Bodog Beat

The Indianapolis Colts (8-4 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) are one of the least reliable teams for handicappers this year. (AP Images)

Although they’ve won their last five games in a row, the Colts were 2-2-1 ATS during that span, never winning by more than six points. They’ll have to do a lot better than that to cover against the woeful Cincinnati Bengals (1-10-1 SU, 4-8 ATS). The Colts are favored by 14 points in this matchup.

This is tank time for the NFL’s worst teams. Spreads are creeping upwards as the books anticipate lousy teams like the Bengals will give less than the usual 100 percent, whether out of apathy or a concerted desire to improve their draft position. However, double-digit faves are just 4-17 ATS this season. The Colts are 0-3 ATS this year when favored by more than four points; the Bengals are 2-0 ATS when getting at least 12 points.