Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM ET

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

TV: CBS4 Indianapolis / Lions TV Network / NFL+ out of market

Tickets: As low as $11

Betting Line: Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Moneyline: Indianapolis approximately -190 / Detroit +155*

Over/Under: 35.5 Points

Betting note: The supplied Indianapolis -3.5 / 35.5 line is also currently displayed by FOX Sports, although there is meaningful sportsbook variation. FanDuel was showing Indianapolis closer to -1.5 with a 36.5 total, while another current market had Colts -3.5 with a total of 36. Bettors should verify the number immediately before wagering.

The Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts close out their 2026 preseason schedules Saturday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium in a matchup featuring one of the more interesting backup-quarterback battles of the final weekend.

Kickoff is officially scheduled for 1:00 PM ET on Saturday, August 29. Indianapolis originally had the game scheduled for 3:00 PM before moving kickoff to 1:00. The Colts will broadcast locally on CBS4, while Detroit carries the game through the Lions TV Network.

Detroit enters 1-1 after losing 16-14 at Cincinnati and defeating Washington 17-13. Indianapolis enters 0-1-1 after tying New England 13-13 and getting routed 34-6 by Atlanta.

The biggest piece of betting information arrived Tuesday when Colts coach Shane Steichen announced his playing-time plan.

Anthony Richardson Sr. will start at quarterback and play the first quarter. Riley Leonard will take over in the second quarter. Most Indianapolis starters are expected to play approximately eight to 12 snaps, but quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor will not play.

That gives Indianapolis a potential early personnel advantage.

Detroit’s situation is different.

Jared Goff sat out the first preseason game, and Dan Campbell used Josh Dobbs and rookie Luke Altmyer extensively against Washington. Campbell has said the backup-quarterback competition remains open, meaning Saturday represents one final opportunity for both quarterbacks to strengthen their cases.

That quarterback competition, combined with Indianapolis’ limited starter workload and a total of only 35.5, creates several interesting betting opportunities.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props vary significantly by sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook offers the exact numbers below, these should be treated as projected betting targets based on expected workloads, preseason production and roster circumstances.

Prop Bet #1: Luke Altmyer Over 74.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Altmyer Over 74.5 Passing Yards

• 130 Yards in Week 1
• 86 Yards in Week 2
• Backup QB Competition

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Luke Altmyer has quietly produced a solid first NFL preseason.

Against Cincinnati, the former Illinois quarterback completed 13 of 22 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. He also directed a late 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that gave Detroit a chance to tie the game.

Against Washington, Altmyer completed nine of 13 passes for 86 yards, did not throw an interception and finished with an 87.3 passer rating.

He has therefore cleared this projected 74.5-yard number in both preseason games.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

The most important reason is opportunity.

Detroit’s backup-quarterback competition remains unresolved.

Dobbs has NFL starting experience, but he only joined Detroit after Teddy Bridgewater unexpectedly retired during training camp. Altmyer has been in the system longer and is trying to prove he deserves a spot behind Goff.

Saturday is the last live-game opportunity to evaluate them before roster decisions.

Altmyer has also shown improvement.

His first game included two interceptions and a lost fumble.

His second game:

69.2 percent completions.

86 yards.

Zero interceptions.

That is exactly the progression Campbell wants from a rookie quarterback.

A projected number below 75 yards does not require massive playing time.

One quarter plus part of another could be enough.

Why the Under Could Hit

Detroit has not announced an exact final-quarterback rotation.

If Goff receives a short tune-up and Dobbs receives the majority of the remaining snaps, Altmyer’s opportunity could shrink.

Indianapolis also plans to play many starters for eight to 12 snaps, meaning Altmyer’s earliest possessions could come against a better Colts defensive group than he saw late in his first two games.

Still, the rookie’s production has been consistent enough to back the over if the number remains below 80.

Projected Bet: Luke Altmyer Over 74.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #2: Anthony Richardson Sr. Over 19.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Richardson Over 19.5 Rushing Yards

• 53 Rush Yards in Opener
• Designed-Run Ability
• Starting First Quarter

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Anthony Richardson Sr. remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks with the football in his hands.

That was obvious in Indianapolis’ preseason opener.

Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards against New England, but he was just as dangerous rushing, carrying six times for 53 yards and a touchdown.

