NFL Game Preview: Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts

It used to be that trades during the season were rare in the NFL, but if you are betting that your team will make a trade before the trade deadline, then you may be right.

With running back Marshawn Lynch going from Buffalo to Seattle, and wide receiver Randy Moss going from New England back to where he started his career—in Minnesota—the NFL betting landscape is starting to change, and the betting odds will reflect that.

For this game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts, nothing has really changed. The only thing different from last week about either team is that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is getting more and more frustrated with every loss.

The Chiefs are 3-0, but it requires a look at who they beat to determine how good they really are. In the opening week, the Chiefs beat what is a weak and inconsistent San Diego team.

In Week 2, the Chiefs barely beat an improving Cleveland Browns football club, and Week 3 saw the Chiefs pile up points on a hapless San Francisco defense.

Last season the Chiefs would lose games like the ones they have won so far this season. In that way, the Chiefs are showing great improvement.

But the NFL predictions about the Chiefs going up against a team like the Colts may bring Chiefs fans back to Earth.

The Colts have had their share of problems with the NFL scores this season, but it is still Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Where the Colts can be had is in the passing game. Bob Sanders was hurt early in the season, again, and replaced by DaJuan Morgan.

Morgan was hurt in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sanders looks to be out for the season, again, and now Morgan’s return is questionable.

That leaves an already-thin secondary exposed to Matt Cassel and the Chiefs' passing game.

On offense, the Colts are hobbled as well. Receiver Pierre Garcon, running back Joseph Addai, and tight end Austin Collie are all playing with injuries.

That leaves just Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne for Peyton Manning to throw the ball to with any reliability. Against the secondary of the Chiefs, that may be more than enough.

The Colts, as expected, have a very strong Northbet passing game. Unfortunately, they have regressed to their pre-Super Bowl years and have a very disappointing running game.

The Colts running game ranks No. 29 in the league, and they are only averaging 75 yards a game on the ground. Until the Colts get that running game straightened out, they will continue to struggle to win important games.

Indianapolis usually put too much stock in the magic of Peyton Manning. Even Peyton Manning needs people to throw to and a running game to stretch out the field.

The Colts should be able to get to 3-2 with a win in this game, but it will be just barely.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts 21-20