The Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals meet Saturday in NFL action from Paycor Stadium. This will be the final preseason game for both teams Here’s a Bengals vs Colts prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Bengals vs Colts pick.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Preview
Indianapolis opened up their preseason campaign with an August 7 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts managed to score in each of the first three quarters there, but ended up falling short 24-16 after surrendering 21 points in the first half. Daniel Jones led the passing on 10-of-21 for 144 yards, and Riley Leonard added 92 yards and a pick on 12-of-24 passing himself. Ulysses Bentley was tops among the rushers on seven carries for 35 yards, and Leonard had four carries for 34 yards himself. Tops among the receivers was Ashton Dulin with three grabs for 54 yards. Tyler Warren snagged three balls for 40 yards as well.
In game two versus the Green Bay Packers last Saturday, the Colts notched another exhibition defeat. Indianapolis put up 13 points in the second quarter, but then got outscored 20-6 in the second half for a 23-19 defeat. Leonard threw for 64 yards on 7-of-12 this time, and Jones went 7-of-11 for 101 yards. DJ Giddens was the top man rushing with six carries for 28 yards, and Bentley had seven totes for 27 yards this time. Coleman Owen was tops among the receivers in the defeat, catching four balls for 46 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview
Over on the Bengals’ side, they took on the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in their first preseason action this year. Cincinnati held an early 14-7 lead and outscored Philly 13-10 in the second half, but 17 unanswered second-quarter points led to a 34-27 defeat. Joe Burrow was sharp as ever on 9-of-10 passing for 123 yards and two scores, though. Tahj Brooks (10 carries; 26 yards) and Chase Brown (five carries; 23 yards) led the rush. Ja’Marr Chase had four catches for 77 yards and a TD while Tanner Hudson had six grabs for 62 yards and a pair of scores himself.
Cincinnati is on a short week here following a Monday evening matchup versus the Washington Commanders in the final preseason game of the weekend. In that one the Bengals faced an early deficit 14-7 in the first quarter. Following 21 unanswered points in the second however, Cincinnati eventually cruised to a 31-17 victory in the end. Jake Browning posted 159 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-25 passing, while Joe Burrow added 62 yards and a score of his own. Leading rusher Tahj Brooks put up 47 yards on 11 totes. Topping the receivers was Mitchell Tinsley with five catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Charlie Jones also caught a TD among his four receptions for 32 yards.
Indianapolis Colts Player Prop Facts
- Jonathan Taylor has scored at least one touchdown in 13 of his last 14 appearances with the Colts as home favorites against AFC opponents.
- Michael Pittman Jr. has recorded 56+ receiving yards in seven of his last eight September appearances against AFC opponents.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 91+ rushing yards in each of his last eight appearances with the Colts as favorites.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 225+ passing yards in three of his four previous September appearances with his team as a favorite.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 111+ rushing and receiving yards in each of the Colts’ last four Sunday games.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 22+ completions in each of his last three appearances against AFC opponents.
- Alec Pierce ranked 1st amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (22.3) last season.
Cleveland Browns Player Prop Facts
- Deshaun Watson has scored a touchdown in three of his last four Week 1 appearances.
- Jerry Jeudy has recorded 63+ receiving yards in nine of the Browns’ last 10 games.
- Deshaun Watson has recorded 27+ rushing yards in each of his last five Week 1 appearances.
- Deshaun Watson has recorded 275+ passing yards in five of his last six Sunday appearances with his team as a home underdog.
- Deshaun Watson has recorded 21+ completions in each of the Browns’ last six September games.
- Myles Garrett ranked 1st in the league for tackles for loss (22) last season.
Bengals vs Colts Prediction
I’ll take a stab on the Colts. Probably not touching this one realistically, though. Indianapolis ended up with some pretty rough numbers in their loss to the Packers despite 360 offensive yards (267 passing), 22 first downs and no turnovers. The Colts weren’t great on third and fourth down conversions, posting just three successes in 12 combined tries. The 11 penalties for 103 yards were a major snag as well, and would have been worse if not for Green Bay’s 12 flags for 95 yards.
On defense, Indy gave up 356 total yards (197 passing), 24 first downs, 8-of-16 on third-down tries and 4-of-4 on fourth downs. Needless to say, there’s plenty to clean up for Indianapolis. That said, the Colts have shown some reasonable depth on offense over their first pair, and should have the goods to power out a cover here.