His Week 2 performance was dramatically different.

With Indianapolis fielding an extremely depleted reserve offense against Atlanta, Richardson completed only three of nine passes for 24 yards in the second half.

Saturday gives him another opportunity—and this time some of Indianapolis’ starters will be on the field with him.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Steichen has already announced the plan.

Richardson starts.

He plays the first quarter.

That likely means two or three offensive possessions.

Twenty rushing yards is attainable in that workload because Richardson doesn’t need designed quarterback runs to produce.

A broken pocket can become 12 yards.

A read-option keeper can become eight.

One scramble on third down can put the prop close to the number immediately.

The return of several first-team offensive linemen should also help after Indianapolis’ reserve line struggled badly against Atlanta.

The Colts played that game without eight offensive linemen who were either starters or significant depth players, helping explain why the entire offense generated only 171 yards.

Saturday should provide Richardson with a far more functional environment.

Why the Under Could Hit

Playing time is extremely limited.

Eight to 12 starter snaps could mean only one long drive.

The Colts also have no incentive to encourage Richardson to take unnecessary hits days before the regular season.

Steichen wants evaluation.

He does not want his 6-foot-4 quarterback crashing into linebackers on meaningless preseason snaps.

Richardson could therefore be instructed to operate primarily from the pocket.

But at a projected number below 20, his natural scrambling ability is enough to make the over interesting.

Projected Bet: Anthony Richardson Sr. Over 19.5 Rushing Yards

Prop Bet #3: Jacob Saylors Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Saylors Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

• 55 Yards in Week 1
• Cleared 30 Again in Week 2
• RB3 Competition

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–

Jacob Saylors has been one of Detroit’s most consistent preseason running backs.

Against Cincinnati:

Eight carries.

55 yards.

6.9 yards per attempt.

He also caught three passes for 28 yards.

Against Washington, Saylors added another 32 rushing yards as Detroit’s reserve backfield combined to help the Lions rush for 169 yards.

That means Saylors has cleared a projected 29.5-yard rushing number in both games.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Detroit’s identity under Campbell remains physical football.

The Lions ran 35 times for 169 yards against Washington, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

The established stars do not need large workloads Saturday.

Jahmyr Gibbs certainly does not need 20 preseason carries.

Isiah Pacheco doesn’t either.

That leaves important snaps for Saylors, Trayveon Williams, Raheem Blackshear, Jabari Small and other reserve backs.

Saylors has already demonstrated that he can produce on limited volume.

Five yards here.

Eight yards there.

One 15-yard run.

He can reach 30 yards on six or seven carries.

Why the Under Could Hit

Detroit’s running-back room is extremely crowded.

Williams rushed for 36 yards and scored against Washington.

Blackshear added 29.

Saylors had 32.

Small contributed 16.

Campbell may want to spread the opportunities around.

There is also the possibility that Saylors’ strong first two games have already answered enough questions, causing Detroit to evaluate other backs more heavily.

But his efficiency and Detroit’s commitment to the run make this a reasonable projected target.

Projected Bet: Jacob Saylors Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Under 35.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 35.5 Points

• Detroit Games Both Finished at 30
• Colts Offense Scored 6 Last Week
• Preseason Finale Rotations

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The under is the preferred overall wager.

Detroit’s two preseason games have finished with exactly 30 combined points.

Cincinnati 16, Detroit 14.

Detroit 17, Washington 13.

Indianapolis tied New England 13-13 before losing 34-6 to Atlanta.

That means the Colts themselves have scored only 19 points in two preseason games.

Why the Under Is a Good Bet

Indianapolis’ offense was extremely poor against Atlanta.

171 total yards.

Six points.

Riley Leonard: 62 passing yards.

Anthony Richardson: 24 passing yards.

There were legitimate reasons for the struggles.

The Colts rested virtually every starter and several second-team players after two physical joint practices with Atlanta. Indianapolis was missing three running backs, five receivers, four tight ends and eight offensive linemen.

The starters returning for eight to 12 snaps should help.

But Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor are sitting.

Tyler Warren is dealing with a groin injury.

Will Mallory has a thumb injury.

Alec Pierce continues working back from offseason ankle/heel surgery.

Indianapolis is not approaching the finale with its full regular-season offense.

