Subscribe
Follow Us
The Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions will face off in the final week of the preseason on Friday. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Colts-Lions prediction and pick.
The Colts have looked like one of the most regular-season ready NFL teams so far this preseason. Indianapolis has booked two wins in two games, with both of those wins coming as complete performances from both the offense and the defense.
The Lions are 0-2 in the preseason, but they haven't looked bad at all. Both losses came by one score, and there were encouraging signs throughout both games.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Friday's game.
NFL Odds: Colts-Lions Odds
Indianapolis Colts -3 1/2 (-110)
Detroit Lions +3 1/2 (-110)
Over 33 points (-110)
Under 33 points (-110)
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*
Why The Colts Could Win
Article Continues Below
The Colts' defense looked elite in last week's win, and that should continue against the Lions. Indianapolis didn't allow a single touchdown on defense and hardly allowed the Minnesota Vikings any offensive yardage. The Colts showed off their depth in the front four with consistent pressure being generated from a number of players. Rookie Kwity Paye notched his first sack, and other depth pieces like Ben Banogu and Al-Quadin Muhammad helped make life difficult for the Vikings' quarterbacks. They should get another prime opportunity against Detroit.
A key factor to winning in the preseason is stable quarterback play. A signal-caller who doesn't make big mistakes is likely to guide his team to a preseason victory, even if he doesn't make that many spectacular plays himself. Jacob Eason should be able to put together another turnover-free outing in this game, as he has looked good all throughout the preseason. Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger stumbled last week, but he shouldn't see the field until the fourth quarter. Eason is more than good enough to have success against a crew of backup Detroit defenders that haven't looked good this preseason.
Why The Lions Could Win
Detroit has relied on backup quarterbacks David Blough and Tim Boyle this preseason, and it has worked out pretty well. Both players have proven themselves capable of playing decent football, which is usually enough to win in the preseason. They both played solid football against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has been one of the better units in this preseason. These two signal-callers should be able to replicate that performance against the Colts.
The Lions have provided a good stable of offensive weapons to whoever is at quarterback. There are at least six receivers on the Detroit roster who are capable of strong play against preseason defenses, so there should be quality pass-catchers on the field throughout all four quarters for the Lions. The Colts have played well on defense, but this skill position group should give Indianapolis all it can handle.
Final Colts-Lions Prediction & Pick
Detroit looked good in its first two appearances, but the Colts are the pick here. Indianapolis has equivalent quarterback play to the Lions, and the defense is far more reliable. Lock in the Colts and don't worry about the spread. Indy should win this game comfortably.
FINAL PICK: Indianapolis Colts -3 1/2 (-110)
