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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts: Predicting the Final Score

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What a matchup we have here — possibly the best game of Week 7 of the NFL season. Two division leaders are going at it in a possible playoff preview. The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a heartbreaking tie — yes, a tie to the Carolina Panthers — while the Indianapolis Colts have won four consecutive games. This contest should go down to the wire, and could even come down to the final possession.

While they played to a 37-37 tie in Week 6, the Bengals came out of that game extremely unhappy, as kicker Mike Nugent missed a 36-yard field goal attempt as time expired in overtime. Now, with a record of 3-1-1, Cincinnati will have a tough test in maintaining their NFC North Division lead. A.J. Green is doubtful to play, yet again with a toe injury, but surprisingly, the offense does not seem to be the issue with this team. The Bengals were thought to have one of the best defenses in the league, but have given up a combined 80 points over the past two weeks. If Cincinnati wants to have a chance in this game, they must hold Indianapolis to under 30 points.

After an 0-2 start, the Colts have been on a tear. Andrew Luck is playing like the league’s MVP, and has gotten solid play from his defense. T.Y. Hilton finally broke loose in Week 6 for 223 receiving yards, which could prove to be huge for this offense as a whole. If Luck is able to stretch the field with Hilton, the passing game underneath should open up, along with the virtually non-existent running game. Indianapolis needs to start establishing the run, and not be as one-dimensional, as they have been thus far in 2014. If they are able to do so, the Colts will have the opportunity to make a serious playoff run, but it all starts this week against the Bengals.

Final Prediction: With the Colts playing this game at home, combined with being on a four-game winning streak, the edge has to go to them. The Green’s absence will hurt the Bengals for the first time this season, as Indianapolis wins the game 30-24.

Max Zelenko is a Philadelphia Eagles/NFL writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @maxzelenko, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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