The Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles will kick off their final preseason game of 2023 on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
The Colts will be looking to see some final positive signs from Anthony Richardson and the starters before they get a new era started in Indianapolis. The Eagles have several position battles they will be looking to solve with this game.
I analyze the NFL odds and give my best NFL picks and predictions for Colts vs. Eagles on Thursday, August 24 below.
Colts vs Eagles odds
Colts vs Eagles predictions
There is no lack of storylines nor bad blood between these two teams recently. Last season, following the Eagles’ victory over the Colts after they fired Frank Reich, former Colts offensive coordinator and current Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni let the Indy sideline know his displeasure with that decision. Now the Colts have former Philly offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as their head coach.
Steichen brought Gardner Minshew to Indianapolis, who was the Eagles’ backup quarterback the last two years. Yesterday, their joint practice was cut short after a brawl broke out only two hours into the practice. Thursday night should see plenty of fireworks when the two teams get to clash in their preseason finale.
The Colts plan to play all of their starters early on, since they did not get the joint practice reps they got last week against the Bears. This means we will likely see a series or two of Anthony Richardson and the starting offense if things go well, and longer if they don’t. However, Jonathan Taylor is unlikely to play despite reports that he will be rejoining the team and making the trip.
The Eagles have not announced any plans for the starters, but based on history, it is unlikely we see Jalen Hurts or any of the stars in this game. Philly has several position battles to sort out, and that will likely be their main concern on Thursday night. The backup quarterback job currently belongs to Marcus Mariota, but Tanner McKee has been solid and is in the mix. I bet they both get a half of play.
There is also a crowded backfield to sort out with Kenneth Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott, and Trey Sermon all looking for playing time and roster spots behind D’Andre Swift. Defensively, I could see several of the Eagles starters playing to sort out starting roster spots and rotation guys for once the regular season hits. This is great news for what I like to be my best bet.
If Hurts was playing, I would love the Eagles first half. However, Mariota is a massive downgrade and he likely won’t have A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith as targets. Also, I do not like this Indy offense, and they will struggle against the Philly starters on defense. This leads me to take the first half Under as my best bet of the game.
My best bet: First half Under 19.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
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