Two large NFL upsets looming on Sunday

Dec. 11, 2009 / By Danny Sheridan

There are two National Football League games that I'm really looking forward to this Sunday.

Both are great matchups, and both could result in upsets.

The first one has the Denver Broncos visiting the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (1 pm ET, CBS).

The Colts are 7-point favorites in NFL Lines.

There are a couple of interesting aspects to this game, mainly the fact that the Broncos have a decent chance of winning outright, which would end the Colts perfect season.

Heading into Week 14, the Colts are 12-0. That is a truly amazing feat. But the Broncos have played really well all season, and they've been particularly strong when they're the underdog, as they are in this game.

In fact, the Broncos seem to relish the underdog role They play really well when no one expects them to win. Denver was the dog in five of its eight wins, and is 4-2 SU on the road.

An interesting stat about the Colts: Half their wins have been by four points or less, including four of their last six.

Sixty-five per cent of the public like the Colts to cover but I think they could end up being disappointed. I think Denver covers, if not wins straight up.

Another great matchup Sunday has the Cincinnati Bengals at the Minnesota Vikings (1 pm ET, FOX).

The Vikings are 6.5-point home favorites in this one.

Just like the late Rodney Dangerfield (one of my favorite all-time comedians), the Bengals just don't seem to get much respect. This team has beaten Baltimore and Pittsburgh — twice. They have one of the best records in the NFL (9-3 SU) and one of the best defenses (allowing just 15.6 PPG).

They are 4-1 on the road, 3-2 ATS, and have dominated their NFC opponents this year, beating Green Bay, killing Chicago, and handling the Lions with ease last week.

There is no question that the Vikings have been solid this season. But Minnesota struggles against solid run defenses and passing attacks that can move the ball down field. Sixty-three per cent of the public likes the Vikings.

Here's another interesting stat: the Vikings are 2-7 ATS against their last 9 opponents with winning records.

Again, I smell an upset here.