Jets vs. Colts
When it comes to Santa's naughty and nice lists, the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts are tops on each respective list.
The Colts have been the most generous this year, giving the ball away 16 more times than they've taken it (worst in the NFL). QB Peyton Manning has given up a league-high 21 interceptions and should get an extra special gift from the opposition.
The Jets however, can expect lumps of coal in their stockings, as they've been rather greedy with the pigskin. They have stolen the ball 23 more times than they've given it up (best in the NFL), and are tied for second in the league with 20 pick-offs.
The last time these teams met, the Jets lost straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) at home in the season opener, 24-45. New York was a 2 1/2-point underdog in that contest, and the combined 69 points obliterated the 44 1/2-point 'total'.
Since then, the Jets have tightened up their defense and have not given up more than 18-points in their last seven contests. They are ranked third in the league against the pass, allowing a stingy 180.4 yards per game.
However, they're not so hot defending the run, ranked 27th in the league with 131.5 yards against per game.
The Jets are a chilly 16-32 SU in December and January since 1990, so forgive them if they are a little cranky during the holidays. Furthermore, they are 0-3 SU (0-2-1 ATS) in their last three at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
At 8-5 (6-7 ATS), New York is in a battle for a playoff spot and Sunday's tilt is the first of two straight games against division rivals.
Next week they meet the Bills at home.
The Jets last seven games have played 'under' in large part because of a struggling No. 26-ranked offense.
They have managed to break the 20-point barrier only twice in their last eight, and have lost their last three ATS.
Meanwhile, the 5-8 (SU and ATS) Colts' problems are just the opposite.
Their porous defense is Swiss cheese, ranked a moldy 27th in the league.
They've given up at least 27-points in each of their last six games, and have allowed 35.7 in their last three.
Their only saving grace is an offense ranked second in the NFL, and first in the AFC.
The Colts average 382 yards per game, 259 of those coming from the air assault. The ground attack is also heating up -- seventh in the league with 123 yards per game.
Rookie RB Dominic Rhodes danced and pranced for 177 yards last week at home against the Atlanta Falcons. Indianapolis won that contest 41-27 as a four-point favorite.
The combined 68-points demolished the 46 1/2-point 'total', extending the Colts' impressive 'over' streak to six games.
During those six games, the Colts and their opponents played 'over' the 'total' by an average of 9.4-points.
Manning was unusually solid in the Atlanta game, throwing for 325 yards and three TDs. And more importantly from a confidence-boosting perspective, he threw just one
The victory put an end to Indianapolis' five-game SU and ATS losing skid.
But the celebration could be short-lived.
The Colts are 0-5 ATS versus winning teams this season.
Las Vegas oddsmakers opened Indianapolis as a 1 1/2-point favorite, and that number has been bet down to a pick-'em. The 'total' is 47. Offshore sportsbook, Skybook, has an identical line.
