble recovered by an opposing team, not by same team. Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. A blocked punt isn't a turnover for either team. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
121 Fumble +125
122 Interception -155
123 No Turnovers in game +800

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will a special teams or defensive TD be scored Wager is on if a special teams or defensive touchdown will be scored in the game. Overtime counts towards wager. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300
125 Yes +160
126 No -200

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will either team score 3 unanswered times in game Extra point and 2 point conversions does not count as a score. Wager is not on 3 consecutive drives. Game must go 55 minutes for wager to have action. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
127 Yes -185
128 No +155

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will the final score for Indianapolis be an Overtime counts towards teams point total. Game must go 55 minutes for wager to have action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
129 Odd Number -125
130 Even Number -105

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will the final score for Jacksonville be an Overtime counts towards teams point total. Game must go 55 minutes for wager to have action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
131 Odd Number -125
132 Even Number -105

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total quarterback sacks in the game Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Official stat's via NFL.com. Max wager $300
133 Over 4 sacks -105
134 Under 4 sacks -125

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total field goals made in the game Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Official stat's via NFL.com. Max wager $300
135 Over 3½ field goals +145
136 Under 3½ field goals -175

12/18/2008 8:10 PM The last score of the game will be Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300
137 Touchdown -200
138 Field Goal or Safety +160

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will there be more points scored in Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards 2nd halves point total. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
139 1st half +½ points -120
140 2nd half + OT -½ points -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Which quarter will the most points be scored in Wager is on which quarter the most points will be scored. OT doesn't counts towards 4th Quarters point total. If one or more quarters tie for the most points, winning wager is split by number of winning quarters. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.c
141 1st quarter +280
142 2nd quarter +170
143 3rd quarter +280
144 4th quarter +210

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team winning margin of victory will be Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager $500. Official stats via NFL.com.
145 Indianapolis wins by 1 to 3 points +450
146 Indianapolis wins by 4 to 6 points +400
147 Indianapolis wins by 7 to 10 points +500
148 Indianapolis wins by 11 to 13 points +650
149 Indianapolis wins by 14 to 17 points +750
150 Indianapolis by 18 to 21 points +1200
151 Indianapolis wins by 22 or more points +800
152 Jacksonville wins by 1 to 3 points +450
153 Jacksonville wins by 4 to 6 points +700
154 Jacksonville wins by 7 to 10 points +800
155 Jacksonville wins by 11 to 13 points +1000
156 Jacksonville wins by 14 to 17 points +1200
157 Jacksonville wins by 18 to 21 points +1500
158 Jacksonville wins by 22 or more points +1200

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to have the most first downs in the game Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300
159 Indianapolis Colts -2½ 1st downs -110
160 Jacksonville Jaguars +2½ 1st downs -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to have the most first downs in the 1st half Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager $300
161 Indianapolis Colts -1½ 1st downs -110
162 Jacksonville Jaguars +1½ 1st downs -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to have the longest touchdown score in game Offensive, Defensive or Special Teams. Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
163 Indianapolis Colts -150
164 Jacksonville Jaguars +120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to have the longest field goal in the game Overtime counts towards wager. Game must go 55 minutes for action. If both teams have long field goals from the same distance or no Field goal is made, wager is no action. Max wager $300. Official stats via NFL.com.
165 Indianapolis Colts -130
166 Jacksonville Jaguars +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will there be a score in 1st 4 minutes of 2nd qtr Wager is on if either team will score in the first 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Wager is official after first 4 minutes have been played. If a team scores at the 4 minute mark (11 Minutes left in 2nd qtr), Yes is the winning wager. Max wager $300
167 Yes +100
168 No -130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will there be a score in 1st 4 minutes of 4th qtr Wager is on if either team will score in the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter. Wager is official after first 4 minutes have been played. If a team scores at the 4 minute mark (11 Minutes left in 4th qtr
169 Yes +100
170 No -130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM The longest touchdown score in the game will be Wager is on the longest TD of game, over or under yards listed. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager is $300
171 Over 41½ yards -115
172 Under 41½ yards -115

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Will there be a score in last 2 mins of 1st half Wager is on if there will be a score in last 2 mins of the 1st half. A score at 2 minute mark (2:00) exactly = yes for winning wager. Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager is $300
173 Yes -230
174 No +190

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to use coaches challenge 1st in game Wager is official after first team use a coaches challenge. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager is $300
175 Indianapolis Colts -115
176 Jacksonville Jaguars -115

