Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens NFL Odds & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on November 18, 2009

The 9-0 Indianapolis Colts try to remain undefeated when they take on the 5-4 Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium this Sunday. Last week, it looked certain Indy would endure its first loss trailing 31-14 in the fourth, but Peyton Manning brought his team back to squeak out a 35-34 win over the Patriots. They got a little help, too, with coach Bill Belichick deciding to go for it on fourth and two deep in his own territory. The Ravens’ offense didn’t look sharp, but the defense did the job in a 16-0 win over division rival Cleveland on Monday Night Football. These teams last met last season with Indy surprisingly crushing a solid Baltimore team 31-3. That win was the sixth straight for the Colts over the Ravens. NFL odds makers have listed the Indianapolis Colts as a slim 1-point favorite with the total set at 44.5.

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You know how the old saying goes; “I’d rather be lucky than good.” The Colts are the living proof of those words this season. Although, I believe good teams mostly create their luck. But it makes sense with that good luck charm horseshoe on the side of their helmets. Lady luck has definitely been on Indy’s side the last three weeks. The Colts needed a fourth-quarter halfback pass from Joseph Addai to take the 49ers by four points. They needed a fumble right before the half and a missed field goal to beat the Texans by three, and you know the events of last week. Will Indy’s luck finally run out in Baltimore?

The Colts have now won a franchise record 18-straight regular season games and to continue this unprecedented run, future Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning will need to have the offense hitting on all cylinders against future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis and the ferocious Ravens defense.

One thing to watch is how the Ravens decide to play Colts star tight end Dallas Clark. Belichick was very physical with Clark, doubling him often, to keep him from beating them. Clark needs only one more catch to pass Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey for the most receptions at the position in team history. It is worth noting that the Ravens are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game and the Colts are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in this series. If you like Indy to improve to 10-0, bet the Colts at -1 at BetUS.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a rock solid 96.9 passer rating at home this season and that’s a big reason why the team is 3-1 SU & ATS on their home field. We saw the problems the Colts had in defending New England’s potent passing attack last week and Baltimore might be able to take advantage of a suspect secondary as well. The passing game will really open up if the Ravens are able to run the football with Ray Rice. Teams have found out that its hard to slug with the Colts so it may be best for Baltimore to establish the running game to keep the quick-strike Indy offense off the turf. Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown, and Maurice Jones-Drew have found success running the football against the Indy defense this season and now it could be Rice’s turn. The Colts are allowing 127 rushing yards per game on 4.5 yards per carry on the road. It is worth noting that the Ravens are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 3.0 points or less. If you like Baltimore to end Indy’s undefeated season, bet the Ravens at +1 at BetUS.

Jimmy Boyd cashed in his 5* Sunday Night Football Game of the Year on the Patriots +3 on his way to another winning Sunday in the NFL. Join him again this week for more winning football picks!

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