Football Betting

Colts vs Steelers odds – Colts looking to continue momentum

Posted on 11/4/2008 3:09:18 PM By Stan Simmons

Colts vs Steelers odds: AFC powers duke it out

• WHO: Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers
• WHAT: NFL football betting
• WHEN: Sunday, November 9 at 4:15 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA
• KEY STATS: Colts are 4-0 against the spread in last four contests against AFC North opponents; Steelers are 6-0 straight up in last six meetings in Pittsburgh
• PICK: Steelers

Colts vs Steelers odds will vary greatly this week depending on whether or not Ben Roethlisberger will be available for Sunday’s contest.  Roethlisberger sprained his shoulder on one of the final plays of the first half on Monday Night Football and is now listed as day-to-day, which means sports book odds have to be carefully adjusted.

The Colts vs Steelers line will be a difficult one to handicap, mostly because of the Colts’ performance this season.

It seems like all of us want to remember just how this team used to be but, realistically, they just aren’t that team any more. Considering the Patriots nearly escaped with a victory on Sunday night, and the Colts needed miracles against the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans, the Colts could easily be 1-7 instead of 4-4.

For starters, that vaunted Colts offense ranks just 22nd in the NFL with just 313.4 yards per game. They’ve passed for just 12 touchdowns and have nine interceptions so far this season.

If their passing games is struggling, then what do you say about their league-worst running game? The Colts average a paltry 70.1 yards per game on the ground, which is behind the likes of Cincinnati and Detroit.

And since the Colts can’t run the ball, they don’t hold on to very long and end up losing the time of possession battle. Only three other defenses in the NFL – the Raiders, the Seahawks and the Lions – have spent more time on the field than the Colts defense. That makes it tough to trust them in NFL betting.

Speaking of that defense, what’s to like about that unit that’s allowed opponents to complete 46.2 percent of their third downs? The Colts offense can’t stay on the field and their defense can’t get off of it.

Sportsbook bettors might look at the Colts and believe that they’ve turned a corner last Sunday with a win against their rival, the New England Patriots, but they should be cautious in doing so.

The Colts allowed Matt Cassel to complete 74 percent of his passes, allowed BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk to average nearly 4.7 yards per carry and were outgained 342 to 301 on their home turf – something that rarely happened in the past.

This week, the Colts now have to travel to Heinz Field, a place where they haven’t played well recently. The Steelers have won the last six meetings at Heinz Field, which is definitely going to factor in the online betting line.

Even if Roethlisberger can’t play you still have to like the Steelers. They have the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL and backup Byron Leftwich looks just fine. The Steelers just have too many advantages in this game and it’s time to stop backing the Colts based on desperation. Online betting sharps need to realize they are a different team now.

STAN’S PICK: It’s hard for the Colts to win anywhere on the road considering how poor their running attack is. Look for the Steelers to tee-off on Peyton Manning and expect them to keep the ball on offense and milk the clock in a tight, but decisive win. Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Visit the BetOnline.com Betting Edge for more insight into the Colts vs Steelers odds and NFL betting.

Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.