Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction: Who Will Win Saturday?

Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction: Get Detroit vs Indianapolis odds, spread, total, player props, same game parlay and best bets for Saturday.

Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction: Lions vs Colts, Who Will Win Today?

The best Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction is to back the Indianapolis Colts -3.5 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis enters Saturday’s preseason finale as a short home favorite, and the matchup sets up as a competitive game between two teams that have shown very different strengths during the preseason. Detroit has been the more efficient rushing team and has produced more points per game, but Indianapolis has the home-field advantage and has shown enough offensive potential to make the short spread playable.

The numbers also point toward a relatively high-scoring game. Detroit is averaging 15.5 points per game, while Indianapolis is averaging 9.5. However, the Colts have struggled defensively, allowing 23.5 points and 368 yards per game.

The strongest historical betting trend also favors the Over, particularly with Indianapolis playing as a preseason favorite.

The Pick: Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Total Lean: Over 36.5

A Summary

The Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction is a particularly interesting matchup because the basic statistics point in different directions.

Detroit has been the more productive team offensively.

The Lions are averaging 15.5 points per game and 276.5 yards per game, compared with Indianapolis at 9.5 points and 259.5 yards.

Detroit has also dominated on the ground, averaging 149 rushing yards per game, which ranks near the top of the preseason statistical board.

But Indianapolis has struggled defensively.

The Colts are allowing 23.5 points per game and 368 total yards per game, while Detroit is giving up just 14.5 points and 249.5 yards per game.

That makes the 3.5-point spread more difficult to handicap than the records alone suggest.

Detroit has the better statistical profile, but Indianapolis is playing at home and has the advantage of needing to protect its own field in the preseason finale.

The betting trends also provide an important clue.

The Lions have been strong historically after a preseason loss, going 6-2 straight up and 5-2 against the spread in their last eight and seven respective preseason games following a defeat.

At the same time, Indianapolis has consistently produced Overs in preseason situations.

The Colts have gone Over in eight of their last nine preseason games as favorites, 12-3 Over in their last 15 preseason games when the total is 42 or lower, and 4-1 Over in their last five preseason home games.

Those trends make Over 36.5 particularly interesting.

The matchup also has a significant rushing component.

Detroit is averaging 149 rushing yards per game while Indianapolis is allowing 123.5 rushing yards per game. If the Lions can establish their ground game early, that could keep them competitive throughout the afternoon.

Still, with Indianapolis favored by only 3.5 points, the home-field advantage provides enough of an edge to make the Colts the preferred side.

Table of Contents

Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction

Lions vs Colts Odds

What Is the Point Spread in NFL Betting?

Lions vs Colts Same Game Parlay

Lions vs Colts Player Props

Detroit Lions Offensive Breakdown

Indianapolis Colts Offensive Breakdown

Detroit Lions Defense

Indianapolis Colts Defense

Lions vs Colts Betting Trends

Lions vs Colts Over/Under

Lions vs Colts Injuries

Lions vs Colts Head-to-Head History

How to Watch Lions vs Colts

Lions vs Colts Follow-Up Questions

Lions vs Colts FAQ

Final Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction

Lions vs Colts Odds

The current Lions vs Colts odds have Indianapolis listed as a 3.5-point home favorite.

The total is 36.5 points.

Betting Market | Number
Detroit Lions | +3.5
Indianapolis Colts | -3.5
Moneyline | Colts favored
Game Total | 36.5
Favorite | Indianapolis
Location | Lucas Oil Stadium
Date | Saturday, August 29, 2026
Kickoff | 1:00 PM ET
Best Side | Colts -3.5
Total Lean | Over 36.5

The 3.5-point spread gives Detroit a relatively significant cushion in a preseason game.

That makes this a matchup where bettors should pay close attention to quarterback rotations and expected playing time before placing a wager at YouWager.lv.

Preseason depth charts can change quickly, and the players who receive the most snaps frequently have a larger impact than the team’s regular-season starters.

What Is the Point Spread in NFL Betting?

The NFL point spread is the number of points assigned to the favorite that determines whether a bet covers rather than simply whether the team wins.

With Indianapolis at -3.5, the Colts need to win by at least four points for an Indianapolis spread wager to cash.

Detroit +3.5 covers if the Lions win outright or lose by three points or fewer.

Lions vs Colts Same Game Parlay

A Lions vs Colts same game parlay can be constructed around an expectation of Indianapolis winning a competitive game while the offenses generate enough production to push the score beyond the total.