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Team to have 1st accepted penalty of game will be If first penalty is called on both teams, winning wager is when first team commits a penalty and penalty is accepted. Wager is official once team by itself commits a penalty.Official stats via NFL.com. Max wager is $300
177 Indianapolis Colts -120
178 Jacksonville Jaguars -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Player to score 1st touchdown in game Wager is on if player who scores the 1st TD in game has a Odd or Even Jersey #. Overtime counts towards wager.Official stats via NFL.com. If player or players change Jersey # in game that becomes new jersey # for wager. Max wager is $300
179 Odd Jersey Number -120
180 Even Jersey Number -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM The first scoring play of the game will be Wager is on what 1st scoring play in game will be. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager is $300.
181 Indianapolis field goal +300
182 Indianapolis safety +5000
183 Indianapolis touchdown pass +250
184 Indianapolis touchdown run +350
185 Any other Indianapolis touchdown +1500
186 Jacksonville field goal +325
187 Jacksonville safety +5000
188 Jacksonville touchdown pass +400
189 Jacksonville touchdown run +350
190 Any other Jacksonville touchdown +1500

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Manning vs Garrard - most points scored by Both players must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
191 Peyton Manning -30½ passing yrds -200
192 David Garrard +30½ passing yrds +160

12/18/2008 8:10 PM What will happen first for Peyton Manning Player must start game for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Wager is official after either option is achieved. Max wager is $300
193 Throw a TD pass -200
194 Throw an Interception +160

12/18/2008 8:10 PM What will happen first for David Garrard Player must start game for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Wager is official after either option is achieved. Max wager is $300
195 Throw a TD pass -130
196 Throw an Interception +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Manning vs Garrard - to throw the 1st TD pass Both players must start for action. Overtime counts towards wager. If neither player throws a TD pass wager has no action. Max wager is $300
197 Peyton Manning -185
198 David Garrard +155

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass completions made by Peyton Manning Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
199 Over 23½ pass completions -115
200 Under 23½ pass completions -115

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass completions made by David Garrard Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
201 Over 20½ pass completions -120
202 Under 20½ pass completions -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total touchdown passes thrown by Peyton Manning Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Max Wager is $300.NFL.com for results
203 Over 1½ TD passes -130
204 Under 1½ TD passes +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total touchdown passes thrown by David Garrard Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Max Wager is $300.NFL.com for results
205 Over 1½ TD passes +135
206 Under 1½ TD passes -165

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Peyton Manning first pass of the game will be Player must have a pass attempt for wager to have action. Wager is official after 1st pass attempt. If player gets injured before he throws one pass and doesn't return to game, wager has no action. Overtime counts towards wager.
207 Complete -200
208 Incomplete +160
209 Throw an Interception +800

12/18/2008 8:10 PM David Garrard first pass of the game will be Player must have a pass attempt for wager to have action. Wager is official after 1st pass attempt. If player gets injured before he throws one pass and doesn't return to game, wager has no action. Overtime counts towards wager.
211 Complete -200
212 Incomplete +160
213 Throw an Interception +800

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total rush+pass receiving yrds by M Jones Drew Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
215 Over 102½ rush+receiving yrds -130
216 Under 102½ rush+receiving yrds +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Wayne vs Northcutt - most pass receiving yrds by Both Players must play for action.Game must go 55 min for action. Overtime counts towards wager.Any scoring changed after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
217 Reggie Wayne -30½ receiving yrds -110
218 Dennis Northcutt +30½ receiving yrds -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Gonzalez vs Williams - most pass receiving yrds by Both Players must play for action.Game must go 55 min for action. Overtime counts towards wager.Any scoring changed after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
219 Anthony Gonzalez -24½ receiving yrds +120
220 Reggie Williams +24½ receiving yrds -150

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Clark vs Lewis - most pass receiving yrds by Both Players must play for action.Game must go 55 min for action. Overtime counts towards wager.Any scoring changed after game is official are invalid towards wager. Max wager is $300
221 Dallas Clark -22½ receiving yrds -110
222 Marcedes Lewis +22½ receiving yrds -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Wayne vs Northcutt - to score a TD 1st Both players must start for action. Overtime counts towards wager. If neither player scores a TD wager has no action. Max wager is $300
223 Reggie Wayne -180
224 Dennis Northcutt +150

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Harrison vs Williams - to score a TD 1st Both players must start for action. Overtime counts towards wager. If neither player scores a TD wager has no action. Max wager is $300
225 Marvin Harrison
226 Reggie Williams

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Clark vs Lewis - to score a TD 1st Both players must start for action. Overtime counts towards wager. If neither player scores a TD wager has no action. Max wager is $300
227 Dallas Clark
228 Marcedes Lewis

