Colts vs. Buccaneers: 3 Reasons Tampa Bay Will Cover the 10-Point Spread

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers crowd is going to be loud and proud on Monday night football against the Indianapolis Colts.

They haven’t hoisted a Monday nighter in eight years, and that game made history for all the wrong reasons.

In one of the best comebacks of all-time, Peyton Manning erased a 35-14 lead with only four minutes left in the game.

Too bad No. 18 is on the sidelines for this one.

Expect the raucous Bucs crowd to really rattle QB Curtis Painter (officially named the starter) and disrupt his communication with the rest of the offense.

Here are two other reasons the Buccaneers will cover the -10 spread.

(Spread courtesy of Covers.com)

Maturation of QB Josh Freeman

This guy is only 23-years old and plays with the confidence and poise of a 10-year veteran. Sure he’s not a great fantasy player, but I’m pretty sure the Tampa Bay faithful could care less.

He will be able to make the proper adjustments to the fast-paced pressure incorporated by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis upfront with lots of screens and slants going to ensue.

The Colts almost beat the Steelers last week because of the horrendous Steelers O-Line. Tampa Bay’s is much better and will give Freeman time to pick apart the mediocre Colts secondary. WR Mike Williams has gotten off to a slow start and is due for a breakout performance against corners that will be surrendering a lot in the height department.

Anticipate the Bucs to come out firing early with the momentum of the crowd carrying them to a couple of huge plays that give them a comfortable advantage early.

Key Trends

When evaluating how strong your pick is, it never hurts to look at recent trends against the spread. Check these out:

Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

Buccaneers are 6-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.

Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS win.

It’s tough to give double–digits in any game, but when you factor in Painter’s first start, a fired up Tampa crowd and a maturing Tampa offense…take the Bucs to cover.

Prediction: Buccaneers 23 Colts 10