NFL Record: Best Bets 7-5-1, Regular Picks 17-14-1 (Updated Dec 27)

Most weeks we provide our NFL best bet of the week and an additional two to three picks that we believe offer some betting value. Last season our top play crushed the book with an incredible 15 point spread covers from 21 selections. Good for a 71.4 winning percent. While it will be difficult to improve on that record, we'll do our best to help our readers in their quest of a profitable football handicapping season.

New York's playoff hopes took a hit last Sunday with a 10-7 home loss to a short-handed Atlanta squad. Indianapolis came from behind in the 4th quarter last Thursday for the 7th time this season to defeat Jacksonville 35-31. New York's offense stalled in the red zone last week and they have averaged less than 17 points-per-game over the last five games. QB Mark Sanchez has a 12-20 TD/INT ratio and has been making more bad decisions in recent weeks. The Colts have surrendered some big passing games to opposing QBs this season but their zone and speedy DBs should give Sanchez trouble. With a good pass rush, they should force him into quicker throws, a situation he hasn't handled well this year. Of course the Jets will want to rely on RB Thomas Jones (1,219 yards) for the heavy lifting but Indy is no longer the cupcakes in run defense they have been in recent seasons (112 yards allowed per game). The Colts may rest some players on defense but they have good depth in the secondary and their LBs are quick. The Colts have averaged 31 points-per-game over their last four victories and QB Peyton Manning may be headed for another MVP Award. He leads a balanced attack through the air as five players have 47+ receptions this year. WR Reggie Wayne will line up against CB Darrelle Revis and doesn't figure to be a main target in this contest. However, with the Jets blitzing frequently, Manning will see many one-on-one situations elsewhere and has proven he can make teams pay in that situation. Indianapolis doesn't run the ball very well but RB Joseph Addai will get carries and is also a threat out of the backfield. The O-line has allowed only 10 sacks this season and Manning is very adept at getting rid of the ball quickly. There has been a lot of talk of the Colts resting players but that strategy has really backfired on Indy in the past. Look for Manning and company to see plenty of action as they will only rest their nicked-up players at the start of the game. We feel the Colts' defense can give Sanchez problems and that Manning should be able to move the ball against the defense. The number isn't too high and don't expect Manning to leave the game unless the Colts have a decent lead.

Additional Pro Football Picks

• Miami -2
• Kansas City +14
• Jacksonville +10