After securing the first division title of his young NFL career, Andrew Luck is now searching for another first: a playoff win. But standing in his way is the imposing defense of the Kansas City Chiefs. Will the prodigious Luck pass another test or is it still too soon for postseason success?
NFL Football Betting Preview: Chiefs vs. Colts
Game Details:
When: Saturday, January 4, 2014, 4:35 PM ET [sc:NFL240banner ]
Odds:
*As of December 31
Money: Chiefs (+120) vs. Colts (-140)
Spread: Chiefs (+2.5) vs. Colts (-2.5)
Totals: 46.5
Betting on the Kansas City Chiefs:
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Before their bye in Week 10, Andy Reid’s Chiefs were flying high at 9-0 SU, the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team. But after the bye, they have gone just 2-5 SU. All five losses were against playoff teams, including this week’s opponent, the Indianapolis Colts.
But an argument can be made that the Chiefs – whose playoff position was locked in even before that game – were merely playing possum in anticipation of a likely playoff meeting. And after resting its starters in their final game, Kansas City will in theory be the fresher of the two teams.
That extra week’s rest should help running back Jamaal Charles, who’s been a legitimate MVP candidate this season. The all-around back finished 3rd in the NFL in rushing (1,287 yards) and 1st among running backs in rushing TDs (12), receiving TDs (7), receptions (70) and receiving yards (693).
Charles rushed for 106 yards on just 13 carries and scored KC’s only points in their home defeat to the Colts in Week 16. But the Chiefs are arguably a better road team this season, going 6-2 SU away from Arrowhead. They also had their two best offensive games of the season on the road, with 45 points versus the Redskins and 56 points the following week against the Raiders.
Bet now on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Betting on the Indianapolis Colts:
Andrew Luck and the Colts weren’t made to work too hard for their first AFC South title since Peyton Manning left. Indianapolis went 11-5 SU and a perfect 6-0 SU against the NFL’s worst division this year. [sc:NFL240banner ]
Indy will be going into the playoffs on the strength of three straight wins to end the regular season, including one against the Chiefs in the penultimate week. Thanks to that win, Indianapolis is now 12-2 SU in its last 14 games against KC and 5-1 SU in the last 6 games at home.
After a losing start to his playoff career last year, Luck is poised to pick up his first postseason win. He’s already led the Colts to big wins over three Super Bowl favorites – the 49ers, the Seahawks and the Broncos, with the latter two coming at home. And in the Colts’ last two regular season games Luck has completed over 70% of his passes.
The Colts defense has also ratcheted up its performance recently; they’ve surrendered a combined 20 points in their last three games. Stopping Jamaal Charles will obviously be the emphasis for the Indy defense; Charles averaged over 8 yards per carry against their 26th-ranked run defense in their regular season meeting.
Bet now on the Indianapolis Colts.
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