When the NFL scheduling committee decided on the Indianapolis Colts? opponent for NFL?s opening night, they couldn?t have selected a more intriguing match-up. As potent as the Colts? offense is, the Saints will bring just as much fire power to the table Thursday night. Combining for over 770 yards and 52.5 points, these two squads had two of the more impressive offenses last season. The defenses, on the other hand, each struggled at times during the regular season. Giving up 173 yards per game on the ground, the Colts? rushing defense was by far the worst in the NFL. Having lost DT ?Booger? McFarland to injury and OLB Cato June to free agency, the Colts could struggle again this year stopping the run. The Saints also had their problems stopping opposing running backs last season, surrendering almost 130 yards per game. With all of these numbers in mind, it isn?t surprising that almost 80% of Sportsbook.com?s early bettors are backing the OVER (53). But after looking at this match-up a little more closely, it is hard to blame the 20% that prefer the UNDER. Over the last three seasons in games where the TOTAL exceeded 49.5 points, the Colts covered the OVER just one out of six times. Moreover, the Colts covered the OVER only once in their last six September games. Despite having problems stopping the run, each team ranked among the league leaders for pass defense. The Colts ranked second yielding just 159.3 passing yards per game, while the Saints ranked third giving up just 178.4 yards per contest. These numbers coupled with inability to stop the run could hold the key for all of the UNDER bettors. Although both teams possess explosive passing attacks, each could concentrate on the ground game more in order to expose the others weakness thus controlling the clock. Other key trends also support the UNDER, including the UNDER is 7-3-1 in the Colts last 11 Week 1 games and the UNDER is 11-5 in the Colts last 16 games on turf.
With the football season finally underway, be sure to take advantage of everything Sportsbook.com offers. Whether it?s -105 juice Fridays, the numerous unique betting promotions, free contests, or access to seeing who fellow bettors are putting their money on; Sportsbook.com gives you the most ways to maximize your profits.
With the football season finally underway, be sure to take advantage of everything Sportsbook.com offers. Whether it?s -105 juice Fridays, the numerous unique betting promotions, free contests, or access to seeing who fellow bettors are putting their money on; Sportsbook.com gives you the most ways to maximize your profits.
