NFL Betting: Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

NFL / Andy Richmond / 20 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Baltimore's Ray Lewis

"One of the fascinating aspects of this game will be the chess match and battle of wits between Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis – Colts quarterback and Ravens inside linebacker respectively. Manning is known as one of the best offensive strategists in the game. On the flipside, Lewis is recognised as one of the best defensive minds in the league."

The Colts may be unbeaten but they've had some luck during that run and after last week's point-fest at New England, Andy Richmond is predicting another high-scoring game

The Indianapolis Colts haven't lost in nearly 13 months, and Peyton Manning kept it that way by capitalising on a controversial decision by the team's last opponent, the New England Patriots. One of two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL, the Colts will try to extend their overall winning streak to 19 games Sunday when they visit the Baltimore Ravens.

Indianapolis are 9-0 for the third time in five years, and their 18-game winning streak dating back to a loss at Tennessee on Oct. 27, 2008, is three shy of New England's mark for the longest in league history.

But while they are yet to taste defeat, the Colts have enjoyed some very good fortune over the past three weeks. They got a fourth-quarter TD pass from RB Joseph Addai to edge the Niners, were aided by a bizarre fumble right before halftime and a missed field goal as time expired to nip the Texans and then came last week's magical rally from 17 points down in the fourth quarter against the Patriots. All three of those games were at home, however, and it won't be easy to duplicate such heroics in Baltimore.

One of the fascinating aspects of this game will be the chess match and battle of wits between Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis - Colts quarterback and Ravens inside linebacker respectively. Manning is known as one of the best offensive strategists in the game. On the flipside, Lewis is recognised as one of the best defensive minds in the league. Whoever wins the chess match between Manning and Lewis, may win the game.

If there is a weakness in the Colts game it comes when they defend the run and their inability to stop that offensive staple. They rank 14th in rush defence this year, and they have struggled against some of the league's elite backs like Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown and Maurice Jones-Drew. Ray Rice has evolved into the Ravens' featured back and he could cause some problems for the Colts and I would keep him on my side in any of the featured player markets.

The Colts can play offence. The Ravens play good defence, or at least they give that perception. Something has to give. I think Manning and the Colts offence match up well with the Ravens. The Baltimore corners are beatable, so look for Manning to have success throwing it. Baltimore will be a little more conservative but should still be able to move the ball effectively. It should be a high-scoring game and that is the way to go with your betting.

Recommendation: Another Colts shootout? - Back 1pt over 44.5 pts at [2.0] or better