The Thanksgiving Day NFL finale between the Colts and Falcons won't be on in many households in the U.S. because of the dispute between the NFL Network (on which the game is airing) and some of the country's biggest cable providers.
Maybe that's a good thing, as two banged-up, offensively struggling clubs will take the field on Thursday night, with visiting Indianapolis an 11.5-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.
If it seems a stretch to compare a Super Bowl-quality team such as Indy to a bottom-dweller such as Atlanta, it's not. The Colts have not been the same since losing to the Patriots, and that's mainly because of injuries.
The key injury has been to WR Marvin Harrison, who won't play again Thursday because of a knee problem.
He has missed five of the six games since his injury and his absence has been exacerbated by injuries to wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez (hand) and Aaron Moorehead (back) and tight ends Dallas Clark (concussion) and Bryan Fletcher (calf).
Moorehead had started the last two games in place of Harrison, but he was placed on injured reserve this week and will miss the rest of the season. The Colts are hopeful that Gonzalez will be able to return against Atlanta. The team's first-round draft choice, Gonzalez has 15 catches for 207 yards in seven games.
Clark returned last week and will play, but he has only 52 yards receiving and no TDS in his past three games.
"I think we'll get some guys back this week and I think we'll get a few more after that," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "I think Anthony Gonzalez, (starting offensive tackle) Tony Ugoh and Bryan Fletcher could all be back this week."
Peyton Manning needs some offensive support, as he has been struggling lately. In a loss to San Diego two weeks ago, Manning threw a career-high six picks, and in last week's squeaker over Kansas City, he threw for only 163 yards.
Against the Chiefs, Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season, and his 163 yards were his fewest in a full game since Sept. 18, 2005, against Jacksonville. Even running back Joseph Addai is feeling the pinch on offense, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry the last two weeks.
"We need to start playing a little better offensively and being more efficient and not counting on our defense to hold their offense to 10 points," said Manning, whose passer rating was 49.4 two weeks ago and 52.0 last week. "If your defense is holding their offense to 10 points, you ought to be able to win the game pretty soundly."Meanwhile, Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino has reinstalled Joey Harrington as the starting quarterback.
Quarterback Byron Leftwich was ineffective in a loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday before being lifted in favor of Harrington, who had won two straight starts before being benched last week.
Against the Bucs, Leftwich was 15-of-28 for 106 yards with two interceptions and two fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He only has a 51.4 passer rating, and he missed practice Tuesday with a bruised tailbone, making Petrino's choice even earlier.
Harrington was 16-of-20 for 139 yards and a touchdown in relief of Leftwich last week.
"Joey will start the game," Petrino said. "Byron has to see if he can get ready to be the backup."
Leftwich is one of several players who suffered injuries Sunday. The most significant losses for the Falcons: Starting defensive tackles Rod Coleman (triceps, hand) and Trey Lewis (right knee) are done for the season after suffering major injuries.
Montavious Stanley and Jonathan Babineaux will start at defensive tackle.
Starting left offensive tackle Todd Weiner also won't play because he reinjured the left knee that was surgically repaired earlier this season.
"We're in a tough position, there's no doubt about that," Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking said. "Our backs are against the wall, and we've got some guys out there that haven't had a lot of opportunity in the NFL. It's their time to shine and step up and make some plays for us."
The lowdown: The Colts are 12-1 against Atlanta, but lost 28-21 in their only visit to the Georgia Dome in 1998, Manning's rookie season. Since that game, Manning has thrown for 615 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception in two wins over the Falcons. ...
Indy's defense allows the league's second-fewest yards (266.3 per game) and just 15.9 points, while the Falcons are second-to-last in scoring. Can't see any reason to buck this trend, which is why the best bet on this game might be the on the over/under of 41 (go with the under) on WagerWeb.com. With the game in Atlanta, there's a decent chance the Falcons could cover the 11.5, however.
Betting trends
The Colts are 6-4 ATS.
The Colts are 2-3 ATS away.
The Colts are 5-4 ATS as the favorite.
The Colts are 2-3 ATS as an away favorite.
The Falcons are 6-4 ATS.
The Falcons are 2-3 ATS at home.
The Falcons are 5-4 ATS as the underdog.
More MFL Trends
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