The Indianapolis Colts face off against the Buffalo Bills Saturday in each team’s first preseason game. Kickoff from Highmark Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Colts vs. Bills odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Colts finished last season with a dismal 4-12-1 overall record and they chased offensive talent and selected QB Anthony Richardson out of Flordia with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Indianapolis made other moves to increase their offensive firepower signing WR Isaiah McKenzie and RB Kenyan Drake.
There are still looming concerns around RB Jonathan Taylor heading into the 2023 campaign as the star running back remains on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
The Bills closed out the season with a 13-3 record and winning the AFC East, ultimately falling to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round of the playoffs. Buffalo selected TE Dalton Kincaid out of Utah with the 25th pick in the draft, adding another weapon for QB Josh Allen.
Other notable offseason moves include defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier announcing he will be taking the year off, shocking players such as LB Von Miller, and leaving plenty of questions about how the defense will look in 2023. The Bills also re-signed DE Shaq Lawson to a one-year contract and signed S Taylor Rapp to a one-year contract.
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Colts at Bills odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2:43 p.m. ET,
- Moneyline (ML): Colts -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Bills +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Against the spread (ATS): Colts -3.5 (-110) | Bills +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 38 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Colts at Bills picks and predictions
Prediction
Colts 24, Bills 20
Moneyline
BET COLTS (-185).
Bills coach Sean McDermott has already stated that Allen and WR Stefon Diggs will not play which is an indication we may not see many of the typical starters for Buffalo. However, on the defensive side of the ball, we may see S Damar Hamlin get some reps in what would be his first action since he went into cardiac arrest in early January.
Colts coach Shane Steichen has stated that Richardson will get the start. Expect to see Colts players playing deeper into the game than the Bills which should give them the edge.
Against the spread
PASS.
With many moving parts in Week 1 of the preseason, it will be difficult to have confidence in either side in this matchup. There is too much uncertainty for both sides, which is typical at this stage of the season. I recommend staying away from the spread.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 38 (-110).
With an ongoing battle between Richardson and QB Gardner Minshew, expect to see both QBs treat the game with an elevated seriousness. On the flip side, the Bills will be looking to use Week 1 of the preseason as a time to iron out kinks in their defense without a defensive coordinator.
For the Bills’ offense, while Allen will not see the field, backup QBs Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley certainly have the ability to hit receivers and find the end zone. That said, 38 points will require both offenses to find the end zone multiple times which is why sprinkling may be the best option.
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