With every passing week, it becomes even more apparent how big of a difference one superstar can make to their team, especially at the quarterback position. While he hasn’t even played a snap so far this season, Peyton Manning has made his case for league MVP with his team now winless through nine games without their Pro Bowl signal-caller. The Colts have shown some fight in them even without Manning but haven’t been able to clinch a victory, and it won’t get any easier this Sunday with a sports betting visit from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday November 13, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
NFL Betting Lines: Jacksonville Jaguars – 3
Unlike the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars haven’t been able to capitalize on the Colts not contending this season, and have fallen to 2-6 overall. Jacksonville has scored notable wins over the Titans and Baltimore Ravens this season, but they could be in tough against a desperate Indianapolis team.
Jaguars Colts Betting Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars
The fact that the Jaguars will have had 14 days to prepare for a winless opponent should mean that they are rested enough and have a game plan in place to handle the Colts, but there really are no guarantees in this league. Jacksonville has struggled to move the ball even in their wins, with totals of 16 and 12 points in their two wins this season. While the offense continues to rely on running back Maurice Jones-Drew to move the ball, rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has struggled and the Jaguars rank 32nd in the NFL in passing yards. The one positive in a season littered with negatives has been the defense, which held the Ravens to just seven points on Monday Night Football just three weeks ago.
Jaguars Colts Betting Preview: Indianapolis Colts
While he hasn’t been excellent, there may be a little bit too much criticism being handed out to quarterback Curtis Painter. Painter was pulled in the fourth quarter of the Colts’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week after completing less than half of his 27 pass attempt with one interception, but the fact that Indianapolis hasn’t been able to move the ball on the ground either doesn’t help. The one unit that cannot be blamed is the defense, which has shown signs of intensity only to be dragged back down by fatigue from being on the field way too often.
Jaguars Colts Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
This online wagering matchup won’t be pretty, but it may be the Colts’ best chance left to get in the win column this season. Look for Indianapolis to come out running the ball early and often, and rely on a strong effort from their defense to put themselves in a position to finally earn an NFL victory.
Jaguars Colts Betting Pick: Indianapolis Colts