NFL Betting – 49ers step up challenge Manning, unbeaten Colts

Added on Oct 28, 2009 by sbworld in

NFL

For this week’s BetOnline.com NFL odds, there will be a lot of focus on the remaining unbeaten teams, Indianapolis, New Orleans and Denver. The Colts put their record on the line when they host San Francisco this Sunday, and the 49ers will have their hands full with Indy’s MVP quarterback.

49ers vs Colts odds – Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM ET

The 49ers (3-3) have dropped three of their last four, including a 28-21 loss to Houston, despite a rally led by Alex Smith. The former No.1 pick who has been pushed to wayside was brought on to replace an ineffective Shaun Hill, and Smith went 15-of-22 for 206 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. All three touchdowns went to Vernon Davis, who caught seven balls for 93 yards. However, the 49ers made too many mistakes with 11 penalties and a pair of turnovers, and they’re not good enough to overcome these mistakes yet. Michael Crabtree had five catches for 56 yards in his long-awaited debut, and the 49ers are eager to see if the talented receiver can be a boost to their NFL odds.

The Colts’ (6-0) 42-6 romp at St. Louis was little more than practice, and Peyton Manning didn’t even have to throw for 300 yards. Manning, who could be headed for his fourth MVP award, was 23-of-34 for 235 yards and three touchdowns and didn’t throw for 300 yards or more for the first time this season, but the Colts ran for 156 yards, which will take pressure off Manning, as well as leave him fresher for the postseason.

The Colts are an 11.5-point favorite at home in your sportsbook, and they haven’t faced the 49ers since 2005, when they pounded San Francisco 28-3 on the road. The 49ers’ pass defense hasn’t been sharp in their last two games, which isn’t a good thing when you’re heading into Indy to face Peyton Manning. If the Colts get their ground game going, it’s a wrap for the 49ers. Also, the Colts are easing Bob Sanders back into the lineup, so their underrated defense will be even better.

BetOnline.com Pick: Colts -11.5