AFC South Week 9 Preview
The Houston Texans were able to bounce back from their first loss of the season two weeks ago to their sixth win last week over a banged up Baltimore Ravens team 43-13. With the victory, the Texans maintained their two game lead in the AFC South over the Indianapolis Colts and also their position as one of the NFL’s elite teams. The Colts, who are on a two game winning streak of their own, will try to continue to keep pace and perhaps pick up a game on the leading Texans. With all four South teams in action this week, there’s a lot to keep track of and plenty of great wagers to be made. Here are two games taking place this week involving teams from the AFC South division that should be particularly interesting.
Chicago Bears 6-1 at Tennessee Titans 3-5
The Titans defense will have their work cut out for them again this week
After winning five straight, the Bears have also established themselves as one of the league’s best teams so far this season. They will go after the best start in six seasons today against the Titans, who have had an up-and-down (mostly down) 2012 and are in desperate need of a win in week nine.
The Bears’ offense and quarterback Jay Cutler have been inconsistent, but they should have plenty of opportunities against the Titans, who rank 30th in total defense and 31st in points allowed, giving up 32.1 points per game.
The good news for Tennessee is that they are at home this week and their star running back, Chris Johnson, appears to be returning to top form and now is averaging 4.5 yards per rush. However, the good news doesn’t outweigh the fact that they are outmatched here. Take the Bears to cover -4 points.
Miami Dolphins 4-3 at Indianapolis Colts 4-3
This matchup features two surprise 4-3 teams, both led by rookie quarterbacks. The Dolphins and Colts were considered among the worst NFL teams coming into the season, but both have continued to improve as the season has gone on. Now the game is much more significant than anyone would have imagined.
Both squads are on nice winning streaks, with the Dolphins going for their fourth straight, which would be their longest steak since 2008. However, they may be without rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who got knocked out of  last week’s win against the Jets with a bruised left knee. Matt Moore relieved him and played quite well, leading the team to the 30-9 win, so at least the Dolphins know they have a capable backup.
The Colts’ Andrew Luck has improved, but he continues to show his inexperience. He comes into today’s contest with a 1-1 TD to INT ratio and a completion percentage of 55.6. However, he has displayed the leadership and ability to win games that got him drafted number one, like in last week’s game against the Titans, where he orchestrated two 80-yard touchdown drives to ultimately win the game in overtime.
With the Colts at home and with questions at QB for Miami, take Indy to not only cover the +3 line, but to win outright. Also, look to take the Colts on the moneyline for a more profitable result.
