When the Eagles host the Colts this Thursday in their final preseason game, they’ll be welcoming back Shane Steichen, their offensive coordinator from last season. He was hired as the Colts head coach at the tail end of last season after leading the Eagles to one of the best offenses in the league.
Let’s dive into the news, odds and best bets for this preseason showdown between the Colts and Eagles.
Colts vs Eagles Odds
NFL odds used for this Indianapolis vs Philadelphia preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Aug 22 at 2 p.m.ET
- Moneyline: Colts (-220) • Eagles (+180)
- Spread: Colts -5 (-110) • Eagles +5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 38 (-110) • Under 38 (-110)
- Implied Score: Colts 21.5, Eagles 16.5
Colts vs Eagles Predictions
Score Pick: Colts 20, Eagles 17
The Eagles won’t be playing any of their regular starters in this contest, and the odds reflect that as they are five-point underdogs at home against a Colts team that finished with only four wins last season.
Meanwhile, the Colts announced rookie QB Anthony Richardson will start on Thursday night. I doubt Richardson will be on the field for long with this being the final tune up before the start of the regular season, though.
There is still uncertainty about whether star RB Jonathan Taylor will be in the Colts roster at the start of the season, as the team has granted him permission to seek out a potential trade. I give the edge to the Colts in this contest since their starters will be in and backup QBs Sam Ehlinger and Gardner Minshew are capable of leading their offense against a second-string defensive unit.
Colts vs Eagles Best Bets & Props
Under 38 (-108)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit(s)
Both teams have played low-scoring games in the preseason thus far. The Eagles have yet to concede more than 20 points across a pair of contests, and the Colts have limited their opponents to a combined 40 points in their two games.
With the backups for both units expected to play a majority of the meeting, I don’t expect a lot of points to be scored. We will also likely see more conservative play-calling from both coaches to limit any injuries in the final game of the preseason. Taking the Under is my NFL bet of the day.
Eagles +5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit(s)
Despite the Eagles resting their starters, it won’t be a blowout victory for the Colts. Marcus Mariota is a proven QB in the league, and third-stringer Ian Book has an NFL start under his belt when he was previously with the Saints.
I don’t think the Eagles will win the game, but a five-point spread is a lot for a preseason contest at home. Back the Eagles to keep it close.
Colts vs Eagles Same Game Parlay
Colts vs Eagles SGP
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
- Under 38 (-108)
- Colts (-205)
This probably won’t be a high-scoring affair, so the Under 38 made the most sense in this same-game parlay. The Colts were second-to-last in the league last season in points per game, averaging only 17. The Eagles scored the second-most points in the NFL in 2022, but none of the starters will feature in this preseason contest.
Since the starters for the Colts will play in the first quarter, I give the edge to the visiting side. Their two backup QBs have also been solid in the preseason, so I expect them to win this contest. Both Ehlinger and Minshew have starting experience in the league.
