The Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals meet Thursday in NFL preseason action from Paul Brown Stadium. Here’s a Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts pick.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Preview
The Colts kicked off their 2024 preseason with a matchup versus the Denver Broncos. Indianapolis managed to score in every quarter in that one, but ultimately fell 34-30. QB Sam Ehlinger finished with 80 yards and an interception, while DJ Montgomery led the receivers on 45 yards from two catches.
In their second game of the preseason, Indianapolis played the Arizona Cardinals. The Colts fared much better on defense this time, holding Arizona to just three second-half points in a 21-13 win. Kedon Slovis managed 79 pass yards on an 8-of-11 completion rate. Zavier Scott rushed 11 times for 55 yards and a TD.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview
Over on the Bengals’ side, their first preseason matchup was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cincinnati scored once in the first and fourth quarters for a 17-14 loss. Logan Woodside did most of the passing with 149 yards and a score. Jermaine Burton posted 82 yards and a TD off three catches.
In preseason game two versus the Chicago Bears, the Bengals didn’t get it going on either side. Cincinnati was outscored 24-3 in the middle two quarters during a 27-3 loss. Woodside posted 132 yards and two picks this time, and Noah Cain led the rush on 28 yards off eight carries.
Indianapolis Colts Player Prop Facts
- Joe Flacco has recorded 285+ passing yards in each of his last six home appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 16+ receiving yards in eight of his last nine appearances with the Colts as underdogs against AFC opponents.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 75+ rushing yards in each of his last five home appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last six appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 91+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last five home appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has scored the first touchdown in each of his last five Sunday appearances.
- Joe Flacco has thrown three touchdowns in three of his last four regular season appearances.
- Joe Flacco has recorded 26+ completions in each of his last five September appearances with his team as an underdog against AFC opponents.
- Jonathan Taylor was the only Colts player to record a touchdown in six consecutive appearances last season.
Cincinnati Bengals Player Prop Facts
- Joe Burrow has recorded 275+ passing yards in each of the Bengals’ last four games as favorites against AFC East opponents.
- Ja’Marr Chase has scored a touchdown in three of the Bengals’ last four games as heavy favorites (>-7.0 points).
- Tee Higgins has recorded 56+ receiving yards in each of the Bengals’ last six regular season games against AFC East opponents.
- Zack Moss has recorded 55+ rushing yards in each of his last six Sunday home appearances.
- Joe Burrow has thrown two or more touchdowns in each of the Bengals’ last six games against AFC East opponents.
- Joe Burrow has recorded 25+ completions in each of his last four regular season home appearances against AFC opponents.
- Trey Hendrickson ranked T2nd in the NFL in sacks (17.5) last season.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction
I’ll probably lean toward the Colts. Preseason games are always a dice roll, though. Indianapolis did pretty well across most areas in their last outing, notching 356 yards (190 passing) and 24 first downs. The two turnovers didn’t help, but the Cardinals’ 11 penalties did.
As for Cincinnati, they had 11 turnovers themselves in their last game versus the Bears. Factor in three turnovers and a tepid 226 yards (144 passing) and it was a pretty rough effort overall. I don’t think the Bengals will look quite so hapless this time but I don’t think they’ll cover either.