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NFL Betting Odds: Colts at Jaguars

Written December 17, 2009 by Rock Henderson

One team in pursuit of perfection will clash with a team fighting for a playoff spot when the 13-0 Indianapolis Colts face off against the 7-6 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts have stated that they are going to play their starters the rest of the way as long as they are healthy and will not rest them down the stretch like last year. Indy will see their 23rd straight regular season win. The Jags are in a heated battle for the final wild card spot and need to win their final three games to put themselves in the best position for the playoffs. Jacksonville is getting 3 points according to our latest NFL betting odds. Think the Jaguars are the play? Sign up for a new account at BetUS and receive a $500 bonus when you make your initial deposit.

A key loss to Miami at home last week put the Jaguars behind the eight ball for a playoff spot, but they can still obtain that goal with a strong finish. Jack Del Rio’s squad has played much better at home this season despite having lackluster crowds. This will be their final home game before going on the road to New England and Cleveland. QB David Garrard has taken every snap but three and thrown for 2987 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. His role has been reduced due to the fact that they possess one of the top five running backs in the NFL. Maurice Jones-Drew has taken advantage of Fred Taylor’s departure. The powerful back has rushed for 1136 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first year as a three down back. Jacksonville has also benefited from the emergence of WR Mike Sims-Walker. The third year wide receiver has caught 53 balls for 758 yards and six touchdowns. A relative unknown before this season, Sims-Walker has produced at a high level for the Jags. The lack of production they have gotten out of free agent acquisition Torry Holt has to be a concern. Holt has caught 46 passes, but none have resulted in a touchdown. Jacksonville’s defense held its own in Week 1 against Indy’s vaunted pass offense as they gave up only 14 points in a 14-12 loss. Since then the secondary has had issues stopping the pass and allow almost 240 yards per game.

There is not much more for the Colts to accomplish in the regular season as they have wrapped up home field advantage and a first round bye. That won’t deter Jim Caldwell from playing these last three games out as Indy learned last year that resting starters at the end of the season can lead to rust in the playoffs. Peyton Manning is playing at a level only a few quarterbacks in the league can reach. The Sheriff has thrown for 3905 yards and 29 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. His favorite target continues to be veteran WR Reggie Wayne. The former Miami standout has snagged 87 balls for 1078 yards and nine scores. TE Dallas Clark is coming off a three touchdown performance against the Broncos and has eight for the year. He is the X factor in the diverse Colt offense. Joseph Addai has done the majority of rushing after rookie Donald Brown was hurt. Addai has rushed for 729 yards and nine touchdowns, while he has added three scores receiving also. Indy’s defense is definitely built under the bend but don’t break mold. They rank third in points allowed at just under 17 per game, but are 17th in total yards allowed. As long as Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are pressuring the opposing quarterback from their defensive end position, the Colts will be a tough out in The Drum. Check out some of the other NFL predictions for Week 15 by some of the top handicappers in the business.

Divisional games are always tough to call because these teams see each other twice a year and know one another front and back. The Colts have covered quite a few numbers this season, but Week 1 against the Jags wasn’t one of them. Caldwell has already stated the starters will play if healthy so don’t take that into account. The Rock says to take Indy to the bank on Thursday night. Play: Colts -3