Posted on 12/8/2007 9:13:12 PM

Bet On NFL - Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

By Robby Maddux

In Sunday's nightcap, the Baltimore Ravens (+10) will look to avoid a seventh consecutive SU (straight up) loss as they host the Indianapolis Colts (-10), who's won three in a row SU after dropping consecutive games to New England and San Diego, and we have the NFL betting communities key trends and winning selection lurking.

Indianapolis has visited Baltimore four times since 1996, and has split those meetings SU and ATS (against the spread). Away from home, the Colts are 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS on the year.

Last week, the Colts pulled off a 28-25 win against Jacksonville as the 6½-point favorites that opened up a two-game lead in the AFC South over the Jaguars at 10-2 SU and 7-5 ATS. Peyton Manning completed 20-of-29 passes for four touchdowns and 288 yards in the money-dropping effort.

- Colts are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win.

Indianapolis is scoring a stout 28.1 points per game while racking up 369.3 yards for third-best in the league. It's no surprise a majority of success generated on this side of the ball comes through the air with 250.7 yards per game passing and 118.6 running.

Manning has a quarterback rating of 92.5 and he's thrown for 3109 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season.

Defensively, the Colts are holding opponents to an NFL third-best 16.4 points per game and 277.0 yards. The unit is surrendering 168.7 yards per game through the air and 108.3 rushing.

The Colts can wrap up the division Sunday with a victory, a loss by Jacksonville and a loss or tie by Tennessee. They may need to win all four games to ensure a bye since they have a one-game lead over AFC North leader Pittsburgh, which has the better conference record.

- Colts are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 14.

- Colts are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games in December.

- Colts are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

- Colts are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

The Ravens are coming off a hard fought game against the New England as they fell short 27-24 at home as the 19-point underdogs Monday night. They are now 2-10 SU and 4-8 ATS. At home, Baltimore is 3-3 SU and 2-4 ATS.

- Ravens are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss.

- Ravens are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

- Ravens are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.

Baltimore's offense has struggled all season, but that's nothing new, as the Ravens have been in the bottom half of the league in total yardage every year since 2002. This year, they are scoring a stagnant 17.2 points per game and collecting 301.4 yards, 197.3 coming through the air and 104.2 on the ground.

The only bright spot offensively for Baltimore is running back Willis McGahee, who's fourth in the league with 1048 yards. In last week's loss to the Patriots, McGahee ran for a season-high 138 yards and scored a touchdown for the seventh consecutive game after not scoring in the first five weeks.

Defensively, the Ravens are allowing 22.5 points per game and 294.3 yards, giving up 168.7 yards per game passing and 108.3 running. During Baltimore's current six-game slide, the defense has given up 28.3 points per game.

- Ravens are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 14.

- Ravens are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in December.

- Ravens are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. AFC.

- Ravens are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.

- Ravens are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games overall.

NFL odds list Indianapolis the 10-point favorites with a game total of 43. When the Colts and Ravens have hooked up the under has prevailed in the last four meetings.

- Colts are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.

- Ravens are 5-2-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.

Analysis: It's hard to imagine Baltimore bouncing back with a good effort following Monday's heart breaker. Not even home cooking will help this deflated team this weekend. Colts win in a laugher.

NFL Free Picks: Indianapolis Colts -10

> > Check Week 14 Odds Here

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