Browns Colts Betting – Manning-less Colts Look To Rebound At Home Against Bumbling Browns
When it was revealed that Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning would miss significant time due to a neck injury, and that Kerry Collins would serve as his replacement in the interim, the hometown fans were concerned but they didn’t panic. Following a 34-7 blowout loss to the division rival Houston Texans week one, panic may now be an understatement in Indianapolis, even though it may still be too early to completely write off the sports betting season before their week two-matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
- Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts
- Sunday September 18, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET
- Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
NFL Betting Lines: Cleveland Browns – 2.5
The Browns were upset at home by a Cincinnati Bengals’ team that they were projected to be ahead of in terms of progress at this point, leaving question marked surrounding just how far along the team really is. Cleveland will get another shot at a team that lost its franchise quarterback before the season, and they need to capitalize.
NFL Betting Preview: Cleveland Browns
Even though Colt McCoy through for a game-high 213 yards with two touchdowns, the Browns’ offense spent too much time working underneath and failed to connect on many big plays other than tight end Benjamin Watson’s second quarter score. Their inability to establish much of a running game was a detriment, and they lacked the big-play options to really spread the field. McCoy will have even less time to find a deep threat this week with a talented Indianapolis line baring down on him, and will need to make decisions quicker to capitalize against a relatively mediocre secondary. The Cleveland defense allowed the Bengals’ quarterbacks to record a combined QB NFL rating of over 99.0, and that effort won’t even be good enough to stop Collins.
NFL Betting Preview: Indianapolis Colts
The fact that the Browns’ offense was so bad in week one offers the Colts some reason for optimism heading in to their home opener, especially since Joseph Addai did manage 4.9 yards per carry week one and made a couple of nice grab. Indianapolis will have to scale back its attack and let their skill players do what they are paid to do, and as long as Collins takes advantage of Addai, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark without trying to do too much he should be fine. The Colts’ defense will not be lining up against one of the top-ranked offenses in the league this sports betting bonus week, so they should be able to rebound.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The outlook for the season and a potential playoff run is bleak, but that doesn’t mean the Colts won’t be competitive this year. Collins and the offense showed flashes at times in week one and they should be fired up with all of the criticism they have received after their opening loss. Cleveland doesn’t have the weapons on either side of the ball to take advantage of the loss of Manning for Indianapolis, and that’s why this contest should go in favor of the home team.
NFL Betting Pick: Indianapolis Colts + 2.5
