The Colts have won at least 12 games every year since 2003 but it's the Titans, who are 31-19 against the spread overall and 14-4 versus the number within the division the last three seasons, who have been best wagering friends to NFL betting enthusiasts. Teams are listed in predicted order of finish with 2008 regular season records and pointspread results in parentheses:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4 SU, 7-8-1 ATS, 8-8 O/U): The Colts will ride the right arm of QB Peyton Manning again but an improved running game and better defense are needed if Indianapolis is move beyond the first round playoff losses of the past two seasons. Jim Caldwell takes over for Tony Dungy on the sidelines hoping for a seamless transition. The schedule, because the Colts did not win their division last season, is a bit softer than in years past.Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 11/1; AFC Championship 11/2; AFC South 10/11; Over/Under regular season wins 10 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU: 117-59
ATS: 88-83-5
HF:39-40-1
HD:5-3
AF:27-22-3
AD:17-18-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Colts are 3-15 ATS at home against the Patriots, who visit Indianapolis on Nov. 15.
Sports Betting Angle: Indianapolis is just 4-13 ATS in its last 17 trips to Buffalo.
TENNESSEE TITANS (13-3 SU, 12-4 ATS, 8-8 O/U): Only the Steelers gave up fewer points per game than the Titans did last year but the loss of All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth (to the Redskins) has to hurt. Tennessee needs to run the ball effectively with Chris Johnson to keep the heat off QB Kerry Collins, who has a new target in top draft choice Kenny Britt. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 16/1; AFC Championship 8/1; AFC South 2/1; Over/Under regular season wins 9 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU: 104-72
ATS: 93-81-2
HF:28-32-1
HD:16-11
AF:19-14-1
AD:30-24
Sportsbook Buster: The SU winner in the Jaguars series is 26-2 ATS the last 28 meetings.
Sports Betting Angle: Tennessee has covered five of its last six games against both Houston and Indianapolis.
HOUSTON TEXANS (8-8 SU, 9-7 ATS, 10-5-1 O/U): The Texans have a shot at their first winning record and post-season appearance if they can shore up a defense that gave up more points than all but six NFL teams last season. The influx of four veteran free agents and five draft choices should help. Houston's attack, which was third in the league last year, only needs QB Matt Schaub to remain healthy to assure potency. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 30/1; AFC Championship 15/1; AFC South 9/2; Over/Under regular season wins 8 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 2002-2008)
SU:40-72
ATS: 56-55-1
HF:10-11
HD:21-13-1
AF:0-2
AD:25-29
Sportsbook Buster: The Texans have been a solid in the role of home underdog, including a 10-2 record the last three seasons.
Sports Betting Angle: Houston has covered eight of its last 10 meetings with Jacksonville.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-11 SU, 4-12 ATS, 6-9-1 O/U): Fifteen players ended the season on injured reserve so there's hope that a return to health will bring a return to prominence for the Jaguars. Jacksonville also was productive in free agency and did well in the draft. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 40/1; AFC Championship 20/1; AFC South 5/1; Over/Under regular season wins 8.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU:93-83
ATS: 88-83-5
HF:32-30-2
HD:13-10-1
AF:14-22-1
AD:28-21-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Jaguars have covered nine of their last 10 games the week before playing the Colts.
Sports Betting Angle: Jacksonville has covered five straight meetings with the New York Jets.
Legend:
SU= Straight Up
ATS = Against the Spread
HF= Home Favorite
HD= Home Underdog
AF= Away Favorite
AD= Away Underdog
O/U = Over/Under
This is the third of an eight-part NFL preview series.