Potential selections include:

Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Over 36.5 points

Indianapolis team total Over

Detroit rushing-yardage props

Indianapolis passing or receiving props

A quarterback passing-yardage Over if extended playing time is confirmed

The Colts’ defensive numbers make an Over particularly appealing.

Indianapolis has allowed 23.5 points per game and 368 yards per game during the preseason.

Detroit, meanwhile, has demonstrated an ability to move the football, particularly on the ground.

The Lions are averaging 149 rushing yards per game.

That combination creates a plausible path toward a game reaching the high 30s or low 40s.

The biggest warning with a preseason same game parlay is playing time.

A player prop can be dramatically affected by a late decision to rest a quarterback, running back or receiver.

For that reason, bettors should confirm the latest inactive news and projected rotations before using player props in a Lions vs Colts same game parlay.

Lions vs Colts Player Props

The Lions vs Colts player props market can offer value if the expected playing time becomes clear before kickoff.

Preseason props are often more dependent on volume than talent.

A backup quarterback who plays three quarters can be more attractive than a starter who only plays one series.

The same principle applies to running backs and receivers.

Detroit Lions Player Props

Detroit’s rushing production is the most interesting statistical component.

The Lions are averaging 149 rushing yards per game, ranking second among the offensive statistics provided.

That creates opportunities for Detroit running back props if the coaching staff intends to give its reserve backs extended work.

A rushing-yardage Over can become particularly attractive if Indianapolis continues to struggle against the run.

The Colts are allowing 123.5 rushing yards per game.

Indianapolis Colts Player Props

Indianapolis’ passing game could be the more interesting area for player props.

The Colts are averaging 150.5 passing yards per game, compared with Detroit’s 127.5.

Detroit’s defense has been considerably stronger overall, but Indianapolis has enough passing production to threaten the Lions if its quarterbacks receive extended opportunities.

The key is volume.

A player who is expected to receive multiple quarters of action is generally more attractive than one projected for a short appearance.

Detroit Lions Offensive Breakdown

Detroit has been the stronger offensive team statistically.

The Lions are averaging:

15.5 points per game

276.5 total yards per game

149 rushing yards per game

127.5 passing yards per game

46.4% on third down

The third-down number is particularly important.

Detroit is converting 46.4% of its third downs, which indicates the offense has been relatively effective at sustaining possessions.

That helps explain why the Lions have produced 15.5 points per game despite averaging only 127.5 passing yards.

They are creating offense through the ground game.

The 149 rushing yards per game figure is the biggest matchup advantage Detroit brings into Indianapolis.

If the Lions establish the run, they can control possession and potentially neutralize some of the Colts’ home-field advantage.

The problem for Detroit is that the team has not been as efficient through the air.

The Lions are averaging only 127.5 passing yards per game.

Against an Indianapolis defense allowing 244.5 passing yards per game, there is an opportunity for Detroit to change that.

That could be important for the Over.

Indianapolis Colts Offensive Breakdown

Indianapolis hasn’t produced as many points as Detroit, but the underlying numbers aren’t completely negative.

The Colts are averaging:

9.5 points per game

259.5 total yards per game

109 rushing yards per game

150.5 passing yards per game

10.5% on third down

The major concern is third-down efficiency.

Indianapolis is converting only 10.5% of third downs, which is dramatically worse than Detroit’s 46.4%.

That inability to sustain drives explains much of the Colts’ low scoring average.

However, there is an obvious matchup advantage.

Indianapolis is facing a Detroit defense that has allowed only 183.5 passing yards per game and 14.5 points per game.

That isn’t an easy matchup.

But Indianapolis is at home, and the Colts’ passing production provides a potential avenue to generate enough offense to cover a short spread.

Detroit Lions Defense

Detroit’s defense has been one of the stronger units in this preseason matchup.

The Lions are allowing:

14.5 points per game

249.5 total yards per game

66 rushing yards per game

183.5 passing yards per game

The rushing defense stands out.

Detroit is allowing just 66 rushing yards per game, which ranks among the best marks in the league.

That creates a significant challenge for Indianapolis.

The Colts are averaging only 109 rushing yards per game offensively, and Detroit has shown the ability to take away the ground game.

Detroit has also generated five turnovers, giving the defense an additional source of value.

That turnover production is particularly important in preseason games because backup quarterbacks are more susceptible to mistakes.

