Indianapolis Colts (6-7 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (7-6 SU,8-5 ATS)
NFL Week 15
Date/Time: Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 1:00PM EST
Where:US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
TV: CBS
by Bob, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: IND +4 / MIN -4
Over/Under Total:44.5
Sunday at 1:00pm there is an AFC/NFC battle between two teams who are both on life support when it comes to their playoff hopes. The Indianapolis Colts will head into US Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are in need of a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive while the loser will be all but dead when it comes to making the post season.
The early line had Minnesota as a three point favorite at home but now the line has already went up to four points. The action is not overwhelmingly on the Vikings but 58% believe they will handle their business in US Bank Stadium. As for the over/under which is set at 44.5, 62% thinks the game will stay under this number.
The Minnesota Vikings went through a lot heading into this season. They lost Teddy Bridgewater with a nasty leg injury for the entire season and then early on, running back Adrian Peterson went down as well. With that said, the Vikings were the surprise team of the NFL jumping out to a 5-0 start and being one of the best defenses in all of the league. Since that 5-0 start, the Vikings have come back to earth and have gone 2-6 in their last eight games. What has the problem been? Offense, plain and simple. Minnesota still boasts the NFL’s top scoring defense allowing opposing teams to score just 17.3 points per game but the offense is only putting up 19 a contest. Minnesota has the leagues worst rushing offense much of this due to the fact that opponents do not fear the arm of Sam Bradford and they are able to stack the box and make his throw. This is something the Colts will do this Sunday, force Bradford to make the plays with his arm.
The Colts have been somewhat of a disappointment this year as well. Actually, Indy has been a disappointment for the last two seasons. At 6-7 overall, the Colts still have a chance to make the playoffs. They are only one game behind Houston and Tennessee in the AFC South division. The Colts cannot fall any further out of the hunt though if they plan to make a playoff run. They especially cannot lose a game to the Vikings with Raiders looming next week. Every game is a must win for Indy at this point.
How do the Colts get the road win? Well, I said it earlier, pressure Sam Bradford. This game will more than likely be a low scoring affair but Indy cannot let the Vikings get a run game going. The Colts need to win the time of possession and wear down that great Minnesota defense. It is also time for Andrew Luck and step up and be the quarterback the entire world thought he would be a few years back. This is HIS TEAM and it is time to man up and make some plays down the stretch.
I do not trust either of these teams and like I have said in articles before when I think a game is a toss up and you are giving me more than three points, I will take that bet. I like the Colts in this one. I actually think the Colts will find a way to not only cover the four but win the game.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS +4
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