The Indianapolis Colts have the historical edge over the Baltimore Ravens, having won 10 of 14 meetings and more importantly, nine in the last 11. On the road this season, the Colts are currently 1-6 straight up and 2-5 against the spread while the Ravens are 4-2 straight up and 3-3 ATS when playing at home. By the looks of the 2017, it seems that the Ravens may chip away at that Colts past dominance in the rivalry.
Looking at the 2017 betting record above, is there any sense in wagering in favor of the Colts this Saturday? Well, in losing the last five games in a row, they kept the score within 6-points or less in three, one of which (Bills) came in snowstorm overtime. Last week the Colts led Denver by a score of 10-0 deep into the second quarter, and 13-7 well into the third, but then proceeded to give away the final 18 points of the game which resulted in a 25-13 defeat. In fact, their recent loses all seem to happen in the tail end of the game. If they can string together four full quarters they may upset the Ravens in Week 16.
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough loss to Pittsburgh two weeks ago but bounced back to beat Cleveland in Week 15, if you can consider a win over the 0-14 Browns to have any significance. Heck, the Ravens even trailed the Browns 10-7 into the second quarter, but stole the lead on a Joe Flacco touchdown spurt. That was all they needed to turn the game around, and to cover a seven-point spread.
On the game, Baltimore outgained the Browns 376-266 and owned time of possession 37-23. Currently sitting with an 8-6 record on the season thus far, the Raven occupy in the No. 7 position in the AFC playoffs standings. Thankfully for them, they have full control of their own destiny, as they can officially clinch a playoff berth with a win here against the Colts and by taking the one at home in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Writer’s Prediction
With the Ravens on a mission to stake their claim in the playoffs, and the Colts heading for what many experts pick to be a house-cleaning in the post-season, a straight of win for B-mo is a foregone conclusion. However, that double-digit favorite status hasn’t played out well this season, with benefactors going just 12-14 against the spread, and as mentioned, the Colts have been keeping their games close. Take the Ravens SU but give the underdog the points.
