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The Indianapolis Colts visit the Atlanta Falcons in an AFC-NFC crossover game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Christmas Eve at noon CT. Here, we will explore the top betting choices for Sunday’s game, providing insights and recommendations on the best ways to bet on the clash.

NFL Week 16 Colts vs. Falcons odds preview

The Colts, with an 8-6 record under coach Shane Steichen, continue their impressive season despite challenges including the loss of their starting quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 5 and star player Jonathan Taylor’s frequent absences due to injuries.

The Falcons, at 6-8, face a critical juncture in their season following a narrow 9-7 defeat to the Carolina Panthers, a game marred by poor weather conditions and a crucial interception thrown by Desmond Ridder. This loss has put their NFC South title aspirations in jeopardy.

In response, head coach Arthur Smith is contemplating a quarterback change, potentially reverting to Taylor Heinicke over Ridder. Heinicke, who previously stepped in during Week 8 and started two subsequent games before being benched, has had mixed performances this season, highlighted by an 84.2 passer rating from completing 41 of 74 passes for 498 yards.

Meanwhile, the Colts are coming off a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, overturning a 13-0 deficit to win 30-13, thanks in part to quarterback Gardner Minshew’s 215-yard, three-touchdown performance and a robust defensive effort that forced three turnovers.

Both teams find themselves in pivotal positions in their respective playoff races. The Colts are currently tied for the top spot in their division, while the Falcons, following their recent loss, are under pressure to turn their season around.

NFL Week 16 Colts vs. Falcons best game bet: Over 44 total points (-110 or better)

The Falcons, despite being ranked 26th in scoring with an average of 18.4 points per game, have shown a robust aerial attack with 2,811 passing yards at an average of 200.8 per game, placing them 23rd in the NFL. Their ground game adds another dimension, averaging 126.4 yards per game. Defensively, Atlanta has been vulnerable, conceding an average of 19.9 points per game and allowing 19 touchdowns through the air and five on the ground.

The Colts, on the other hand, average 24.6 points per game, bolstered by their balanced offense that averages 114.7 rushing yards per game. They’ve accumulated 4,754 total yards this season, with 17 passing and 16 rushing touchdowns. However, defensively, the Colts have been permissive, ranking 26th in the league by allowing 24.5 points per game. They’ve been particularly weak against the run, yielding an average of 127.4 rushing yards per game.

Statistically, the combined average points per game for these teams is 43, just 1.5 points below the game’s total. Together, they surrender 44.4 points per game, closely aligning with the matchup’s over/under. The history of both teams this season further tilts towards a high-scoring game, with the Colts having nine games exceeding 44.5 points and the Falcons combining with their opponents to hit the over in five out of 14 games.

NFL Week 16 Colts vs. Falcons best player props: Bijan Robinson anytime touchdown scorer (-120 or better)

Star rookie running back Bijan Robinson stands a strong chance of scoring a touchdown. His recent performance has been particularly impressive, with Robinson securing all of the Falcons’ carries inside the 10-yard line over the past month. This red-zone dominance is a clear indicator of his ability to find the end zone when in scoring range. The Colts’ defensive vulnerabilities further bolster Robinson’s prospects. The Colts have conceded an average of 4.1 yards per carry and 127.4 rushing yards per game.

Robinson’s season statistics paint a picture of a rising star. He leads his team with six all-purpose touchdowns this season, and has four rushing and one receiving TD in his last five games. So far this season, he’s been solid on the ground, tallying 801 yards on 176 attempts.

Given Robinson’s recent scoring streak, his increasing role in high-pressure, red-zone situations, and the Colts’ struggles against the run, all signs point to a high likelihood of Robinson adding to his touchdown tally in this matchup.

NFL Week 16 Colts vs. Falcons: How to claim your sports betting bonuses, best NFL promotions

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