Can 2005 Colts match feat of 1972 Dolphins?
Sportsbook.com posts odds on possible perfect season
Six games separate the Indianapolis Colts from history. The Colts, lead by Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James and a much improved defense have set their sights on becoming only the second team in the history of the NFL to go undefeated through the regular season and go on to win the Super Bowl. Sportsbook.com has posted odds on the possibility of a 16-0 record at 3-1 on the Colts accomplishing the feat and 1-4 to fail.
“The team’s really firing on all cylinders right now, but with each victory the fan and media scrutiny and pressure will become more intense,” said Peter Childs, Odds Maker, Sportsbook.com . “Everybody bets on football, especially when it comes to achievements that go beyond simply who will win and who will lose a game. We’re already seeing tremendous action on this wager.”
Since the Miami Dolphins went undefeated and won the Super Bowl in 1972, only four teams have started off a season with 11 straight wins, something the Colts will be trying to do Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1984 another Dolphins team, lead by rookie Dan Marino, started the season 11-0 but finished with a 14-2 record and lost in the Super Bowl to San Francisco. In 1985 the Chicago Bears started with twelve straight wins on route to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl title and the1991 Washington Redskins and 1998 Denver Broncos each started their campaigns with 11 straight wins then went on to post 14-2 records and capture the Super Bowl.
Indianapolis plays in one of the weaker divisions in the NFL and many feel that an easy schedule thus far has played a role in their perfect start. But they finally defeated their nemesis, the New England Patriots, in stunning fashion three weeks ago and last week won a big game on the road against the up and coming Cincinnati Bengals. Indianapolis has won its last seven games by an average of more than 17 points and scored an impressive 36.9 points per game.
However, the schedule gets significantly more difficult the rest of the way with four of the next five games coming against some elite teams, including this Monday night’s showdown against the Steelers, another home game against San Diego and two difficult road games at Jacksonville and Seattle.
“The schedule is getting much harder and if they manage to go undefeated they will rightfully be considered one of the greatest teams of all time – but it won’t mean a thing if they don’t win the Super Bowl,” added Childs.
Will Indianapolis go 16-0 in the regular season?
Yes +300
No -400
Will Indianapolis win the AFC Championship Game?
Yes -240
No +200
Will Indianapolis win the Super Bowl?
Yes -120
No -105
Total loses by Indianapolis in the regular season
Over 2.5 +230
Under 2.5 -300
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