Colts vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
The Colts barely eked out a road victory last week in Minnesota, downing the Vikings 12-10 to remain perfect in the preseason. Indy will be travelling to Detroit with confidence as they get set to end the newly shortened three-game preseason. It’s only exhibition, but you’ve got to believe first-year head coach Dan Campbell wants to avoid getting completely blanked in the preseason after falling 26-20 to Pittsburgh last week.
Indianapolis is a 3.5-point favourite to win on the NFL preseason odds, with a total of 32.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Colts and Lions haven’t met in the preseason since a 24-10 Detroit win in 2017 in Indianapolis. In their only regular season meeting last year, Indy blew the Lions out 41-21 in Detroit in Week 11. Philip Rivers (since retired) threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns for the Colts. For Detroit, Matthew Stafford (now with the Rams) threw for 336 yards, three TDs and an interception.
With the Lions winless in the preseason, rookie head coach Campbell is obviously 0-2 in his preseason career. Indy’s Frank Reich comes in with a little more experience and a 6-4 career preseason record as a head coach. Both teams have split the Over/Under through their first two preseason games.
Indianapolis Colts
While quarterback Carson Wentz returned to practice on Monday and could be ready for the regular season after undergoing ankle surgery, he won’t suit up this week. Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger have split reps in both preseason games and likely will again on Friday. Eason, a second-year QB, has been given a few more reps and looks like he’ll earn the backup job over rookie Ehlinger. Neither quarterback has thrown a preseason touchdown, while Ehlinger has thrown three interceptions.
With all of Indy’s points coming from field goals last week, the defence has had to step up. Last week, Minnesota played Kirk Cousins and most of the offensive starters for three possessions. Over those possessions, the Colts defence allowed just 63 yards, three first downs and no points. It’s unclear if linebacker Darius Leonard or cornerback Xavier Rhodes will make their preseason debuts against the Lions. First-round pick Kwity Paye will likely see a lot of action after picking up a sack in his NFL debut last week. You can also expect to see defensive end Ben Banogu, who has been a constant presence in the offensive backfield.
Detroit Lions
It looked like it was going to be a blowout in Pittsburgh last week as the Lions trailed 20-0 at the half. It’s not as bad as it sounds, though, as it was most of Pittsburgh’s starters against Detroit’s reserves. That also explains the comeback, with Detroit only losing by a touchdown. No. 1 quarterback Jared Goff didn’t play last week and I wouldn’t expect to see him much against Indy. David Blough (12-for-17, 143 yards, TD) and Tim Boyle (7-for-15, 44 yards) were under centre against Pittsburgh and should split time again on Friday.
Rookie cornerback AJ Parker had eight tackles, including two tackles for a loss and a pass defended. He’s in the mix for the starting job, so expect to see him lead the secondary on Friday. Another rookie who should see a lot of playing time is offensive tackle Penei Sewell. This preseason has been his first game action in over a year and a half after he opted out of the 2020 college season. Sewell played almost the full first half last week and Campbell has already said the rookie needs plenty of reps.
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