Chargers at Colts – Bet on NFL

The three-point-favorite Indianapolis Colts will face the recent nemesis this Sunday night when they host the San Diego Chargers at 8:20 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium.

NFL Betting Odds:

San Diego Chargers +3

Indianapolis Colts -3

O/U 51.5

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? Find out more exciting details HERE.]

Before the 2005 season the Colts had a 12-0 record over the Chargers but since then San Diego have won four of the last five meetings, including several in the postseason where, by the way, Peyton Manning looked horrible.

NFL betting fans need to remember that Manning doesn’t match well against the 3-4 defensive scheme the Chargers present on every look, as he has a 77.5 passer rating versus San Diego and you shouldn’t forget the 2007 matchup where Number 18 threw a career-high six interceptions in a game.

"I think that the 3-4 defense helps us defensively. I think that we’ve done a good job giving them a lot of different looks so we’ve been able to get pressure," coach Norv Turner.

"And then we’ve been able to score points and keep the ball and that’s a big part of playing good defense."

Manning is coming off a 31-28 loss against the Patriots where he threw three interceptions (season high) and looked awful at times misreading the Pats scheme. Now you should consider that the Chargers are the best defending the pass, barely allowing 183 yards a game through the air, so yeah, this will be a tough one for the older of the Manning brothers.

On defense, the Colts could have big troubles too, as Phillip Rivers has thrown for 10 touchdowns and his offense has averaged 32.7 points in the last three games and they usually get hotter in November and December.

The worse part for the Colts is while they limited Tom Brady to less than 200 yards last weekend, they couldn’t stop him when he found a rhythm. Keep in mind that Rivers will have back wide receiver Vincent Jackson and tight end Antonio Gates so expect this offense to be on fire on the field.

San Diego is 7-1 ATS at Indianapolis, 5-1 ATS against AFC South division opponents and 7-2 ATS as an underdog.  Indianapolis is 2-0 ATS against AFC West division opponents but 0-2 as a home favorite of 3 points or less.

Simmons’ pick: Take the Chargers with the points.