Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Indianapolis Colts (-3)
Game Total Line: (46)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Indianapolis (6-6, 6-6 ATS) has lost four of its last five games, including three straight. The Colts have been terrible against the spread, going 1-3 ATS in their last four outings. They failed to cover as 6-point favorites in last week's 38-35 overtime loss to Dallas.

After seeing 35 points on the board against Dallas, one might be inclined to blame the defense for the loss. In reality, Peyton Manning has been hurting his team badly. Manning tossed four interceptions against the Cowboys, and he's enduring the worst stretch of his career-11 interceptions in three games. Worse yet, he's been putting points directly on the board for opposing teams; Manning has thrown four interceptions returned for touchdowns in the last two weeks. With so many injuries, Manning seemingly has no confidence in his teammates.

The "D" is allowing 35 points per outing over its last three games but, once again, much of that can be blamed on Manning. Still, Indy is getting exposed badly against the run. The Cowboys racked up 217 yards on the ground last Sunday at a healthy 4.7 yards per pop. San Diego rushed for 129 the week before, and New England 168 the week before that.

The Titans (5-7, 5-7 ATS) are suffering a meltdown of their own. It's hard to believe they were 5-2 at one point, but they've lost five games since then, including a 17-6 defeat to Jacksonville on Sunday. Tennessee has now lost five consecutive games against the spread.

The offense is completely inept; it's averaging less than 10 points over the last four games. Awful quarterbacking is certainly part of the problem, as Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith look helpless. Against Jacksonville-which owns the NFL's 27th-ranked pass defense-Collins went 14-32 for 169 yards, two interceptions and no touchdown passes. The quarterbacks haven't had much help from the rushing attack, though. Chris Johnson is supposed to be one of the league's most explosive players; he has 20 carries for 58 yards in his last two games.

Tennessee's defense has actually been solid over the past three weeks, holding its past three opponents to 20 points or less. They rank eighth in interceptions and seventh in sacks this season; considering Manning's recent penchant for giving up big plays to the opposing team, the Titans should be able to get something going in that department.

Indianapolis has won three straight games against Tennessee, including a 3-0 run ATS. Each of those games went under the total; BetUS has set the total for Thursday's match up at 46 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Titans have been putrid in recent weeks especially on offense where they have failed to score over 17 points in 4 straight games. Their run defense has been especially poor allowing 156 yards or more in 3 of their last 5. Indy hasn't been able to run the ball at all, but may be able to get just enough yards to allow Manning some time in the passing game. Take the Colts -3 at 5Dimes on game day for reduced juice betting!