Sunday will give us a showdown of two of the more interesting and surprising teams in the when the Indianapolis Colts travel to Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Before was hurt, this game was likely looked at as an easy win for the Colts. Now, Manning is out, the Bengals are 3-2 and dark horse playoff contenders.
The Bengals will look to win their third game in a row on Sunday, while the Colts are still looking for the first win of the season.
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Sunday, October 16 at 1 p.m. EDT
Watch: CBS
Over/Under
Bodog lists the over/under at 41. That is not a high total by any means, but I am going to go with the under here. I am just not sure about either offense in this one.
I wouldn’t be surprised with an over, but I would advise you to go under if you must bet on this one.
Spread
Bodog lists the Bengals as seven-point favorites. This is probably not the best game to be betting on. Cincinnati is 3-2, but has been far from dominant. Indianapolis is 0-5, but has kept games close. Still, if you must bet on this one, go with the Bengals to cover.
Key Injuries
Colts QB Peyton Manning (neck) is out.
Colts QB Kerry Collins (concussion), TE Brody Eldridge (knee), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related), DT Drake Nevis, and CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring) are questionable.
Colts DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), and WR Reggie Wayne (not injury related) are probable.
Bengals LB Rey Mauluga is out.
Bengals WR Ryan Whalen (hamstring) is doubtful.
Bengals CB Kelly Jennings (hamstring), and LB Dontay Moch (foot) are questionable.
Bengals S Chris Crocker (knee), TE Donald Lee (groin), and RB Brian Leonard (groin) are doubtful.
Fantasy Big Plays
Bengals QB Andy Dalton is a strong play. I like him, but I like Bengals’ WR A.J. Green more.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Also, the Bengals’ defense is a good play. While we’re on the subject, the Colts’ defense is not a bad play either.
Keys to Colts Win
The Colts have to get pressure on Andy Dalton. Without that, they have absolutely no chance at beating the Bengals.
Keys to Bengals Win
Don’t turn the ball over. If the Bengals make the Colts drive the length of the field, they will win handily.
Prediction
Until the Colts win without Peyton Manning, I can’t predict that they will win. The Bengals are a surprising team and will continue winning on Sunday.
Bengals 23, Colts 10