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Reggie Wayne Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
231 Over 6½ pass receptions +100
232 Under 6½ pass receptions -130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Anthony Gonzalez Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
233 Over 5 pass receptions -110
234 Under 5 pass receptions -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Dallas Clark Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
235 Over 5 pass receptions -110
236 Under 5 pass receptions -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Marcedes Lewis Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
237 Over pass receptions
238 Under pass receptions

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Dennis Northcutt Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
239 Over pass receptions
240 Under pass receptions

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total pass receptions made by Reggie Williams Player must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wagerMax wager is $300
241 Over pass receptions
242 Under pass receptions

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Which punter will have the longest punt in game Wager is on which punter will have the longest punt in game. Both punters must have at least one punt for positive yardage for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Max wager is $300
243 Indianapolis Punter -110
244 Jacksonville Punter -120

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Vinatieri vs Scobee - most fantasy points Both Players must play for action. OT counts towards wager. Fantasy points are made FG = 3 pts XP =1 pt FG over 50 Yds + = 20 pts Miss FG's = - 5 Pts XP's = - 20 pts Kicker with most Fantasy Pts is Winning Wager
245 Adam Vinatieri -½ points -130
246 Josh Scobee +½ points +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total tackles+assists made by Freddy Keiaho Wager is on player listed his total solo + assisted tackles in game. On NFL.com add the solo + assisted tackles to get winning number. Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Excludes sacks
247 Over 7½ tackles+assists -115
248 Under 7½ tackles+assists -115

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total tackles+assists made by Clint Session Wager is on player listed his total solo + assisted tackles in game. On NFL.com add the solo + assisted tackles to get winning number. Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Excludes sacks
249 Over 6½ tackles+assists +100
250 Under 6½ tackles+assists -130

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total tackles+assists made by Brian Williams Wager is on player listed his total solo + assisted tackles in game. On NFL.com add the solo + assisted tackles to get winning number. Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Excludes sacks
251 Over 5½ tackles+assists -120
252 Under 5½ tackles+assists -110

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Total tackles+assists made by Daryl Smith Wager is on player listed his total solo + assisted tackles in game. On NFL.com add the solo + assisted tackles to get winning number. Player must play for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Excludes sacks
253 Over 5 tackles+assists -130
254 Under 5 tackles+assists +100

12/18/2008 8:10 PM Player to score first touchdown in the game Wager is on which player will score the first TD in game. Overtime counts towards wager. All players are action. Official stats via NFL.comMax wager is $300
255 Anthony Gonzalez +600
256 Dallas Clark +650
257 David Garrard +2000
258 Dennis Northcutt +800
259 Dominic Rhodes +600
260 Joseph Addai +500
261 Marcedes Lewis +1000
263 Maurice Jones Drew +500
264 Peyton Manning +2000
265 Reggie Wayne +500
266 Reggie Williams +800
267 Field +350
268 No TD scored in game +7500

Colts Pointspread Free Pick

Colts -6.5
Total 44.5

After a slow start to this season, the Indianapolis Colts have found some rhythm and are approaching the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the league. Coach Tony Dungy's troops will be looking to extend a seven-game winning streak when they head south for a visit with one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in NFL Thursday night action this week (8:15 pm Eastern, NFL Network).

Oddsmaker.com is listing Indy as 6.5-point favorites on the road for Thursday night's game, with a total of 44.5. The Colts are also being offered at –260 on the Oddsmaker moneyline, with the Jags getting +220 as home underdogs.

Indy entered this season as the five-time running champs of the AFC South. But QB Peyton Manning was coming off two hushed-up knee surgeries, and the health of several other key players was also in question. After a loss at Tennessee in Week 6 the Colts sat at 3-3, and that included a late come-from-behind win at Minnesota and a minor miracle-style victory in Houston.

But a big win at home over New England, followed by an upset of the Steelers in Pittsburgh catapulted the Colts into contention, although they did have to hold off hapless and winless Detroit last week before finally prevailing by a 31-21 score. So at 10-4, Indianapolis owns the fifth AFC playoff spot, with two games to play.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville entered this season as the prime choice to replace Indy atop the AFC South. The Jags went 11-5 last year and won a playoff game in Pittsburgh before falling in the divisional round at New England. The Colts were getting older, and supposedly running out of gas, while Jacksonville was young and tough, and was going to run the ball down opponents’ throats on offense, and punch 'em in the mouth on defense.

