The Cardinals and Colts meet in Week 2 of the NFL preseason. With neither team having a starter, backups become more valuable. Find out why the Colts have the advantage in that regard.
August 16, 2024 • 18:00 ET • 4 min read
Photo credit – USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 of the NFL preseason continues through Saturday night, which means we have our predictions for the Cardinals vs. Colts game.
After two days of joint practice, it's unlikely either team will use their starters, but the Colts should have the advantage in the first half.
Let’s take a look at our top NFL picks for the Aug. 17 preseason games.
Cardinals vs Colts predictions
My best bet
Colts -0.5 first half (-108 on DraftKings)
My Analysis
The Indianapolis Colts have already announced that none of their starters will play in this game after two days of joint practice, and that they will play in next week's preseason finale. Joe Flacco will also sit out Saturday night, meaning Sam Ehlinger will start at quarterback, with Kedon Slovis and Jason Bean taking over in the second half.
We already know Kyler Murray won't play in any preseason games, but it looks like he won't need them based on reports that he and Marvin Harrison Jr. worked well together during practice this week against the Colts. I expect the Arizona Cardinals will stick with a similar game plan to last week in terms of who their starters are and will likely follow a similar game plan to the second game of the preseason last season.
That means Desmond Ridder will start and play a little longer than he did last week before handing Clayton Tune the baton for the rest of the game. Tune had a great game last week, completing 15 of 24 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown and nearly leading a comeback in the fourth quarter before losing on a field goal in the final seconds. Ridder was inconsistent in the passing game, but did find room to run, finishing with 39 yards on five carries.
Ehlinger played great last week, except for one big mistake, an interception while throwing a pass in the red zone. Other than that, his passing was perfect and he led two drives that either resulted in a score or a chance to score (missed field goal). I believe the matchup between Ehlinger and Ridder is favored in the first half of this game.
The Cardinals were shut out in the first half last week and only managed seven points in the second quarter of last season's preseason game 2. Ehlinger showed what it's like to be a preseason warrior last season and was good again last week.
Cardinals vs Colts odds
Cardinals vs Colts live odds
Cardinals vs Colts opening odds
Spread: Arizona +3.5 | Indianapolis -3.5 Moneyline: Arizona +167 | Indianapolis -200 Over/Under: Over 36.5 | Under 36.5
Cardinals vs Colts betting trends to know
The Cardinals have scored 23 points in the first half in their last six preseason games (3.8 points per game). Find more NFL betting trends for Cardinals vs. Colts.
Cardinals vs Colts game info
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana When: Saturday, August 17, 2024 Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET TV: NFL+
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