Indianapolis Colts Defense

Indianapolis has struggled much more defensively.

The Colts are allowing:

23.5 points per game

368 total yards per game

123.5 rushing yards per game

244.5 passing yards per game

Those numbers create a strong argument for Detroit’s offense to produce.

The Colts are particularly vulnerable through the air, allowing 244.5 passing yards per game.

They have also allowed 123.5 rushing yards per game.

That means Indianapolis hasn’t consistently stopped either phase.

Detroit’s offense isn’t elite statistically, but this is a matchup where the Lions should be able to find opportunities.

The biggest concern for an Indianapolis spread wager is therefore the defense.

The Colts need their offense to compensate by creating enough points to stay ahead.

Lions vs Colts Betting Trends

The historical Lions vs Colts betting trends provide several useful angles.

Detroit is 6-2 straight up in its last eight preseason games following a loss.

The Lions are also 5-2 against the spread in their last seven preseason games following a loss.

That suggests Detroit has historically responded well when entering a preseason game after a defeat.

The Colts have produced even stronger trends toward the Over.

Indianapolis has gone:

8-1 Over in its last nine preseason games as a favorite

12-3 Over in its last 15 preseason games with totals of 42 or lower

4-1 Over in its last five preseason home games

Detroit also has a strong Over trend, going 3-0 Over in its last three preseason games following a win.

These trends shouldn’t be treated as standalone reasons to wager.

But when they align with the statistical profile of this matchup, they become more relevant.

Indianapolis is allowing 23.5 points per game.

Detroit is averaging 15.5.

And the total is only 36.5.

That creates a realistic path to an Over.

Lions vs Colts Over/Under

The Lions vs Colts over/under is currently 36.5 points.

The Over is the more interesting total play.

Detroit’s offense is averaging 15.5 points per game.

Indianapolis is averaging 9.5.

That combined average is only 25 points, which would initially suggest an Under.

But the defensive numbers tell a different story.

Indianapolis is allowing 23.5 points per game.

If Detroit reaches even 20 points, Indianapolis would need only 17 points for the Over to cash.

That’s hardly an unreasonable number.

The Colts have also gone Over in eight of their last nine preseason games when listed as favorites.

Their 12-3 Over record in their last 15 preseason games with totals of 42 or lower is even more compelling given that Friday’s number is only 36.5.

The Over 36.5 therefore has legitimate statistical and historical support.

Total Pick: Over 36.5

Lions vs Colts Injuries

Detroit Lions

The provided injury information lists the following Lions players as unavailable:

Cedrick Wilson Jr. — Undisclosed

Kerby Joseph — Knee

Damone Clark — Undisclosed

Cade Mays — Wrist

Brian Branch — Achilles

Giovanni Manu — Undisclosed

Kendrick Law — Knee

These absences are important because preseason depth is already thin compared with the regular season.

The impact depends heavily on expected playing time and whether the affected players were projected to participate in the finale.

Indianapolis Colts

The provided injury information lists:

Alec Pierce — Ankle

Cam Taylor-Britt — Suspension

Cameron Mitchell — Upper body

Spencer Shrader — Knee

Carson Towt — Undisclosed

As always with preseason betting, bettors should check the latest status reports before kickoff because teams can make late decisions about veteran availability.

Lions vs Colts Head-to-Head History

The recent Lions vs Colts head-to-head history includes several preseason meetings.

In the 2022 preseason, Detroit defeated Indianapolis 27-26 at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the game going Over 37.5.

In the 2021 preseason, Indianapolis defeated Detroit 27-17 at Ford Field, with the total going Over 33.5.

Detroit also won 24-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2017 preseason, with that game staying Under 35.5.

The most recent regular-season meeting came in 2024, when Detroit defeated Indianapolis 24-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The historical record is not enough by itself to determine Saturday’s result, but it reinforces the idea that this matchup has produced several different scoring environments.

How to Watch Lions vs Colts

Information | Details
Location | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Date | Saturday, August 29, 2026
Kickoff | 1:00 PM ET
Week | Preseason Week 3

The game takes place Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

Because it is the preseason finale, projected playing time is one of the most important pieces of information for bettors.

Lions vs Colts Follow-Up Questions

Who Is Favored in Lions vs Colts?

The Indianapolis Colts are 3.5-point home favorites.

What Is the Lions vs Colts Total?

The game total is 36.5 points.

Who Will Win Lions vs Colts?

The prediction favors the Indianapolis Colts to win at home.