However some key early-season injuries – especially along the offensive line – slowed that running game, QB David Garrard proved mortal, and after a 4-5 start the Jaguars almost looked like a team that had given up, losing its next four games in a row by an average score of 27-13. A 20-16 victory over luckless Green Bay last week slowed the bleeding, but this is a team reduced from playoff contention to playing out the string at 5-9. 

These two teams met back in Week 3 in Indianapolis, when Josh Scobee hit a 51-yard field goal at the buzzer to give the Jags a 23-21 upset win. Last season the Colts took the two games from J-Ville by scores of 29-7 and 28-25.

So far this NFL season, teams that win the time-of-possession battle have won 71% of the games played, and have covered the spread 71% of the time. Going into Thursday's game, Jacksonville ranks eighth in the league in average TOP at 31:42, while Indianapolis ranks 29th at 27:59.

The totals are 7-7 in Colts games this season, which are averaging 43 total points, while the O/Us are 5-8-1 in Jags games, which are averaging 41 points.

Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars Pointspread Free Pick

The Indianapolis Colts (10-4 SU, 6-7-1 ATS, 7-7O/U) have won seven consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook and look like they’re gearing up for an extended postseason run at this point.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9 SU, 4-10 ATS, 5-8-1 O/U) snapped their four-game losing streak the last time they took the field.

On Thursday, the AFC South rivals will both be looking to pick up a victory when they battle at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

The Colts are coming off a 31-21 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, but failed to cover the spread for BetUS NFL sports betting backers as a 17-point home favorite last week.

Quarterback Peyton Manning completed 28 of 37 passes for 318 yards and one touchdown while veteran running back Dominic Rhodes rushed for 86 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 20 carries. Tight end Dallas Clark caught 12 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown.

The Jaguars handed the Green Bay Packers a 20-16 defeat, covering the spread as a 3-point underdog in the BetUS Sportsbook last week for the first time following four consecutive ATS losses.

"It's been awhile," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "It was a happy locker room."

Quarterback David Garrard completed 21 of 33 passes for 238 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Jacksonville while wide receiver Dennis Northcutt caught five passes for 127 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Pick:

• The Colts are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.
• The Colts are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• The Jaguars are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
• The Jaguars are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a home underdog.
• The Over is 4-0 in Colts last 4 vs. AFC South.
• The Under is 5-0 in Jaguars last 5 games as an underdog.
• The Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Jacksonville.
• The Colts are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• The Underdog is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

NFL Odds

• Indianapolis Colts -6 -110
• Jacksonville Jaguars +6 -110
• Over 40 -110
• Under 40 -110

Analysis: While the Jacksonville Jaguars are playing at home in this contest, I like the Indianapolis Colts to find a way to win this important late-season meeting. With Jacksonville’s season-long troubles on offense this season, I also say, take Indy to cover the spread narrowly as well.

NFL Free Picks: Colts -6 Points/Over 40 Total Points

Colts vs Jaguars Free Pick

Indianapolis trying to secure a playoff spot

• WHO: Indianapolis Colts (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars
• WHAT: NFL betting
• WHEN: Thursday, December 18 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, FL
• KEY STATS: Indianapolis has won six of its last 10 meetings with Jacksonville
• PICK: Indianapolis

 Fans have seen the Indianapolis Colts quietly become the NFL’s hottest team, and those who bet on sports know it’s usually smart to roll with the hot hand. The Colts will head to Jacksonville on Thursday night to take on the disappointing Jaguars, who will be looking to throw a wrench into the plans of their AFC South rivals. Indy has been installed as a seven-point NFL betting favorite on the road.

The Colts (10-4) scored 10 points in the final 8:39 to come away with a 31-21 victory over winless Detroit at home, and Peyton Manning was on fire against the Lions, going 28-of-37 for 318 yards and a touchdown to Dallas Clark.

The tight end had a productive day, catching 12 passes for 142 yards, while Reggie Wayne added seven receptions for 104 yards in one of the best days for Indianapolis’ vaunted aerial attack in a while. If the passing game was more consistent this season, the Colts vs Jaguars line would favor Indianapolis even more.

The Jaguars (5-9) used a fourth-quarter surge to end Green Bay’s playoff hopes with a 20-16 victory over the Packers at home, and they got a big performance from an unlikely source in receiver Dennis Northcutt, who caught five balls for 127 yards and a score for the Jaguars.

David Garrard went 21-of-33 for 238 yards and two touchdowns for Jacksonville, which was outgained 338-323. However, the Jags didn’t commit any turnovers while picking off Green Bay pivot Aaron Rodgers once.

