BILLS TOP COLTS IN NFL PRESEASON ACTION NORTH OF THE BORDER

It’s no secret that the Indianapolis Colts put little emphasis on the preseason NFL campaign, and that ennui was evident on Thursday night in Toronto where they took on the Buffalo Bills.  Despite a halfhearted effort, the Colts hung around with the Bills for three quarters until Buffalo pulled away in the fourth to take a 34-21 victory in a game played at the Rogers Centre, home field of the CFL Toronto Argonauts.  Buffalo evened their preseason record at 1-1 while Indianapolis dropped to 0-2.

NFL football betting fans have figured out that the Colts are an almost automatic ‘go against’ in the preseason, and their money moved the pointspread that had opened with the Bills a -2’ to a closing line of -3’ or 4.  The ‘move got the money’ as Buffalo covered easily.  The 55 combined points scored went well OVER the posted total of 34.  Buffalo has now played in two straight preseason OVERs, though this was obviously more satisfying than their opening week 42-17 rout against the Washington Redskins.

There may not be a team in the league that cares less about preseason wins and losses than the Indianapolis Colts.  Indy is now on an 18-25 ATS run as a preseason favorite though, ironically, were on a 26-18 ATS run as a preseason underdog heading into this year.  They’ve dropped both games in 2010 as underdogs both straight up and against the spread.  Even more telling is the Colts’ performance in the past few years—Colts are now 4-11 straight up and ATS in the last three exhibition campaigns.

Veteran NFL head coach Chan Gailey earned his first victory at the Bills’ helm, and first round draft pick CJ Spiller out of Clemson scored his first NFL touchdown on an impressive 31 yard run in the opening quarter.  Gailey gave Spiller post game props for his performance:

"I think you can see tonight why we drafted C.J. Obviously, running the ball is what he does best. And he made an unbelievable run on that touchdown."

Spiller was chosen 9th overall in the NFL draft, and received high marks not only for his skill but his swagger—confidence is essential for a pro football running back and Spiller definitely has it.  He had these comments after the game:

"I knew there were going to be a lot of people that wanted to see what I could with both of our guys down. It felt good to get out there and make a couple of plays."

The Colts’ Peyton Manning played briefly, throwing for 91 yards on 8 of 15 passing but giving up an interception that was returned for a touchdown.  He all but suppressed a yawn while giving this assessment of the evening:

"We've still got some work to do. That's kind of what preseason is for. You want everything to go perfect while you're in there. That's not always the case, but I think you've got to have those kind of expectations."

The Colts will start the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 12 on the road against the Houston Texans.  Indianapolis is a -3’ point road favorite in the game, with the total set at 46’.  Buffalo will open their campaign at home, hosting their longtime rival Miami Dolphins.  Buffalo is a +3’ point home underdog with the total set at 37.