Why Are the Colts Favored?

Indianapolis has home-field advantage and is being asked to cover only a short 3.5-point spread.

Are the Lions Good Against the Run?

Yes. Detroit is allowing only 66 rushing yards per game during the preseason.

How Many Points Are the Lions Averaging?

Detroit is averaging 15.5 points per game.

How Many Points Are the Colts Averaging?

Indianapolis is averaging 9.5 points per game.

Is Lions vs Colts a Good Over Bet?

Yes. Over 36.5 is an attractive secondary play because of Indianapolis’ defensive struggles and its strong historical preseason Over trends.

Who Has the Better Defense?

Detroit has the significantly better statistical defense, allowing 14.5 points and 249.5 yards per game.

What Is the Best Lions vs Colts Bet?

The preferred side is Indianapolis Colts -3.5, with Over 36.5 as the secondary total play.

Lions vs Colts FAQ

1. What is the Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction?

The Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction favors the Indianapolis Colts -3.5 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2. Who will win Lions vs Colts?

Indianapolis is projected to win the game at home, although Detroit’s strong rushing attack should keep the matchup competitive.

3. What is the Lions vs Colts spread?

The Colts are 3.5-point home favorites, with Detroit receiving +3.5.

4. What is the Lions vs Colts over/under?

The current total is 36.5 points.

5. Should you bet Lions vs Colts Over 36.5?

The Over is an attractive secondary wager. Indianapolis has gone Over in eight of its last nine preseason games as a favorite and 12 of its last 15 preseason games with totals of 42 or lower.

6. Which team has the better offense?

Detroit has the better overall scoring production, averaging 15.5 points per game compared with Indianapolis at 9.5.

7. Which team has the better defense?

Detroit has the stronger defense statistically, allowing 14.5 points and 249.5 yards per game.

8. Can Detroit cover +3.5?

Yes. Detroit’s rushing attack and strong defensive numbers make +3.5 a legitimate alternative, particularly if the Lions receive favorable quarterback and rotation news.

9. What is Detroit’s biggest strength?

The Lions’ biggest strength is their rushing attack. They are averaging 149 rushing yards per game.

10. What is the best bet for Lions vs Colts?

The preferred Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction is Indianapolis Colts -3.5, with Over 36.5 as the secondary wager.

Final Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction

The Lions vs Colts Preseason Betting Prediction ultimately comes down to whether Indianapolis can take advantage of home field and overcome Detroit’s statistical advantages.

On paper, Detroit has the stronger overall preseason numbers.

The Lions are scoring 15.5 points per game, averaging 276.5 yards, and producing an impressive 149 rushing yards per game.

Their defense has been even more impressive.

Detroit is allowing only 14.5 points per game and 249.5 yards, while giving up just 66 rushing yards per game.

Indianapolis has not matched those numbers.

The Colts are averaging only 9.5 points per game and allowing 23.5 points.

But this is where preseason betting becomes different from simply comparing statistics.

The Colts are at home.

They’re laying only 3.5 points.

And their historical preseason profile strongly supports an offensive game.

Indianapolis has gone Over in eight of its last nine preseason games as a favorite and 12 of its last 15 preseason games when the total is 42 points or lower.

That’s particularly relevant with Saturday’s total sitting at just 36.5.

Detroit’s rushing attack could also contribute to the Over.

The Lions are averaging 149 rushing yards per game, while Indianapolis is allowing 123.5 rushing yards.

If Detroit’s ground game produces efficiently, the Lions should be capable of reaching the high teens or 20-point range.

That means Indianapolis doesn’t need an explosive offensive performance for the Over to become viable.

The bigger question is whether the Colts can cover.

A 3.5-point spread is small enough that one late touchdown can determine the result.

Indianapolis’ home-field advantage and the ability to win the game outright are enough to make the Colts the preferred side.

The defensive matchup does create some concern, but the spread is asking Indianapolis to win by fewer than four points beyond the standard home-field expectation.

That makes Colts -3.5 the preferred wager.

The Over is the secondary play.

Detroit’s strong running game, Indianapolis’ defensive weaknesses and the Colts’ historical preseason Over trends all support a game that can exceed the relatively modest 36.5-point total.

For bettors using YouWager.lv, the cleanest approach is therefore to prioritize the side and treat the total as a secondary opportunity.

The Pick: Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Best Bet: Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Total Pick: Over 36.5

Prediction: Colts 20, Lions 17