NFL betting handicappers will have a challenging task in figuring out a matchup of up and down teams as Denver hosts Indianapolis on CBS at 4:20 PM Eastern. Sbg global.com opened with the Indianapolis Colts as 5.5-point road favorites over the Denver Broncos and with an over/under of 48.
A Tragic Cloud
The Denver Broncos were coming off the high of a home opening win and NFL bet payout over the Seattle Seahawks last week but learned on Monday night about the tragic and shocking death of Kenny McKinley, who apparently took his own life as the death was ruled a suicide by gunshot wound to the head. McKinley played 8 games for the Broncos last year and was on injured reserve for the 2010 season. Law enforcement officials learned that he was highly depressed about his status with the team. McKinley was popular with his teammates and coaches and there is great sadness in the locker room.
Regain Focus?
The big intangible question heading into their NFL betting matchup with the Colts is whether or not the Broncos can regain their focus in time for Sunday’s game. Denver is 1-1 both straight up and against the spread with both of their games going over the total.
Statement Making Bounceback
The Colts were humiliated at Houston on opening day in a 34-24 loss as 1-point road favorites in which their defense allowed a stunning 257 yards on the ground. Last week on NBC Sunday Night Football the Colts responded with a complete team effort as they blew out the New York Giants 38-14 as 4-point home favorites for an easy NFL bet payout and a statement to all of those who wrote them off as finished that they intend to return to the playoffs.
The Manning Machine
Four Time NFL Most Valuable Player Award winner Peyton Manning looks to be going for “one for the thumb” as he leads the NFL in passing with a 121.0 QB rating with a 72% completion rate good for 688 yards and a 6/0 touchdown to interception ratio. Manning makes for the ultimate test against any defense.
Trends
Indy has gotten the money in 4 consecutive games against Denver and the favorite has covered 5 out of the last 6 meetings in this head to head series with the last 6 matchups going over the total.