Colts Vikings Spread


September 14, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

-Brad Marchetti

After an embarrassing 13-29 Monday Night Football loss, the Indianapolis Colts will look to rebound and regroup against an improving Minnesota Vikings team. In the Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings game look for a heavy dose of RB Adrian Peterson aka. A.P, Mr. Untouchable, Mr. Incredible, the best back ever, or whatever u want to call him. The Colts defense looked suspect and the injury to linebacker Tyjuan Hagler is having an effect on their defense. Minnesota is trying to make due with the erratic play of QB Tavaris Jackson. Jackson will face some pressure in this game from Colts DE Dwight Freeney who is unblockable on defense. The NFL betting odds for the Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings game is at Indianapolis -1.5 points.

Peyton Manning looked out of sync in his first start back but, after breaking the ice in the first game he should be back to normal. The real question mark right now for the Colts is health. Joseph Addai has a head injury and is probably going to play but, TE Dallas Clark, one of Manning’s favorite targets, might be on the sidelines with a knee injury. The Vikings have injury and talent concerns in their own secondary however and, Manning could burn them with WR’s Marvin Harrison (4.40 40-time) and Reggie Wayne (4.50 40-time). Minnesota will need their strong front 7 to blitz and put pressure on Manning to cover up their holes in the secondary. The Vikings D-Line could beat up on a smallish Colts defensive front if Colts C Jamey Richard isn’t adequate replacing injured Pro-Bowler Jeff Saturday. Addai will be counted to open up the passing game against a Minnesota run defense that is arguably the best in the NFL.

Minnesota QB Tavaris Jackson will draw the task of trying to manage the game against the Colts while Peterson tries to run the field into flames. Colts safety Bob Sanders is an angry ballplayer on a mission, so expect Sanders (4.35 40-time) to try and cut off A.P’s head. Clots DE Dwight Freeney will be counted on to harass and disrupt the young QB into mistakes. Peterson can do practically anything with the ball in his hands but, ultimately Jackson will need to gain the Colts respect with his arm. I say with Jackson’s arm because, Tavaris isn’t much of a mover despite the comparisons to Donovan McNabb. The Minnesota O-line is a physical group that can wear opponents down so time of possession for Minnesota is critical. The NFL betting odds for the Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings OVERUNDER is 43.5 points.

Indianapolis can’t be as bad as they looked against the Bears on Monday night can they? Will the Vikings live up to the hype of A.P and their high-profile off-season pickups? Will the Colts be able to protect a wobbled Manning with a wounded line?

NFL Betting Odds Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Edges

Indianapolis is 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a losing record

Minnesota is 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games

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