Colts' COVID Cases Are False Positives, Odds Favor Indianapolis Over Cincinnati Bengals In Week 6

The Indianapolis Colts had a scare Friday when four members of the organization tested positive for the coronavirus. After further testing found those results to be false positives, the team is still scheduled to host the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon.

If anyone doesn’t want their Week 6 game to be postponed, it might be Indianapolis. The Colts’ matchup with the Bengals gives them the perfect opportunity to bounce back and return to the win column, following a disappointing Week 5 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Indianapolis had been on a three-game winning streak. A pair of Philip Rivers’ interceptions led to a 32-23 defeat in Cleveland.

Cincinnati fell to 1-3-1 in the 2020 season when they were blown out by the Baltimore Ravens 27-3 in Week 5. Only two teams are bigger favorites than the Colts in Week 6. The betting line is eight points, according to odds compiled by OddsShark, and the over/under is 46.5.

Only the Ravens have surrendered fewer points than the Colts, who have been led by the No.1 ranked defense in all of football. Indianapolis gives up the fewest yards per game and yards per play. The Bengals rank 23rd and 17th, respectively, in those two categories.

Cincinnati’s only hope might be to take advantage of turnovers by Rivers. The 1-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, whom the Bengals beat for their only victory of the season, upset Indianapolis in Week 1 by picking off the Colts’ quarterback twice.

The Bengals have limited opposing quarterbacks to an 81.7 passer rating, good for fourth in the league.

Joe Burrow is coming off the worst game of his young career, held to a season-low 183 passing yards and a 66.4 passer rating. The rookie was sacked seven times.

Even an average Indianapolis pass rush can have success against one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. Cincinnati has allowed its quarterback to be pressured 39.9% of the time, which ranks fifth-worst in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Colts starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo has returned to practice after missing Week 5 with a rib injury. He should bolster what is probably the best offensive line in football.

Maybe it won’t be pretty, but the Colts should find a way to right the ship in Week 6.

Prediction: Indianapolis over Cincinnati, 20-13