Betting Preview:You have to be very careful when making NFL predictions about the NFL scores in games like this one. On the surface, the NFL betting looks to be for a very good game between two teams fighting for the AFC South title. But there are things to take into account when looking at this game that go beyond team records and offensive and defensive rankings.
Peyton Manning is not an x-factor; everyone knows what he is capable of. But it seems like Peyton Manning has taken a season of frustration, and managed to put together one final push towards the playoffs. At 7-6, the only hope the Colts have of making the playoffs is to win the AFC South. as a 10-6 record may not be enough to get a wildcard spot. The team standing in the Colts’ way is the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Offense:
Peyton Manning pulled his team together to score a 30-28 week 14 win over the Tennessee Titans. It was an important divisional win, and Manning did not throw an interception. The Colts running backs combined for only 87 total yards, but Manning threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Joseph Addai is practicing, but it is unknown whether or not he will be able to play in this game. With or without Addai, the Colts’ key to success for the last three games of the season is simple; if Peyton Manning can avoid throwing interceptions then the Colts win.
The Jaguars are trying to shake the notion that they have been more lucky than good this season. One “Hail Mary” win and the Jags are considered a fluke for the season. The truth is that Jacksonville is a potent balance of an effective passing game headed by quarterback David Garrard, and a powerful running game featuring running back Maurice Jones-Drew. If you shut down Garrard, then Jones-Drew will beat you. The Jaguars offer a lot of surprises for any team that takes them lightly.
Defense:
Defense is where the Jaguars might fall short in this game. Jacksonville is ranked 28th against the pass, and this is not the same Peyton Manning that the Jaguars defense terrorized in their week four win over the Colts. This Peyton Manning is measuring each throw and avoiding turnovers. The Jags do not have the kind of secondary that can cover receivers like Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon when Peyton Manning is on target.
Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are two defensive linemen that are expected to play for the Colts in this game. That makes all the difference in the world. With Freeney and Mathis in on defense, the Colts will control the line of scrimmage. They will put pressure on Garrard and make it very difficult for Jones-Drew to run. With middle linebacker Gary Brackett returning last week, the Colts defense is ready for this game.
The Bottom Line:
This will be a good game, but it has the potential to be a Colts blowout. If the Jaguars can play a ball possession game and keep Peyton Manning off the field, then they have a chance. But with Brackett, Freeney and Mathis all playing on the Colts defense for this game, it is unlikely that Jacksonville will be able to keep the ball away from the Colts for long.
BSN Sports Pick: Indianapolis Colts
