NFL Odds: Jets at Colts

Written December 22, 2009 by Rock Henderson

The pursuit of perfection is still on for the Indianapolis Colts as they ran their record to 14-0 with a road win over the Jaguars last week. Peyton Manning played the entire game and will most likely do the same versus a Jets team that is one of several teams bunched together at 7-7. A touchdown pass with six seconds to go from Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez all but sealed New York’s playoff hopes. According to our NFL lines, Indianapolis is a 5 point favorite.

Mark Sanchez returned last week from injury to try and lead his Jets beyond the regular season, but he was welcomed back rudely by a game Atlanta defense. The rookie quarterback threw three interceptions that increased his number to 20 on the year. He has tossed 12 touchdown passes, but it has been a tumultuous first year for Sanchez to say the least. Rex Ryan was with Baltimore when Joe Flacco struggled at times in his first year and Flacco has flourished in year two so that must give the Jet organization hope. Thomas Jones has been the key cog on offense for the Jets, rushing for 1209 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defenses have started to stack the box against Jones in order to make Sanchez beat them through the air. WR Braylon Edwards did connect on a long touchdown pass last week, but has been a disappointment coming over from Cleveland. The Michigan alum has caught 31 passes for 508 yards and numerous dropped balls in key spots. Jerricho Cotchery leads the team in catches with 48 and has accounted for 737 yards with three touchdowns. Ryan’s defense has been lights out all year long. They rank first in points allowed, yardage allowed and passing yards per game. The Colts offense will definitely present a challenge. Receive a 20% bonus on your initial deposit at Bookmaker.com and starting betting on the NFL now.

The Colts have two members of the AFC East standing between them and 16-0. They have already secured home field advantage and a first round bye, but all signs point toward Jim Caldwell playing most of his starters down the stretch if healthy. Peyton “The Sheriff” Manning has had an MVP caliber year by throwing for 4213 yards and 33 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. The offense is not a one trick pony though as RB Joseph Addai keeps opposing defenses honest with his elusive running style. He has gained over 1100 yards from scrimmage this season and hit the goal line 12 times. WR Reggie Wayne has been outstanding and should eclipse the 100 catch mark in the final two games. Manning to Wayne has accounted for 1210 yards and 10 touchdowns. If defenses key on Wayne, the Colts can play inside the hashes also with Dallas Clark being a perfect fit in the scheme. Clark has turned his production up in recent weeks and now has 10 touchdown catches including three against the Broncos. Austin Collie has developed into a superb third wide receiver and has seven touchdown receptions. Indy’s defense has been susceptible to the pass, but those numbers are inflated due to teams being forced to pass when they were trailing.

Vegas has set the number remarkably low in the past three or four games the Colts have been involved in and Indy has covered them all. This seems to be yet another case against the Jets. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it and Indianapolis has been on a role with covers lately. Mark Sanchez has yet to prove that he can win in a big spot. He is a turnover waiting to open and giving Peyton Manning a short field to work with is lethal. Take the Colts to the bank once again.

Recommended Play: Colts -5

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