Colts Raiders Betting – Colts Can Move One Step Closer To Clinching With Win In Oakland
Consecutive victories, including last weekend’s 34-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, has the Indianapolis Colts in position to clinch the AFC South title heading in to this Sunday’ game against the Oakland Raiders. Indianapolis can return to the playoffs with a win at Oakland this week, and then another at home against the Tennessee Titans to open the new year.
NFL Betting: Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders
Online Sports Betting Odds: Indianapolis – 3
The Colts could get in even sooner if the Jaguars lose one or both of their remaining games, but regardless there will be no excuse now for Peyton Manning and company against two of the weaker teams in the AFC. The Raiders have trucked their way to a 7-7 record, two games back of the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs, and will officially put their season on the line this Sunday.
Why To Bet On The Colts
After the worst three-game losing streak of his career, Manning has bounced back with some of the best football of his career. The reigning MVP has thrown four touchdown passes without turning the ball over through back-to-back wins over the Titans and Jaguars, after being picked off 11 times in the previous three games. The two-time AFC champion is as focused and determined as ever, and will be relied on to have another big performance to lead the league’s top-ranked pass offense against the fifth-ranked pass defense. The Colts can rival any team in the league when it comes to putting up points, but they have struggled against the run all year. The fact that the Raiders lack an air game and therefore will be much more predictable should help Indianapolis this time around.
Why To Bet On The Raiders
Despite playing .500 football this season, Oakland has surprised at least a couple of favorites with notable wins over the San Diego Chargers and Chiefs. The key to the Raiders’ success has been the ability to move the ball on the ground with running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, and there is no reason to think that will stop this week against the Colts. Oakland has five football betting wins in seven home games this season, and should thrive with the chance to play spoiler. Finishing above .500 is now the organization’s goal, and if they can move the ball while keeping it out of Manning’s hands, they could have a chance to guarantee they will finish at least 8-8.
How The Game Will Play Out
The Raiders will run the ball hard, and could very well go over the top with a couple of big play-action calls but in the end their offense is just not suited to keep up with the high-flying Colts. Manning has looked like a surgeon the past couple of weeks, and will dissect Oakland’s pass defense with the precision and accuracy that helped him set the record for most MVP awards.
Colts Raiders Betting Pick: Colts
