Indianapolis Colts (7-5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals 12/10/23 – The Indianapolis Colts visit the Cincinnati Bengals for this intriguing AFC matchup in NFL Week 14 action. In this must-win game for both teams’ playoff hopes, our NFL free expert analysis predicts the Colts will narrowly cover the spread on the road. Fans can catch the action live on CBS at 1:00 PM ET.
The Colts boast an efficient rushing attack led by Zack Moss, who is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. With over 700 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, Moss continues to move the chains behind a solid Colts offensive line. Pairing a strong run game with efficient passing from Gardner Minshew gives the Colts a balanced offensive attack. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is Minshew’s top target, with nearly 900 receiving yards on the season. The Colts’ offense should find success against a middle-of-the-pack Bengals defense.
The Bengals will look to running back Joe Mixon to set the tone on offense. Despite averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, Mixon has racked up over 600 yards rushing and provides a good complementary threat alongside Cincinnati’s elite passing game. Quarterback Joe Burrow has an array of weapons at his disposal, with receiver Ja’Marr Chase as the centerpiece. Chase is averaging 83 receiving yards per game and has found the end zone 6 times. However, Chase and this passing offense face a stiff test against the 10th ranked Colts pass defense.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Paycor Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Gardner Minshew QB vs. Joe Burrow QB
Minshew has given the Colts’ offense stability since taking over as the starter, completing 63% of his passes for over 2200 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also limited mistakes, with just 7 interceptions on the year. Minshew’s accuracy and decision making need to be sharp to dissect a talented Bengals secondary.
Meanwhile, Burrow continues to ascend towards elite status in year two. He has topped 230 passing yards per game while compiling an impressive 15:6 touchdown to interception ratio. Burrow was sacked an alarming 51 times as a rookie but has cut that number in half behind an improved Bengals offensive line. He will look to avoid the Colts’ fierce pass rush in this matchup.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Indianapolis Colts -130, Total Odds: 40
The betting odds slightly favor the Indianapolis Colts, with a -0.5 spread and a -130 moneyline. The total over/under is set at 40, reflecting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game. Bettors might consider these odds while keeping an eye on both teams’ ability to outperform their spreads, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trends
The Colts are 5-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last 6 games, consistently covering as short favorites like they are here. The total has also gone OVER in 13 of their last 18 matchups, thanks in large part to an effective offense averaging over 350 yards per game. In their head-to-head series with Cincinnati, the Colts have owned the Bengals both straight up and ATS over the past 5 seasons. They will look to continue that run of success in Cincinnati on Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
After a slow start to the Burrow/Chase era, the Bengals have been on an upward trajectory lately, with a 13-7 straight up record over their past 20 games. However, they have struggled against the spread during that span, covering at just a 7-13 clip. The Bengals have also been strong at home, with 4 of their last 5 games at Paycor Stadium staying UNDER the projected total. That bodes well for another lower-scoring affair against the Colts in Week 14.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals 12/10/23 Betting Picks
This game promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams showcasing strong offensive capabilities. The Colts’ rushing and receiving prowess matched against the Bengals’ efficient passing game sets the stage for an exciting showdown. While Indianapolis seems to have a slight edge in recent matchups and ATS performance, Cincinnati’s home advantage and offensive firepower cannot be underestimated.
Best sports handicappers would likely advise a cautious approach to this game, given the close nature of the matchup and the potential for surprises. However, the Colts’ recent form and overall consistency make them a slightly more appealing pick.
Free Pick and Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 24, Cincinnati Bengals 21