Fantasy football guru Matthew Berry has joined the team and his two shows have you covered all season long. Spend weekdays at noon with the Fantasy Football Happy Hour and then, every Sunday at 11am getting ready for kickoff with the Fantasy Football Pregame. Watch both shows live on Peacock and catch replays for the weekday show on the NFL on NBC YouTube channel.
FNIA features the Dallas Cowboys and the Indianapolis Colts. Dak Prescott and co. (+900) are among the favorites to claim the Lombardi Trophy this February while the Colts were thought to be contenders themselves prior to the season but now are longshots (+2000) in their own division with still five games left.
So why has Indianapolis struggled so mightily this season? The defense has struggled, yes, but the biggest issue has been the surprisingly poor play of the Colts’ offensive line. How big of a surprise? Well, lets list a few of the league’s massive disappointments. You can decide where to rank this porous line.
Russell Wilson – I lied. Wilson has to be at the top of everyone’s list with a bullet. Lets ride? And to think that Denver has another 4 years and roughly 200 million invested in this guy. Ouch.
The LA Rams - Yes, we all knew the Rams mortgaged the future to claim the Lombardi Trophy last February. Did any of us think it would go this bad this fast?
Aaron Rodgers – One of the all-time greats without question. The overriding thought was his play would be good enough to quickly mature a young group of wide receivers, but his play has been substandard.
The Patriots’ Offense – Not shockingly bad like the others on this list, but that’s only because their struggles have surprised quite possibly no one. But make no mistake. That offense is without a focus. The attempt to resurrect Matt Patricia‘s reputation has been a big miss.
Again, you can decide where the woeful play of the offensive line of the Colts ranks but know this line had been a foundational piece for years. It now suddenly stinks. Honestly, this line has been horrendous and has been at least one of the primary reasons why the Colts have gotten awful quarterback play and at best, a very disappointing season from All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Micah Parsons must feel like a kid on Christmas Eve as he gets set to take the field against the league’s 30th ranked scoring offense.
Indianapolis Colts (+400) @ Dallas Cowboys (-550)
Line: Cowboys -10.5 (-110)
Over / Under: 44.5
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Matthew Berry sorts through the challenges each team faces as they take the field on Sunday night. His research finds areas bettors can attack. Last week, he noted three plays and each ticket cashed. Here are his plays for Sunday Night Football on NBC.
Jonathan Taylor 75+ Total Yards
The 2021 All-Pro has reached at least 75 total yards in each of his last five games. In fact, he has reached the mark in rushing yards alone the last four games. Taylor must be a constant in this offense if the Colts are to move the ball consistently in this game. As a result, expect him to get more than his share of touches and targets.
Tony Pollard 50+ Total Yards
Is Pollard officially Dallas’ lead back now? Regardless, the Memphis Tiger has rushed for over 50 yards in five straight and in six of his last seven games. Add in receiving yards and he cashes that ticket each of the last seven games. The only question is does he get enough touches before the game gets out of hand and he gives way to the team’s younger backs.
CeeDee Lamb 5+ Receptions
The Cowboys’ WR1 has caught five or more in four straight and nine of eleven games this season. Lamb is establishing himself among the elite receivers in the league. Expect the Oklahoma Sooner to be targeted early but like Pollard, can Lamb catch five balls before the score gets out of control and Mike McCarthy sits his starters.
If you want to ride with Matthew Berry, know that BetMGM is sweating it with you. Play them individually or parlay the three. BetMGM will be boosting the parlay from +118 to +145.
Have a great weekend.
Tune in to Sunday Night Football on NBC
…and enjoy the sweat.
