NFL Preseason: Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Indianapolis Colts played well in the opening two games of the NFL preseason, and they now travel to Detroit to meet the Lions in the third and the final test before the start of the regular campaign. The guests won’t have Carson Wentz, but the former Eagles QB will be ready for Week 1. Meanwhile, the Lions are still searching for their identity following Matt Stafford’s trade to LA, and they need to adjust to the new circumstances. Jared Goff won’t play this match, but he is lock and loaded for the opening week.

Preview

Indianapolis Colts (-185) come to Motor City following two wins. The first was against Carolina Panthers at home, 21-18, and the second on the road in Minnesota this weekend, 12-10.

Even though they couldn’t score a TD, and the QB Sam Ehlinger threw two interceptions, the Colts won with four accurate field goals, one in each period. Beating a very tough and aggressive Vikings would undoubtedly be a significant boost for Indianapolis, who is a candidate to win the AFC South division.

Their battles with the Tennessee Titans will decide which team ends up on top, and the key for that will be Carson Wentz. The Philadelphia Eagles QB had a minor ankle injury recently, be he is expected to play in the opener against the Seahawks at home.

Detroit Lions (+155) have lost their two preseason games. Though, we need to say that the Lions faced very tough rivals, the Buffalo Bills at home, 15-16, and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, 26-20.

Against the Steelers, the Lions quickly fell behind, 23-0, but their second unit came out and erased that deficit, outscoring the hosts 20-3, but not having the power to flip the result and make a big surprise.

Backup QB David Blough had a nice game with 143 passing yards and a TD, placing a bid for some better status in the future. Of course, he won’t have anything to look for with Goff around, but at a certain point of the season, if things go bad for the Lions, he might get some minutes to show his real worth. In the meantime, the Lions’ O-line showed many weaknesses throughout the game, and Campbell needs to do something about it.

Head to Head Matches

These two sides met in early November 2020 in Detroit. The Colts didn’t have any problems defeating the struggling Lions at the time, 41-21, with Philip Rivers throwing three TDs and 262 yards. Matt Stafford had 336 yards for three TDs and a pick. Both of them are gone now, one in the Rams and the other in retirement.

Prediction

Both teams won’t risk anything and all the starters will sit out this match, meaning that the backups and those fighting for the place on the roster will get the chance to shine. Having a way deeper roster than the Lions, the Colts are in a better position, and we suggest betting on their victory here. Their defense is much better, and we saw that last week in Minnesota, who has a far more potent attack than the Lions.

Pick: Colts Win