On Sunday, two teams who came into the 2012-2013 season after having high draft picks are going to meet in an interesting one. While not many people’s eyes may be caught by a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts, I think that this game could be a great betting option. The two teams are going to meet in Indianapolis, which has been a tough place for teams to play at times over the past few years. Obviously times are a whole lot different now with Peyton Manning gone, but in comes rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who has played very well this season. This is a match-up between two rookie quarterbacks as well, with the Browns starting their 29 year old rookie in Brandon Weeden in this game. Let’s not also forget the fact that the Browns are starting a rookie running back as well in Trent Richardson, and a rookie wide receiver in Josh Gordon, but all three have looked strong at times this season. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm EST for this one.

The Browns need to focus on getting that ball to Richardson early and often. He’s shown that, when healthy, he has the potential to be an incredible talent in this league. The Colts defense hasn’t been stellar this season, and if they can get Richardson to get all over that defense early it could make Weeden’s life a whole lot easier throughout the game. The Browns defense started off the season strong, but have taken a few steps back while playing against some strong offenses in the NFL. The Browns are really going to need to work to their strengths on offense, and work the run and pass game off of each other.

The Colts have seemed to just get the ball in Luck’s hands consistently, and just let him toss it around. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The team will be without running back Donald Brown as well, which means that Vick Ballard is entered in as the starter in this game. Ballard is going to need to find the holes to help out Luck, and also be able to catch some passes out of the back field also. There is some major talent on this Colts offense, and the player I’ll really have my eye on is going to be Reggie Wayne. Wayne has had some ridiculously good games this year, so we’ll have to see if he and Luck can get it going in this one.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

• Cleveland Browns: +1
• Indianapolis Colts: -1

Free Prediction and Pick

This game being right around a pick is about what I expected for it. Both sides feature some rookie options across the field, and both have been up and down this year. The Colts get a slight edge for being on their home field here, and the Browns are actually coming off of their first win of the season. I think that the Colts offense is going to be able to do enough to win this game. I really don’t think defense will factor in all that much on Sunday, and that this game could potentially be high scoring. I’m going with the Colts to win it by a field goal.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts -1