Joe Gavazzi
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-3) 1:00 ET CBS
Forecast for this contest is for freezing temperatures with light precipitation and 16 mph winds. Nonetheless, we must favor an Indianapolis team on their home field, who earlier this season defeated the Bengals by a 27-0 count on October 19[SUP]th[/SUP], outgaining Cinci 506-135. In fact, 6/8 Indianapolis home wins have been by 7 or more points, characterizing a 6-2 SU ATS home log. Conversely, the Bengals are 1-3 SU ATS away vs. winning teams with losses of 26 at New England, 10 at Pittsburgh (last week) and that 27 point defeat on this field.
The availability of WR Green is a major factor in this contest. Without his services last week, the Bengals faded down the stretch at Pittsburgh, losing 27-17, despite outrushing the Steelers 116-29. The Bengals have ascended to the playoffs for the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] consecutive year. Yet, they have failed to emerge from the Wild Card round with victory, going 0-3 ATS with losses of 17, 6, and 21 points in which they have averaged just 11 PPG. This franchise does not have a playoff victory in over 20 years. A win on this field is a lot to ask from a team who was outgained for the season 359-348.
Far prefer the Colts, who have ascended each year under QB Luck. After losing in their 1[SUP]st[/SUP] playoff game in 2012, the Colts ascended 1 game further in last year’s playoffs, before losing to New England. It seems clear they are ready to continue their ascent. Two weeks ago, after clinching the division title, Indy was flat in a 42-7 loss at Dallas. Yet, they regained their momentum as our Top Late Phone Service Play of the Week with a 27-10 victory at Tennessee, in which they outgained the Titans 378-192. Led by QB Luck, the Colts have the best offense of any of this week’s playoff teams, averaging 29 PPG and 406 YPG. Combined with their home field advantage, it results in a double digit victory against the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-3) 1:00 ET CBS
Forecast for this contest is for freezing temperatures with light precipitation and 16 mph winds. Nonetheless, we must favor an Indianapolis team on their home field, who earlier this season defeated the Bengals by a 27-0 count on October 19[SUP]th[/SUP], outgaining Cinci 506-135. In fact, 6/8 Indianapolis home wins have been by 7 or more points, characterizing a 6-2 SU ATS home log. Conversely, the Bengals are 1-3 SU ATS away vs. winning teams with losses of 26 at New England, 10 at Pittsburgh (last week) and that 27 point defeat on this field.
The availability of WR Green is a major factor in this contest. Without his services last week, the Bengals faded down the stretch at Pittsburgh, losing 27-17, despite outrushing the Steelers 116-29. The Bengals have ascended to the playoffs for the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] consecutive year. Yet, they have failed to emerge from the Wild Card round with victory, going 0-3 ATS with losses of 17, 6, and 21 points in which they have averaged just 11 PPG. This franchise does not have a playoff victory in over 20 years. A win on this field is a lot to ask from a team who was outgained for the season 359-348.
Far prefer the Colts, who have ascended each year under QB Luck. After losing in their 1[SUP]st[/SUP] playoff game in 2012, the Colts ascended 1 game further in last year’s playoffs, before losing to New England. It seems clear they are ready to continue their ascent. Two weeks ago, after clinching the division title, Indy was flat in a 42-7 loss at Dallas. Yet, they regained their momentum as our Top Late Phone Service Play of the Week with a 27-10 victory at Tennessee, in which they outgained the Titans 378-192. Led by QB Luck, the Colts have the best offense of any of this week’s playoff teams, averaging 29 PPG and 406 YPG. Combined with their home field advantage, it results in a double digit victory against the Bengals.
