Last Updated on January 16, 2010 1:00 pm by Anthony Rome
Ravens vs. Colts Pick
The Baltimore Ravens have already overcome one tough road challenge in the playoffs, but face another on Saturday when they take on the Indianapolis Colts at 8:15PM ET.
The Ravens beat the Patriots 33-14 as a 4-point underdog during Wildcard Weekend, while the combined score went over the posted total of 44 points. Ray Rice rushed for 159 yards with two touchdowns on 22 carries, while Willis McGahee rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in the win.
The Colts had a first round bye, but lost to the Bills 30-7 as an 8-point underdog in Week 17. The combined score went over the posted total of 32 points, as Peyton Manning threw for 95 yards and an interception in limited time.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made the Colts 6.5-point favorites over the Ravens for this Divisional Round playoff matchup. The over/under total for this game has been set for 44 points.
The public seems split on this game after Baltimore crushed New England last weekend. Plus, Indianapolis has lost their last two games and has also failed to cover in its past two games.
That said, the Colts are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games when playing Baltimore and 7-0 straight up against the Ravens in their past seven outings.
This is a bad matchup for the Ravens. Manning knows Baltimore’s defense extremely well and the Ravens don’t have the manpower in the secondary to contain the Colts’ offense for four quarters. With an array of weapons at his disposal, Manning will have plenty of success against a Raven defense that hasn’t been as good as in year’s past. Plus, with the way Manning gets the ball out of his hand quickly, Baltimore is going to have a tough time blitzing with much success.
Our free pick prediction for this matchup is the Colts –6.5 and recommend taking the over. Both teams average over 24 points per game and we don’t see a lot of three-and-outs happening in this contest.
Our NFL Divisional Playoff Free Pick for this matchup is: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS –6.5 and OVER 44.
111 Baltimore Ravens +7 (+205 moneyline) Over 44
112 Indianapolis Colts –7 (-245 moneyline) Under 44
NFL Divisional Playoff Betting Trends
Baltimore is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 6 games on the road
Indianapolis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indianapolis’s last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
NFL Divisional Playoff Injury Report
BALTIMORE
[OT] 08/04/2009 – Adam Terry IR ( Knee )
[CB] 10/19/2009 – Samari Rolle IR ( Neck )
[WR] 08/14/2009 – Marcus Smith IR ( ACL )
[DT] 08/15/2009 – Lamar Divens IR ( Hip )
[LB] 09/06/2009 – Jason Phillips IR ( Knee )
[LB] 10/05/2009 – Brendon Ayanbadejo IR ( Quad )
[DB] 11/17/2009 – Haruki Nakamura IR ( Ankle )
[RB] 11/24/2009 – Matt Lawrence IR ( Knee )
[CB] 11/24/2009 – Fabian Washington IR ( Knee )
[DT] 12/19/2009 – Brandon McKinney IR ( Back )
[S] 12/25/2009 – KJ Gerard IR ( Thigh )
[CB] 12/21/2009 – Lardarius Webb IR ( ACL )
[CB] 01/10/2010 – Marcus Paschal "?" Saturday vs. Indianapolis ( Back )
[TE] 01/10/2010 – Todd Heap injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Indianapolis ( Leg )
INDIANAPOLIS
[WR] 12/24/2009 – Anthony Gonzalez IR ( Knee )
[CB] 11/05/2009 – Marlin Jackson IR ( Knee )
[LB] 11/04/2009 – Tyjuan Hagler IR ( Bicep )
[SS] 11/08/2009 – Bob Sanders IR ( Elbow )
[OT] 11/22/2009 – Dan Federkeil IR ( Concussion )
[QB] 12/09/2009 – Jim Sorgi IR ( Shoulder )
[DT] 01/11/2010 – Keyunta Dawson probable Saturday vs. Baltimore ( Knee )
[TE] 01/11/2010 – Gijon Robinson probable Saturday vs. Baltimore ( Knee )
[PK] 01/08/2010 – Adam Vinatieri is downgraded to expected to miss the playoffs ( Knee )
Posted: 1/16/10 1:00PM ET