Colts vs Bengals NFL Preseason Game Preview

The final week of the NFL preseason kicks off on Thursday night with a matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

As both teams prepare for the regular season, this game offers a final opportunity for players to make their case for a spot on the roster. However, the Colts appear to have the edge, as they plan to give significant playing time to their starters, a strategy that could tilt the balance in their favor.

Game Information

• Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Thursday, 8-22-2024
• Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: Amazon

Prediction and Analysis

Indianapolis Colts’ Game Plan

The Indianapolis Colts opted to rest all of their starters last week, but head coach Shane Steichen has confirmed that the starters will see action in this matchup against the Bengals. The plan is for the first-team offense and defense to play about a quarter and a half, providing plenty of time for quarterback Anthony Richardson and veteran Joe Flacco to lead the offense before Sam Ehlinger takes over in the second half.

This extended playing time for the Colts’ key players gives them a distinct advantage over the Bengals, who are expected to take a more cautious approach.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Approach

The Cincinnati Bengals are unlikely to field their starters, especially with several players returning from injury.

Backup quarterback Jake Browning, who missed practice earlier this week due to a rib injury, is also expected to sit out. This leaves the Bengals relying on Logan Woodside and Rocky Lombardi to handle the quarterback duties.

In last week’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears, the Bengals struggled offensively, with Woodside throwing two interceptions and leading the team to just three points on seven drives. With the Colts planning to play their starters for a significant portion of the game, the Bengals’ offense could face a tough challenge early on.

Game Flow and Betting Strategy

The Colts’ starters will likely give them a strong start, especially against the Bengals’ second and third-string players. While the Colts’ first-team offense and defense only managed a 0-0 scoreline during their brief appearance in the first preseason game, they should be more effective with extended playing time in this matchup.

However, rather than focusing solely on the first-half or first-quarter spreads, the full-game spread might offer better value. The Bengals managed to keep their game against the Bears close in the first half last week but fell apart in the third quarter. A similar pattern could emerge in this game, where the Colts’ depth could take over as the game progresses.

Odds and Betting Trends

Opening Odds

• Spread: Indianapolis -3 (-105) | Cincinnati +3 (-115)
• Moneyline: Indianapolis -130 | Cincinnati +110
• Over/Under: 36.5 points

Betting Trend to Know

The Bengals have struggled in recent preseasons, losing eight of their last 10 preseason games. This trend, combined with the Colts’ strategy of playing their starters for an extended period, makes Indianapolis a strong pick to cover the spread.