Detroit has also been playing low-scoring football.

Its defense held Washington to 243 yards and 13 points while producing a late fourth-down stop that helped secure the victory.

Why the Over Could Hit

Richardson creates explosive-play potential immediately.

He generated 198 total yards during one half against New England.

Detroit’s Dobbs can also create plays outside structure, as demonstrated by his 50-yard touchdown run against Washington.

Turnovers are another danger.

Dobbs committed a fumble and interception during Detroit’s first two possessions last week.

Preseason backup-quarterback mistakes can create extremely short fields.

Special teams could also matter.

Indianapolis kicker Spencer Shrader has made field goals from 61, 53 and 48 yards during the preseason, giving the Colts an unusually large scoring range.

Still, the most likely scenario is another game played largely between backup offenses.

Bet: Under 35.5 Points

The Matchup Context: Indianapolis Is Treating the Finale Differently

Indianapolis’ first two preseason games were almost entirely about backup evaluation.

That changes Saturday.

Steichen wants many of his starters to receive eight to 12 game snaps before transitioning into regular-season preparation.

That makes the first quarter especially important.

Indianapolis should have portions of its first-team offensive line.

Its starting defense should receive some work.

Richardson will open the game at quarterback.

But Jones and Taylor will remain protected.

The setup is almost a controlled dress rehearsal.

Play enough to experience real-game communication.

Then get the established players out.

Detroit may have a different priority.

Its backup-quarterback battle remains unsettled.

Its reserve-running-back competition remains crowded.

Several young defensive linemen are trying to force their way into larger roles.

For the Lions, this game may matter more after halftime than before it.

Anthony Richardson Has One More Major Audition

Richardson’s situation remains one of the most unusual in the NFL.

He was the fourth overall pick in 2023.

He possesses extraordinary physical tools.

But Indianapolis has Daniel Jones established as its starter, and Richardson requested a trade earlier in the offseason.

The Colts have nevertheless continued signaling that they would prefer to keep Jones, Richardson and Leonard on the 53-man roster.

Saturday therefore matters.

Not because Richardson can suddenly win the starting job.

He cannot.

It matters because he is competing with Leonard to establish the pecking order behind Jones—and potentially demonstrate value to the rest of the league.

His New England performance showed why teams remain intrigued.

145 passing yards.

53 rushing yards.

A touchdown.

The Atlanta game showed the other side.

Three completions.

24 yards.

Saturday provides one more piece of evidence.

Riley Leonard Needs a Cleaner Performance

Leonard’s preseason has been difficult statistically.

Against New England he completed 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards with an interception.

Against Atlanta:

7-of-14.

62 yards.

No touchdowns.

Those numbers do not necessarily mean he has played poorly in every area.

The offensive environment against Atlanta was especially difficult because Indianapolis was using a severely depleted offensive line and skill-position group.

Saturday gives Leonard a cleaner evaluation.

He gets the second quarter.

He should have better personnel around him.

He knows the backup job remains undecided.

This may be the most important quarter of his preseason.

Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor Have Nothing to Prove

The Colts have made the right decision with their two established offensive leaders.

Jones will sit.

Taylor will sit.

Jones’ job is secure.

Taylor signed an extension earlier this month and remains the foundation of the rushing attack.

There is no reason to expose either player to unnecessary August contact.

Their absence also matters to bettors.

The Indianapolis offense Saturday is not the regular-season Colts offense.

The first quarter will contain some starters.

The rest of the game will be about evaluation.

Seth McGowan Has Earned Attention

Seventh-round rookie Seth McGowan has not produced spectacular rushing totals.

He has produced physical football.

Against Atlanta, McGowan rushed eight times for 27 yards, repeatedly generating additional yardage after contact. The Colts specifically highlighted his physical running style after the game.

That matters during roster cuts.

Preseason running backs are not evaluated exclusively on whether they average six yards per carry.

Can they finish runs?

Can they protect the quarterback?

Can they contribute on special teams?

Can they get two yards on third-and-1?

McGowan has continued strengthening his case.

Spencer Shrader Could Decide the Game

Indianapolis’ kicking competition deserves attention.

Shrader has been outstanding.

He made a 61-yard field goal against New England.

Then converted from 48 and 53 yards against Atlanta.

