Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts: Odds, Wild Card Betting, NFL Pick

The 10-5-1 Cincinnati Bengals are back in the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons, but they're still looking to snap a long postseason losing streak during which they've gone 0-6 both straight up and against the spread.

If they're going to snap that skid, they'll have to do it on the road Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis against the 11-5 Colts in an AFC Wild Card contest.

Point Spread: As of Monday night, the Colts are listed as four-point favorites. The total sits at 49.

Odds Shark Computer Pick: Colts 27.0, Bengals 26.1

Why the Bengals Can Cover the Spread

Since a three-game losing streak back in October, the Bengals have won seven of their last 10 games outright, going 5-4-1 ATS.

Three weeks ago, Cincy blanked Cleveland 30-0. One week later, the Bengals beat the Broncos 37-28.

Cincinnati finished with a tough 27-17 loss at Pittsburgh that dropped it to the sixth seed in the AFC, even though the Bengals rushed for 116 yards to Pittsburgh's 29 and won the time of possession battle by roughly 10 minutes.

They also gave up a score on a punt return, so that game could have gone either way.

On the season, Cincinnati only ranked 15th in total offense and 22nd in total defense, but it out-rushed opponents by 18 yards per game. Teams that out-rushed their opponents this season covered the spread 69 percent of the time.

Why the Colts Can Cover the Spread

The Colts ended the regular season on a 5-1 run, going 3-2-1 ATS after dispatching Tennessee last week 27-10. Indy took an early lead on a pair of Andrew Luck touchdown passes, then let Matt Hasselbeck quarterback the second half.

The Colts defense then did its part by holding the Titans to just 50 passing yards.

So Indy is in the playoffs for the third straight season with Luck. So far, the Colts are 1-2 both SU and ATS. On the season, the Colts ranked third in total offense and 11th in total defense, as they out-gained opponents by 64 yards per game.

Finally, Indy just beat the Bengals back in October 27-0, out-gaining Cincy by over 350 yards and easily covering the spread as a field-goal favorite.

Smart Pick

Cincinnati has laid playoff eggs in each of the last three postseasons, but perhaps it's time the Bengals grew up. Cincy should be able to run the ball on the Indy defense, and if quarterback Andy Dalton can avoid the turnovers, the Bengals should be fine in this one.

Also, Cincinnati is 6-2 ATS as an underdog this season. So the smart choice in this spot is with the Bengals and the points.

Betting Trends

• Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last five games on the road.
• Indianapolis is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cincinnati.

All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury and line movement updates.