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Indianapolis Colts vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Betting Line: Eagles -3 o/u 46.5
11/7/10
The Colts (5-2) are coming off an impressive 30-17 thrashing of the Houston Texans. The victory, their third in a row, propelled them into first place in the AFC South.
The Eagles (4-3) will have Michael Vick back behind center for the first time since he injured his ribs over a month ago. Vick has completed over 60 percent of his passes and not thrown an interception. His ability to run might be a bit compromised by his injured ribs. Vick is also the second leading rusher on the team with 187 yards.
” I definitely have to be smarter when running with the football, trying to get down,” Vick said. “I just have to be conscious of what’s going on out there and try and protect myself.”
Running back LeSean McCoy has GAined 477 yards this season and scored Four touchdowns. McCoy is also a good receiver out of the backfield. Jeremy MAClin has emerged as the number one wide receiver with 30 catches and six scores. DeSean Jackson is the Eagle deep threat GAining close to 20 yards with each caught pass. Defensively the Eagles are ranked 11th in the league. Their run defense is ranked 17th while their pass defense is 11th. Strong safety Quintin Mikell leads the team with 39 tackles. Defensive end Trent Cole has played well with 36 tackles and a team leading six sacks.
The Colts are back in first place despite dealing with a rash of injuries. Running back Joseph Addai will most likely miss his second straight Game with a shoulder injury. Mike Hart who ran well against the Texans is nursing an ankle injury. That leaves second year man Donald Brown who GAined only 16 yards on nine carries last week. Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning is doing his thing to the tune of 15 touchdown passes and a completion rate of 65 percent. Manning might get one of his favorite receivers back this week. Austin Collie who has grabbed 44 passes this year practiced on Wednesday. Reggie Wayne is having a super year with 49 catches. Jacob Tamme stepped in for the injured Dallas Clark and caught six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Indianapolis’s defense is ranked 15th in the league giving up an average of 133 yards on the ground. Antoine Bethea and GAry Brackett have played well while defensive end Robert Mathis has five sacks. The unit played well against the Texans but has struggled at other times this season.
By the numbers, this line is probably right on the money. We’d make the Eagles a 3 point fav here, and that’s exactly what they are. Vick is likely going to cause some problems for the Colts defense but at the end of the day, all else being equal, it’s Peyton Manning vs. Michael Vick. We’ll side with Manning. Colts +3