Colts vs Jaguars odds have Indianapolis as a seven-point favorite in this NFL betting matchup of division rivals, and the Colts have had the upper hand lately, winning six of their last 10 meetings with Jacksonville. But the Jaguars will be going for the season sweep after beating the Colts 23-21 in Indianapolis by a last-second 51-yard field goal from Josh Scobee.

The Jaguars ran for 236 yards in that contest and the ground game will be their focus again as the Colts are 25th in the league against the run.

Don’t let that earlier Jacksonville win fool you on the Colts vs Jaguars spread. The Colts have regained the swagger that made them Super Bowl champions two years ago and, after their slow start, they are the team that no one wants to face in the playoffs.

STAN’S PICK: Bet the Indianapolis Colts to book their spot in the postseason with a close win in Jacksonville on Thursday.

Ben Roethlisberger Game Time Decision against the Colts

The Indianapolis Colts likely will have to prepare for two Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks this week after an MRI on quarterback Ben R right shoulder showed no structural damage.

But Pittsburgh Coach Mike Tomlin is not ready to commit one way or the other on Roethlisberger’s status for Sunday against the Colts. In fact, Tomlin said it likely will come down to a game-time decision. There is no line yet on WagerWeb.com for this game.

Big Ben didn’t practice Wednesday and had his right arm in a sling and left thumb in a brace; in addition to the shoulder issue, which originally was hurt in Week 1 but aggravated on Monday night, Roethlisberger has torn ligaments in his non-throwing thumb, and he may need surgery after the season.

Roethslisberger sat out the second half of Monday’s win vs. the Redskins, with 
Byron Leftwich (7 of 10, 129 yards, no INTs) playing well in his place. Leftwich got the snaps with the first team Wednesday, but that’s not necessarily news as Roethlisb  erger has sat out some Wednesday practices this year. And Roethslisberger says he wants to play inste  ad of resting a week and healing up.

“(I’ll practice) as soon as I can, as soon as I’m  able to,” said Roethlisberger. “We took a week off for the bye week and it still didn’t get to 100 percent so I don’t think it would help. That would hurt me. That would hurt my heart more than anything. I told my guys before until they carry me off the field, I want to be out there with you guys. I’m going to do everything I can to be out there.”
 
Tomlin also said that rest wouldn’t help much and that Roethlisberger’s not susceptible to aggravating the situation any further with normal in-game wear and tear.

The injuries are taking a toll on his play. A season after setting a team record with 34 touchdown passes and a 104.1 passer rating, Roethlisberger has struggled this season. His passer rating has dipped to 79.6 as he has thrown 10 touchdown passes with eight interceptions. Five of the interceptions have come in the last two games. Roethlisberger had a 15.1 passer rating against Washington, the worst of his career.

Cots coach Tony Dungy said he expects Roethlisberger to play Sunday.

“My sense is that if he can play he will,” Dungy said.

Colts vs Bears PointSpread and Analysis

The last time the Indianapolis Colts faced the Chicago Bears in a game that mattered was in Super Bowl XLI as the Colts defeated Chicago.  For the Bears that must seem like a long time ago, especially after last season’s failures.  The Colts were still good last year but lost in the playoffs to San Diego while the Bears missed the playoffs.  The Colts have some question marks to start the season as quarterback Peyton Manning didn’t play at all in the preseason after undergoing offseason knee surgery.  He will make his 161st straight regular-season start though on Sunday. "I keep using the term unchartered territory, and that's what it's been like for me," said Manning, "I hope to just get in the flow of things and go." The Colts will be without three-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday who has a knee injury and starting guard Ryan Lilja who also has a knee injury. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts at Home.

The Bears slipped to 7-9 last season and had problems on both sides of the ball.  The stout defense had all kinds of holes, finishing 28th in total defense while the offense was invisible. "We haven't played well. That is all you can say about it," said Chicago head coach Lovie Smith.  The Bears will turn to Kyle Orton at quarterback to start the season.  He doesn’t have a lot of help on offense as the Bears lost top receiver Bernard Berrian to free agency in the off-season.  Second-round draft pick Matt Forte will be the starting running back and will need to take the pressure off Orton.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game.  The Bears are 4-1 in the regular season versus Indianapolis since 1984. The Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 1. The Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

BetUs  Current Line: Colts  -  9.5   ,  Total  44

The Colts are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. The Colts are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games in September. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on turf. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.

The Under is 4-0 in the Bears last 4 games in Week 1. The Over is 5-2 in the Bears last 7 games overall.

The Under is 4-1 in the Colts last 5 games in Week 1. The Over is 5-2 in the Colts last 7 games overall. The Under is 7-3 in the Colts last 10 games in September.