Only a couple of years removed from a run at a perfect season, the Indianapolis Colts are now facing the prospect of going 16 games without a single win. After a couple of close losses the Colts are down to six chances to avoid that fate, with their best chance perhaps this sports betting week against a Carolina Panthers’ team that is second only to Indianapolis with eight losses.
Carolina Panthers @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday November 27, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
NFL Betting Lines: Carolina Panthers – 3
For as exciting as the Panthers have been offensively this season, they have struggled to stop anyone on the defensive side of the ball. Neither of Carolina’s two wins came on the road so they have a winless skid of their own to contest in Indianapolis, but getting a victory could come down to rookie quarterback Cam Newton once again.
Panthers Colts Betting Preview: Carolina Panthers
For as poor as the Panthers’ record has been this season, there is plenty of optimism for fans that can finally exhale over the prospect of whether Newton can be a legitimate NFL quarterback. Newton has made strides this season, and on top of setting a rookie record for rushing touchdowns with nine, he has already thrown for 2,885 yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back DeAngelo Williams is averaging 5.1 yard per rush with a lighter workload and teams being forced to shadow their explosive signal-caller, and if the defense can come up with a scheme to keep the Colts’ offense from getting started than Newton should be able to earn another accomplishment with his first win.
Panthers Colts Betting Preview: Indianapolis Colts
While it would be easy to blame Curtis Painter for not being Peyton Manning, teams have won with relatively weak quarterbacks in the NFL this season, and the Colts’ struggles are about more than just who is under center. Indianapolis ranks 25th in the NFL in rushing yards with rookie Delone Carter succeeding Joseph Addai and Donald Brown as the team’s leading rusher, and the coaching staff has not been able to find ways to move the ball efficiently. The team’s offensive struggles have in turn put the defense in tough situations, and Indianapolis ranks near the bottom of the NFL against both the run and pass.
Panthers Colts Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
For as poorly as the Panthers’ defense has played at times, they won’t be challenged by a top-tier offense in this game and will have Newton and an explosive offense behind them. All that Carolina will have to do is slow down Painter and company, and that isn’t that tough of a sportsbooks challenge. The Colts should be better with the extra week to prepare during their bye, but they should have been a lot of things this season and so far have failed to live up to expectations, so it wouldn’t be a major surprise if they come up short again.
Panthers Colts Betting Pick: Carolina Panthers