2011 NFL Team Preview
Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 8-7-1

Outlook:

Strengths: Peyton Manning.  This guy year in and year out is one of the best players in football.  And if you don't believe me watch one of his 15 commercials that run during football season.  All joking aside; If you have a guy like Manning leading your team then you have a great chance of winning every single season.

Weakness: This year we are going to break from tradition and pick them to have an off year. The Colts aren't very stout and roster deep like they have been the last 10 years or so. A few major injuries and they could really head to mediocrity or worse. Of course their passing game is the strength but that may not be enough to overcome a mediocre running game as well as a defense with holes. An aging line as well as some key departed players makes us believe that we just won't see the Colts being very good this year and may miss the playoffs entirely.


Betting Prognosis:  Betting against the Colts early before the country and lines makers figure out who this team is really is a good idea.  Betting with the Colts at any point this year is a bad idea. Last season they were only 8-7-1 and this year we feel they will be even worse than that. Look for early season favorite situations where they may be favored and lose outright. Houston will own them this year from what we can tell. Take Houston both games regardless of spread.

When to Bet this Team:
Never. Don't bet this team this year.  The line for the Colts is always inflated because they have a QB that can score in a hurry and sometimes seemingly at will. But this year will be an off year. All great QB's have them. Even Marino had a few losing seasons in his career.  Time for the Colts to rebuild and start investing in the future. Manning still has a good 4 or 5 years left so even the QB position should be considered soon enough.

Key Matchups:
Week 1 at Houston - If they lose this one then they are who we thought they were.
Week 3 vs. Pittsburgh - Going against perennial powerhouse should test what they have early.
Week 7 at New Orleans - Super Bowl rematch should be a good test for this team. By this time Manning will be frustrated and very tired. Saints should win this game.