Indianapolis Colts vs Detroit Lions Odds, Lines, and Picks – NFL Preseason Week 3
- The Indianapolis Colts are two-point favorites over the Detroit Lions in the preseason finale for both clubs on Friday, August 27
- Indy is 2-0 in preseason play, while the Lions are 0-2
- Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (broken bone in left foot) won’t play but is optimistic he’ll be ready for the Week 1 season opener
If watching a bunch of guys wearing an NFL uniform for the last time is your thing, then Friday’s Indianapolis Colts-Detroit Lions game is the one for you.
Both the Colts and Lions are indicating that it’s highly unlikely that any of their starters will get anywhere the field. Indianapolis is set as a two-point road favorite probably because, in the NFL, one of the key differences between good teams and bad teams is the depth of their talent pool.
The Colts are also 2-0 in preseason play, while the Lions are 0-2.
Colts vs Lions Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | -130 | -2 (-110) | O 33.5 (-110) |
| Detroit Lions | +110 | +2 (-110) | U 33.5 (-110) |
Odds as of August 26th at DraftKings
Friday’s kickoff is set for 7:00 pm ET. The forecast is calling for rain, 4 mph wind, and a temperature of 80 degrees – not that any of this matters inside the climate-controlled conditions of Ford Field.
Bettors are backing the Lions in this game. So far, 74% of the bets placed against the spread are on the Lions at +2. The moneyline splits show 88% of the bets are on the Lions at +110 odds. Also, 88% of the public bets are on the over of 33.5. The game can be watched on NFL Game Pass.
There’s been significant line movement since the Colts opened as the 3.5-point chalk. The total has also gone up from an opening line of 32.
Coaches Agree To Backup Plan
Colts head coach Frank Reich admitted that the decision to go with the backup plan came from a conversation with Lions coach Dan Campbell. Campbell informed Reich that his intention was to sit out his starters for the preseason finale and Reich made the decision to follow suit.
Frank Reich announces a change of plans for Detroit. No starters. Or mostly, he says.
Jacob Eason will start for Colts.
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) August 25, 2021
In last week’s loss to Pittsburgh also sat out several starters. The list of absences included quarterback Jared Goff, running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver Kalif Raymond, tight end TJ Hockenson, offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker and linebackers Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara.
Wentz Returns To Practice
The Colts came through training camp and the preseason relatively healthy, except at the most important position. Stop us if you’ve heard this one before – quarterback Carson Wentz is injured.
Indy’s prize offseason addition, former Philadelphia Eagles starter Wentz suffered a broken bone in his left foot. He made his return to practice this week but isn’t going to see any action on Friday. Fans will be deprived of the chance of seeing the players who went first (Goff) and second (Wentz) overall in the 2016 NFL Draft going head to head.
Carson Wentz's foot looks fine. #Colts pic.twitter.com/A3Rpipd6Z4
— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) August 23, 2021
Instead it will be Jason Eason under center to start the game for the Colts. He’s splitting first-team reps with Sam Ehrlinger in Wentz’s absence. Each started one of Indy’s two preseason games so far. Reich also gave indications of his intention to get #4 QB Brett Hundley some snaps during the Lions game.
There’s optimism that Wentz will be good to go for the Colts’ Week 1 regular-season date with the Seattle Seahawks.
Colts vs Lions
Though Detroit has lost both preseason games, they’ve maintained that Lions knack of being just good enough to lose. They fell 16-15 to the Buffalo Bills and 26-20 to Pittsburgh Steelers.
They covered at +2.5 against the Bills and earned a push at +6 at Pittsburgh. Covering +2 against the Colts might be a challenge.
The Indianapolis defense is strong and deep. Even with the Colts playing their backups, it will be tough for the Lions to move the ball against them.
Top 10 team backfields in terms of points per touch in 2020
1. Saints, 1.14
2. 49ers, 1.02
3. Lions, 0.99
4. Colts, 0.99
5. Seahawks, 0.99
6. Vikings, 0.98
7. Patriots, 0.96
8. Packers, 0.96
9. Washington, 0.96
10. Panthers, 0.94— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) August 18, 2021
Offensively, even if Jonathan Taylor is sitting on the bench, the Colts can run the ball all day long. Nyheim Himes is an underrated sensation and Marlon Mack is back from season-ending knee injury. Jordan Wilkins is also a solid NFL back.
Even if they lose a battle for a roster spot, Deon Jackson and Benny LeMay are likely to land on the practice roster or find a job with another NFL team.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts -2 (-110)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
