Handicappers at internet gambling companies will have to pay close attention to the up and down saga of the Indianapolis Colts for the 2010 season.
Very Mixed Bag
The Colts stand at 2-1 both straight up and against the spread and have gone over the total in 2 out of their 3 games. Indianapolis is coming off a 27-13 win over the Denver Broncos as they got the money as 5.5 point road favorites and went under the total for the first time all season.
The win was a perfect online gambling demonstration of what to expect from the Colts this season. They were outgained by Denver 519-365 as Kyle Orton lit up the Indy secondary for 476 yards passing. Yet Denver failed to get into the end zone on five different trips inside the Colts 20 yard line in a bizarre demonstration of the Colts bend but don’t break defense.
Meanwhile on offense Peyton Manning was in full Most Valuable Player form as he passed for 325 yards and a 3/0 touchdown to interception ratio. He finished the game with a QB rating of 109.2.
The Colts ground game was pathetic and inept as usual with just 1.8 yards per carry.
A Team of Extremes
Indianapolis ranks 3rd in the NFL for points scored and yards gained. Yet, that same explosive offense is causing handicappers at Sbg global.com grave concerns due to the fact that it ranks 25th in the NFL for rushing yardage.
The defense ranks 24th in the NFL for yards allowed and 18 for points permitted and a humiliating 28th against th4e rush and yet somehow the Colts manage to win games.
Such extremes make for a big time handicapping challenge at internet gambling companies but also make for potential frustration and dangerous bets. Beyond that it is hard to see the Colts making a run at another AFC title without a better defense.
Peyton is the Man
Peyton Manning is as close to a one man team as can be found in the NFL. Without a reliable running game or defense he will have to carry the Colts on his shoulders during the 2010 online gambling season. The four time NFL MVP has a lights out 116.9 QB rating for the season and a 9/0 TD/INT ratio. Yet Manning may not be enough to secure a playoff spot in 2010.