Lions vs. Colts Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds
My Lions vs. Colts prediction focuses on the impact that Anthony Richardson will have Saturday. Richardson will start and is expected to play a full quarter. But will his presence be enough to lead the Colts to victory?
Despite losing their last preseason game 34-6, the Colts are a 3.5-point betting favorite over the Lions. Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is set for 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network).
🏈 Lions vs. Colts prediction: NFL preseason Week 3
See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Lions +3.5 (-108 via DraftKings) | 1.5u → 1.39u | Even with Richardson on the field in both preseason games, the Colts have yet to win. |
| Under 35.5 (-105 via DraftKings) | 1u → 0.95u | The Colts have scored 13 or fewer in both preseason games, and both Lions' games have finished with 30 points. |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.34 units
💰 Lions vs. Colts best bet
Lions +3.5 (-108)
Richardson completed just three of his nine passes for 24 yards against the Falcons last week, and he only added 15 yards on the ground. The Colts managed just 164 yards in that game, as the defense allowed 461 yards.
The Lions aren't playing any key starters, but there is a legitimate quarterback competition going on between Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer. Neither quarterback has been fantastic in the preseason, but both have been solid, which gives me hope for them against the Colts' defensive backups. Plus, the Lions have played two low-scoring, tightly contested games thus far.
Score prediction: Colts 17, Lions 16
🚀 Lions vs. Colts same-game parlay
One quarter of Richardson isn't enough to make me trust the Colts, especially not after his performance last week. And though the Lions haven't played starters much, they've been competitive. Both of their games have finished with exactly 30 points, with them winning 17-13 and losing 16-14. The Colts haven't scored more than 13 in a preseason game, so I'm backing another low-scoring game that the Lions keep close. I'm so confident in these results that I'll risk one unit.
💵 Lions vs. Colts SGP picks
- Lions +3.5
- Under 35.5
Best odds: +246 via DraftKings (1u → 2.46u)
💵 My betting record for NFL picks
All NFL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since Aug. 13.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 18-4 | +15.41 units ✅ | 77% ✅ |
| Game picks | 13-2 | +9.49 units ✅ | 61.2% ✅ |
| Player props | 0-0 | +0 units ✅ | 0% ✅ |
| Parlays | 5-2 | +5.92 units ✅ | +131.6% ✅ |
💡 How I'm betting Lions vs. Colts: NFL preseason strategy
Follow all of our NFL analysis and betting advice for the 2026 NFL season.
The public loves the Colts with Richardson starting. Originally, the Colts were favored by 1.5. Now, they're favored by 3.5. In my eyes, this is a massive overreaction, and I will gladly take the Lions at +3.5, even if I expect them to lose this game. I'm so confident, I'm willing to risk 1.5 units, which is a lot for me for a preseason play. And with Richardson only playing one quarter, and the Lions' offense mediocre at best, I'll back the Under for a full unit.
📊 Lions vs. Colts odds: NFL preseason Week 3
Our live Lions vs. Colts odds update in real time.
🚑 Lions vs. Colts latest injuries
🌤️ Lions vs. Colts weather: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
This game will be played indoors at Lucas Oil Stadium, so weather won't be a factor for Lions vs. Colts on Saturday.
📺 How to watch Lions vs. Colts: NFL preseason Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
- TV: NFL Network
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
