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NFL Week 3 Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts

Thursday, September 22, 2011

by BetOnline Sportsbook

NFL Week 3 Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts

NFL betting players had Pittsburgh’s trip to Indianapolis circled prior to the regular season as they figured it would be a matchup of Super Bowl betting favorites. But that was before the Colts’ star quarterback went down with an injury and now Indy is just trying to keep their heads above water. However, expect them to play with pride this week and prevent the Steelers from covering a double-digit spread.

Why Bet On Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

There isn’t a lot you can take away from the Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-0 shutout at home against Seattle, because the Seahawks are such a bad team and you knew Pittsburgh was going to bounce back after they were hammered in Baltimore in Week 1. Ben Roethlisberger was 22-of-30 for 298 yards and a touchdown, while Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman led a ground game that had 124 yards. Defensively, the Steelers looked like a team that was pushed around by Baltimore, and they took out their frustrations on Seattle by allowing a mere 164 yards, including 31 yards on 13 carries. It was a typically dominant performance by Pittsburgh, and even though it was only Seattle, it was encouraging to see the response of this veteran team after they were punched in the mouth in Week 1.

On the injury front, Roethlisberger hurt his knee in the second quarter against the Steelers, but he did return to finish the game and will likely play next week so don’t be surprised if you hear that the Pittsburgh pivot didn’t practice this week. Defensive lineman Brett Keisel may have to sit this game out because of his own knee injury, so keep your eye on the midweek reports, although the Steelers have a replacement in Ziggy Hood.

Why Bet On Indianapolis Colts (0-2)

NFL betting players were looking for an improved Indianapolis Colts team against Cleveland, and even though they fell 27-19 at home, they did move the ball better. Kerry Collins was 19-of-38 for 191 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while the Colts ran for 109 yards, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a huge day for them. The offense looked more comfortable under Collins, although they’re still awaiting the return of Peyton Manning and nothing is going to change that. The defense also did a decent job without their leader, Gary Brackett (due to a shoulder injury), but they’ll need to pick it up with their offense still not clicking on all cylinders.

There really is nothing to suggest that the defense will get better, because they weren’t that great before; Manning covered for a lot of their mistakes and you’re not going to get the same production from Collins, at least on a consistent basis. If there is one positive to having Collins on the field, it’s that he is an experienced quarterback and he has solid numbers against the Steelers with a passer rating of 90.7 in five games. Collins played in Tennessee for five seasons, so he got an up-close-and-personal look at the Pittsburgh defense, and that has to help this weekend. One injury worry for the Colts is guard Ryan Diem, who has an ankle injury, and they’ll need anyone who can protect Collins against a fierce Pittsburgh pass rush.

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How It Will Play Out

Early NFL betting odds have the Steelers as a massive 10.5-point favorite on the road in Indianapolis, where they are 1-1 SU and ATS in two trips to Lucas Oil Stadium since 2005, with both games going under the posted total. Don’t expect a shootout this weekend in Indianapolis, as this game is going to be relatively conservative and both teams will look to get their running game going.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will claim an SU win, but don’t be surprised to see the Colts to come away with an ATS victory. Collins isn’t a great quarterback, we all know this, but his experience will give the Colts a better chance against the schemes that Pittsburgh coordinator Dom Capers will come up with. You also get the feeling that pride will come into play as the Colts have been battered pretty good so far in 2011, and they’ll keep this came close. Take Indianapolis to go against the sports betting spread this week.

Bet Online Sportsbook Steelers vs Colts Betting Pick: Colts +10.5

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ben roethlisberger - brett keisel - dom capers - gary brackett - indianapolis colts - isaac redman - kerry collins - lucas oil stadium - nfl betting - peyton manning

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