The Cincinnati Bengals host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14 odds of NFL action on Sunday. The Bengals are 6-6 and will look to keep pursuing a playoff spot despite the loss of superstar quarterback Joe Burrow. Meanwhile, the Colts are 7-5 and just one game behind the banged-up Jaguars for first place in the AFC South.
NFL odds for this contest have flipped, with the Colts opening as 1.5-point road faves before jumping the fence to favor the Bengals at -2. Here are my best free NFL picks for Colts vs. Bengals on December 10.
Colts vs Bengals odds
Colts vs Bengals predictions
I've been on the Michael Pittman Jr. prop train all season and it's been paying off. The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver is tied for second in the league in targets (127) while sitting fourth in receptions (87). Pittman has snagged at least eight catches in each of his last five games and he's coming off a season-high 11 receptions on 16 targets against the Titans last week.
Expect Pittman to have plenty of success against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks 31st in the league in dropback success rate and surrenders 254.3 passing yards per game. Despite having subpar outside corners, the Bengals play man at the 10th highest rate in the league and Pittman boasts an elite 29.5% target share against man coverage.
I was initially tempted to play the Over 73.5 on Pittman's receiving yards total, but considering the high winds we could see in Cincinnati on Sunday, it makes more sense to take his receptions prop since downfield passing won't be as easy for Gardner Minshew.
Over 6.5 receptions is currently priced anywhere from -122 to -140, but even the higher figure is not a high cost to bear, given how frequently Pittman has consistently surpassed that tally this year.
My best bet: Michael Pittman Jr. Over 6.5 receptions (-122 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
Colts vs Bengals same-game parlay
Michael Pittman Jr. Over 6.5 receptions
Colts +1.5
Tanner Hudson Over 24.5 receiving yards
While the spread has flipped for this game, I'm going against the line movement and backing the road team here. While quarterback Jake Browning looked fantastic for Cincinnati last week, this is a sell-high spot for the backup. Additionally, the Bengals have a far worse defense than Indy, ranking 26th in defensive EPA and 31st in success rate.
While I'm not expecting another 354-yard performance from Browning, I do expect him to hook up with tight end Tanner Hudson for at least 25 yards. Despite only gaining 18 receiving yards in Browning's initial start, he still managed to receive five targets and complete four catches in that Week 12 game.
In fact, that clash against the Steelers has been the only time in the last five games that Hudson has posted fewer than 33 receiving yards. With the Colts having a tough time covering tight ends, expect Hudson to eclipse his low receiving yards total.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NFL bonuses
All Users
Bet $20 in NFL same-game parlays
Get $10 in bonus bets! Claim Now
All Users
50% boost for 3+ leg parlay/SGP
e.g. +400 BOOSTS to +520! Claim Now
All Users
50% boost 4+ leg parlay/SGP
e.g. +300 BOOSTS to +450! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Colts vs Bengals spread and Over/Under analysis
The lookahead line for this game had the Colts as 2.5-point favorites, but after Browning completed 80% of his passes for 354 yards last week, money has steadily come in on the Bengals. The Bengals were 1-point favorites by Thursday, and as of Friday, they are as high as -2 depending on the book.
Given the Bengals' offense demonstrating its ability to score even without Burrow, and considering both teams' vulnerable defenses, the total has experienced considerable fluctuations. It initially opened at 40.5, and after being hammered by sharps and the public, the O/U has since climbed to 44.
The Colts are 4-0 straight up and against the spread in their last four games, but the teams they played during that span were a combined 12-36 entering Week 14. The Bengals are 1-3 SU and ATS in their last four, but beating the Jaguars on the road last week showed that they can't be taken lightly — even without Burrow.
Colts vs Bengals betting trend to know
The Over is 14-5 in the Colts' last 19 games (+8.50 Units / 41% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Colts vs. Bengals.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Colts vs Bengals game info
| Location: | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
| Opening odds: | Bengals +2.5, 40.5 |
Colts vs Bengals latest injuries
Colts vs Bengals weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our live NFL weather info and learn how weather impacts NFL betting.
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
