Game: Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles
Time: 8 p.m.
Odds: Colts -4.5, Eagles +4.5
Total: 38
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Indianapolis Colts tonight in the final preseason game for both teams. In their previous preseason game last Saturday night, Indianapolis outlasted Chicago 24-17 at home as a 4.5-point favorite. Against Cleveland last Thursday night, Philadelphia fought to an 18-18 tie, failing to cover as a four-point favorite. The teams have faced off 21 times during the preseason, with the Eagles holding an 11-10 advantage thanks to a 33-23 victory on the road in the most recent meeting, which occurred on August 27, 2016.
Indianapolis evened its preseason record at 1-1 f when they beat the Bears at home last Saturday after coming back in the fourth quarter. The Colts scored the game’s first touchdown, trailed 17-7 early in the fourth quarter after giving up 17 unanswered points, and then finished the game with 17 unanswered points over the final 8:38 to win.
Indianapolis had a 343–310 advantage in total offense, gained 21 first downs while surrendering 18, and controlled the ball for longer periods of time than the opposition (30:14–29:46). Sam Ehlinger provided an offensive boost late in the game against Chicago’s backups, helping the Colts to victory by forcing the game’s sole turnover.
Ehlinger is the team’s top performer in preseason games, completing 17-of-23 passes for 196 yards while also leading the team in rushing with 70 yards and a touchdown. Shane Steichen has named first-round pick Anthony Richardson (7-of-12, 67 yards, INT) the starter, and Ehlinger is competing with Gardner Minshew II (19-of-21, 179 yards, TD) for the second spot on the depth chart.
As they approach this season’s finale, Philadelphia has been more concerned with avoiding serious injuries during the preseason. Last week, the Eagles tied the Browns in a game that was a bit of a slog. The result brought the Eagles’ preseason record to 0-1-1. Philadelphia trailed Cleveland 18-10 early in the fourth quarter after falling behind 8-3 at the half. With 6:09 left, Tanner McKee connected with Brady Russell for a 22-yard touchdown pass. He then hit Johnny King to score the go-ahead two-point conversion.
It is obvious that the Eagles want to keep Jalen Hurts healthy because he hasn’t played in the first two weeks of the preseason. He is not anticipated to play tonight. Tanner McKee (20-of-38, 295 yards, TD, 7 rush yards), Marcus Mariota (16-of-28, 144 yards, INT, 34 rush yards), and Ian Book (1-of-4, 11 yards, 24 rush yards) may be competing for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart or a spot on the practice squad.
FREE PICK: UNDER 38
With both teams keeping most of their key contributors on the bench tonight, this game should be a low-scoring “let’s watch paint dry” experience. The Eagles have played in two low-scoring preseason games thus far – 39 and 36 points. Philly has scored 19 and 18 points in its last two games. With backup QBs playing for both teams, don’t expect much in the way of sustained offensive drives. Philly has more depth on defense and that should hamper the Colts’ backup QB battle. It’ll also keep the point total down.
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