Unbeaten Colts face huge test in hungry Bengals squadIt was just two years ago when a 9-0 Kansas City team saw its hopes for an undefeated season come crashing down in Cincinnati. Ironically, the same scenario could present itself on Sunday when the unbeaten Colts put their 9-0 mark on the line and face the 7-2 Bengals. However, this Cincinnati team won't be sneaking up on anyone as Indy is fully aware on Marvin Lewis' team's ability. This colossal clash has been highlighted by StatFox as its FREE NFL FoxSheet of the Week. The spread for this contest opened at Indy -4, but the Colts have since moved to a 5-point favorite. The total is now set at 47. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 PM ET on CBS. These teams have been two of the most pleasant stories in the NFL so far in 2005. Cincinnati has raced out to a 7-2 SU & 5-3 ATS start behind a talented offense, and a vastly improved defense. Quarterback Carson Palmer is being talked of as a MVP candidate, and Lewis' work with his defense has him being mentioned as a potential Coach of the Year. However, the Bengals have beaten only one team with a winning record and lost their two other games against plus-.500 teams. Meanwhile, in Indy, everything seems to be ticking. Both the offensive and defensive units are among the best in the league, and in fact, the Colts are outscoring opponents by a healthy 16.1 PPG. This contest marks the start of a very difficult six game stretch for Tony Dungy's team. A win though would be a big momentum boost in that quest for an unbeaten season.
There are plenty of great handicapping tidbits to consider when handicapping this game. Here are a few of them, directly from the FREE NFL FoxSheet of the Week:
Favoring Cincinnati…
StatFox Super Situations favoring CINCINNATI to cover the spread
Play Against - Road favorites (INDIANAPOLIS) - off a home win against opponent off a road win. (44-19 over the last 10 seasons.) (69.8%, +23.1 units. Rating = 2*)
Favoring Indianapolis…
StatFox Situational Power Trends favoring INDIANAPOLIS to cover the spread
INDIANAPOLIS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a road favorite over the last 2 seasons. The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 32.4, OPPONENT 15.7 - (Rating = 0*)
Favoring OVER the Total…
StatFox Matchup Power Trends against similar type opponents favoring the OVER against the total
INDIANAPOLIS is 10-1 OVER (+8.9 Units) vs. good passing teams averaging 235 or more passing yards/game. over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 36.2, OPPONENT 25.1 - (Rating = 2*)
There is plenty more to see on this key conference clash. Get the full breakdown on all betting options for this game, including the Money Line, First Half Line, and Teaser Line by visiting our FREE NFL FoxSheet of the Week! |