He is now perfect in preseason games.

Blake Grupe, meanwhile, has missed both of his game attempts, although Indianapolis has emphasized that Grupe has been much more reliable in practice.

Both will receive additional opportunities before the roster decision.

In a game with a 3.5-point spread and 35.5 total, the ability to convert from midfield can be decisive.

Detroit’s Backup Quarterback Battle Remains Open

Josh Dobbs arrived in Detroit extremely late.

Teddy Bridgewater retired.

Detroit suddenly needed veteran insurance behind Goff.

Dobbs has spent August trying to learn the offense as quickly as possible.

Against Washington, the results were mixed.

He completed seven of 12 passes for 74 yards with an interception.

He also rushed for 53 yards, including a spectacular 50-yard touchdown on a read-option play.

That is Dobbs in one box score.

Athletic.

Experienced.

Capable of producing something from nothing.

Also capable of creating mistakes.

The backup job remains open.

Luke Altmyer Has Made the Decision Difficult

Altmyer entered camp as the developmental quarterback.

Now he has a legitimate case.

The former Illinois starter has thrown for 216 yards through two preseason games.

He produced the late touchdown drive against Cincinnati.

He followed it with efficient football against Washington.

His second performance may have been more important than his first.

No touchdowns.

No spectacular statistics.

But no turnovers.

For a rookie trying to become an NFL backup quarterback, that matters tremendously.

Detroit’s Running Back Depth Is a Strength

The Lions already have elite talent at running back.

Gibbs is one of the NFL’s premier offensive weapons.

Pacheco brings physicality.

Behind them, the roster battle remains intense.

Saylors.

Sione Vaki.

Trayveon Williams.

Raheem Blackshear.

Jabari Small.

Detroit rushed for 169 yards on 35 carries against Washington despite sitting Gibbs, Pacheco and Vaki.

Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Saylors contributed 32 yards.

Blackshear added 29.

That’s exactly the type of depth Campbell wants.

Expect another heavy rushing rotation Saturday.

Skyler Gill-Howard Keeps Making Plays

Detroit’s rookie sixth-round defensive lineman has become one of the best stories of camp.

Gill-Howard has consistently generated interior pressure and has even received first-team practice repetitions.

Against Washington, he recorded a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.

The Lions need defensive-line depth.

Players who can rush from the interior are especially valuable.

Another disruptive performance against Indianapolis could make Gill-Howard extremely difficult to leave off the roster.

Derrick Moore Makes the Pass Rush More Interesting

Rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore missed time earlier in training camp because of a minor groin injury.

He finally made his preseason debut against Washington and immediately recorded a sack.

Detroit spent much of the offseason trying to create more pass-rushing help around Aidan Hutchinson.

Veteran DJ Wonnum also recorded a sack against Washington.

If Moore continues developing, Detroit’s defensive front could be significantly deeper than it was last season.

That is particularly important against Richardson and Leonard.

Both quarterbacks need time to develop rhythm.

Detroit will try to prevent it.

Players to Watch

Anthony Richardson Sr., QB, Colts: Richardson starts and plays the first quarter after producing 145 passing yards and 53 rushing yards in his first preseason appearance.

Riley Leonard, QB, Colts: Leonard gets the second quarter in another important audition for the backup job. He has thrown for 151 yards through two preseason appearances.

Seth McGowan, RB, Colts: The seventh-round rookie’s physical running style has impressed Indianapolis despite modest box-score production.

Spencer Shrader, K, Colts: Shrader is perfect on four preseason field goals, including makes from 61, 53 and 48 yards.

Caden Curry, DE, Colts: The rookie has flashed as a pass rusher and special-teams player throughout the preseason.

Josh Dobbs, QB, Lions: Dobbs threw for 74 yards and rushed for 53, including a 50-yard touchdown, against Washington.

Luke Altmyer, QB, Lions: The undrafted rookie has surpassed 80 passing yards in both preseason games while fighting Dobbs for the backup role.

Jacob Saylors, RB, Lions: Saylors has rushed for 87 yards through two games and has shown receiving and return versatility.

Trayveon Williams, RB, Lions: Williams led Detroit’s running backs with 36 yards against Washington and scored the Lions’ go-ahead touchdown.

Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Lions: The rookie interior rusher has become difficult to ignore after consistently creating pressure throughout training camp and the preseason.

Keys to the Game

Detroit Lions

Detroit’s first priority is getting a clean evaluation of Dobbs and Altmyer.

The backup job remains undecided.

Turnovers could decide it.

Second, Detroit should continue running the football.

The Lions rushed for 169 yards last week without using their established stars.

Third, the reserve offensive line must handle Indianapolis’ early starter snaps.

Richardson will not be the only Colt playing.

Several starting defenders are expected to receive a short tune-up.

Fourth, Detroit needs continued pass-rush production.

Moore.

Gill-Howard.

Wonnum.

The Lions’ defensive depth has been one of the best developments of August.

Finally, Detroit must play disciplined football.

The first two offensive possessions against Washington produced a fumble and an interception.

Repeat that in Indianapolis and the Colts could build an early lead before their starters ever leave.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis’ first priority is getting Richardson into rhythm.

He only has one quarter.

Make it useful.

Second, the offensive line must erase the Atlanta game.

The reserve group was overwhelmed while playing shorthanded.

Third, Leonard needs to produce during his second-quarter opportunity.

The backup competition is still alive.

Fourth, the Colts need another strong defensive performance from their young front-seven players.

Curry, George Gumbs Jr., CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher have all had meaningful preseason moments.

Finally, Indianapolis must evaluate its kickers.

Shrader and Grupe remain in a legitimate competition.

A close game would provide exactly the type of pressure situation the Colts need before making the final decision.

Betting Prediction

The supplied Indianapolis -3.5 is harder to back than the shorter numbers available elsewhere.

At -1.5, the Colts are attractive.

At -3.5, Detroit becomes the preferred side.

Indianapolis should possess the early personnel advantage.

Richardson starts.

Several first-team players will join him for eight to 12 snaps.

Leonard takes over during the second quarter.

That could create a quick Indianapolis lead.

The problem comes later.

Detroit’s backup roster has been more productive.

Altmyer has played efficiently.

Dobbs has extensive NFL experience.

The Lions rushed for 169 yards against Washington.

Detroit’s reserve defense held Washington to 13 points.

Indianapolis’ reserves, meanwhile, were outscored 34-6 by Atlanta.

That doesn’t mean the Colts are 28 points worse.

It does suggest laying more than a field goal is dangerous once the starters leave.

The total is the cleaner play.

Detroit has played two consecutive 30-point games.

Indianapolis has scored only 19 points in two games.

A 17-16 or 19-16 type finish fits the matchup.

The Verdict

Prediction: Colts 19, Lions 16

Pick: Detroit Lions +3.5

Moneyline Lean: Indianapolis Colts

Total Pick: Under 35.5

Indianapolis should look much better than it did against Atlanta.

That is almost inevitable.

The Colts will have real starters on the field early.

Richardson will have a better offensive line.

Several established defenders will get limited work.

Lucas Oil Stadium gives Indianapolis another advantage.

But this is still a preseason finale.

Those starters will disappear quickly.

Jones isn’t playing.

Taylor isn’t playing.

Several important skill players are injured or being managed.

Once the game transitions toward the second and third units, Detroit’s depth becomes much more interesting.

Altmyer has produced in both games.

Dobbs can create offense with his legs.

Saylors and Williams give Detroit reliable rushing options.

The Lions’ young defensive front has generated consistent pressure.

Expect Indianapolis to take an early lead behind Richardson.

Expect Detroit to gradually close the gap once the rotations deepen.

Then expect one of the kicking competitions to matter late.

Indianapolis has just enough home-field and special-teams advantage to win the game.

But at +3.5, Detroit has enough quarterback and running-back depth to stay inside the number.

The best wager remains the total.

Neither offense needs to chase points.

Both coaches have roster decisions to make.

The final quarter should be defined by conservative football, field position and players trying to avoid the mistake that costs them an NFL job.

Final Score Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 19, Detroit Lions 16

Best Bet: Under 35.5

Against the Spread: Detroit Lions +3.5

Moneyline Lean: Indianapolis Colts

Top Player Prop: Luke Altmyer Over 74.5 Passing Yards

Additional Props: Anthony Richardson Sr. Over 19.5 Rushing Yards | Jacob Saylors Over 29.5 Rushing Yards