NFL Picks: Preseason Week 3 Eagles vs Colts

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The last week of the NFL preseason is here, bringing anticipation for the regular season. Fans in Philadelphia are eagerly awaiting an interconference face-off, as the Indianapolis Colts journey to the City of Brotherly Love to challenge the Philadelphia Eagles this Thursday night.

The Colts recently exhibited a spectacular comeback against the Chicago Bears, winning 24-17, while Philadelphia found themselves in a deadlock, tying 18-18 with the Cleveland Browns. These teams aren’t strangers to each other; they’ve competed 21 times in preseason, with the Eagles slightly edging out the Colts with an 11-10 lead. Their last showdown was in August 2016, where the Eagles clinched a 33-23 win.

BUSR NFL Odds:

• Spread: Colts -4.5 (-110), Eagles +4.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Colts -206, Eagles +166
• Total: Colts O 38 (-110), Eagles U 38 (-110)

Defending Champions: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia’s strategy seems clear: prioritize the health of their players. Their tie with the Browns revealed the team’s areas of improvement. The Eagles were at a disadvantage in total offense and possession time against Cleveland. An uplifting moment was when Tanner McKee connected with Brady Russell, followed by a successful two-point conversion, leveling the score.

The Eagles have been cautious with Jalen Hurts, keeping their star QB away from preseason action. Marcus Mariota is most likely to be the second QB option, while Tanner McKee and Ian Book might be in the race for the third spot or a place on the practice team. When it comes to running backs, there’s a tight competition behind the likes of D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott. Players such as Joseph Ngata, Johnny King, and Devon Allen are also vying for a spot, looking to impress in the preseason finale.

Indianapolis Colts Season Preparations

The Colts showcased their resilience in their recent game against the Bears. Despite trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis flipped the script by rallying 17 points within the last few minutes, seizing a 24-17 victory. Analyzing the game statistics, the Colts outperformed the Bears in total offense and maintained a slight advantage in ball possession. A standout performance came from Sam Ehlinger, who injected life into the Colts’ offense, especially against Chicago’s secondary defense.

This preseason, Ehlinger ha

s demonstrated his prowess, throwing for almost 200 yards and also leading his team in rush yards. But he’s not the only Colt making waves. Gardner Minshew II is closely contesting Ehlinger for the backup QB position. Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ recent first-round draft pick, has been selected by Coach Shane Steichen as the regular-season starter. Meanwhile, there’s an ongoing tussle among the running backs to secure their spot. Johnathan Taylor, however, won’t be joining the action anytime soon due to injuries, which could provide an opportunity for emerging talents like Josh Downs, Malik Turner, and James Washington.

Recommendations

Expectations are that both teams will prioritize the well-being of their essential players while preparing for the regular season. The Colts have several budding players who might benefit from more exposure to the NFL’s pace. Although it might be beneficial for Richardson to hit the field, the planned joint practices might be deemed sufficient by Coach Steichen. On the other hand, the Eagles, with their vast experience, are playing on their home turf and have displayed impressive play from their offensive and defensive units.

Given the circumstances and performances, it seems wise to lean towards the Eagles, taking into account their depth, experience, and home advantage. The forthcoming game promises excitement and valuable insights into the depth and potential of both teams and their respective NFL Odds.