Colts vs Lions NFL Football Spread/Handicapping
The Colts are getting no respect as dogs of more than a field goal on the road against one of the most mercurial teams in the league. Last week they were solid in their victory against Buffalo and have won 5 of their last 6 including 2 on the road.
Indianapolis Colts (7-4) vs Detroit Lions (4-7)
Sunday December 2
Ford Field – Detroit, MI
1:00PM
Moneyline: Detroit -220, Indianapolis +180
Spread: Detroit -4.5
O/U: 51
Indianapolis
They don’t dominate but they seem to be taking on the demeanor of their new star QB – slow and steady wins the race. Right now they are in the drivers seat for a playoff spot in the AFC.
Each time QB Andrew Luck has played poorly he has rebounded and led his team to victory. Last week’s numbers against Buffalo were hardly huge but he got the job done, mostly by connecting with Reggie Wayne who has been drinking from the fountain of youth. The duo may have to increase their production as Detroit often puts points on the board and Indy can’t rely too heavily on special teams scores like they got last week.
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Indianapolis has definitely enjoyed home cooking building up a 5-1 ATS record inside the dome. Perhaps that will translate to this week when they will once again play indoors at Detroit. To beat this team it seems best to jump on them early. I am not sure I completely like them at +4.5 but I still think it is a sign of disrespect.
Detroit
Any chance the Lions had of getting into the playoff mix ended with last week’s Thanksgiving loss to Houston. Houston is very good so there is no embarrassment but the overtime defeat had to have a huge emotional toll so you have to wonder if they are ready to bounce back. [soliloquy id=”82219″] If not Indianapolis is exactly the kind of team that could easily wear them out – methodical not explosive.
Last week QB Matt Stafford launched 61 passes completing half of them. Calvin Johnson caught 8 for 140 yards and I don’t think the Colts have a corner than can really cover him so expect his great play to continue. The ground game appears to be improving for Detroit and it might be something to watch as the Bills shredded the Colts on the ground with C.J. Spiller last week. The key will be getting the effort.
It looks like Vegas is challenging us with this one. At -3 I think it would be easy to make an argument for the Lions. But this team has disappointed so many times can you really trust them as a mid level favourite now. They could be emotionally spent and there is no rivalry juice to get them going for this one. I think the value is all on Indy.
Spread Pick: Indianapolis +4.5
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Indianapolis 37 – Detroit 34
