NFL Football
2009-01-03 - Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
A Sports Betting Pick by Indi
Indianapolis Colts
Another fantastic season for the Colts in the end after a dodgy start. They won 12 games again out of the 16 (6th consecutive time they have won 12+ games) and finished the season winning the last 9 games.
The Colts offensive line was beat up at the start of the year, Manning wasn't firing as he had surgery and missed all of pre-season but they have certainly found their form again these past weeks.
People wrote them off when they were 3-4 but since losing to the Titans they have won every game and have looked like a superbowl winning team again (in my slightly biased opinion).
Indianapolis finished 6-2 on the road which is good because they are on the road through the play-offs (unless they get Baltimore). Their defence needs to keep playing well though and forcing turnovers to take the pressure off Manning and co.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego must be shocked to have made the play-offs as they finished with a level 8-8 record. Denver really threw away this division but the Chargers ended the season with 4 straight wins and took it on the last day.
San Diego finished 5-3 at home this year which is below par for these Chargers who usually have a winning record for the season.
Rivers has had a great year and has put up the point when LT has struggled with his injury and Vincent Jackson has really emerged as a good WR for this team and has made some big catches.
San Diego are always a threat in the play-offs and they could be there or thereabouts again.
The Verdict
The best matchup in the wildcard weekend in my opinion with 2 in form teams facing each other yet again in the play-offs.
Colts have won their last 9 including a win in San Diego (23-20) while the Chargers have won their last 4 and beat the Colts in last years play-offs.
Before our regular season game, I said that the Chargers always play well against Indi and these games are always close.
This one will be no different but I'm going for the Colts to nick this. Manning and co are just too good on the offence and can create a TD drive whenever they need to.
I can't see Rivers and his offence doing that if they fall behind. They have won their last 4 but those teams were Oakland, Kansas, Denver and Tampa Bay (only Tampa had winning record and none made the play-offs).
The Colts look too good at the moment to oppose so take Indi for the win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take the Indianapolis Colts -2.5 @ 2.00
