Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions: NFL Preseason Pick: August 29th 2009

Indianapolis Colts (1-1 SU & ATS) at Detroit Lions (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS) – Saturday, August 29
BetUS NFL Football Betting Odds: INDIANAPOLIS -3, Total 39.5

The Colts were simply embarrassing in the first pre-season game, gaining just 142 total yards in losing a 13-3 clunker to the Vikings. They managed to rebound with a win over Philadelphia, chalking up 336 yards in a game where Peyton Manning got them off to a quick 14-0 lead. Success in the pre-season is out of character for Indy, which usually takes it pretty easy. But Manning was sharp, completing 10 of 14 passes for two TD’s. Manning has been lobbying for increased playing time. He got it in that game, and that may continue.

Last year the Lions went undefeated in the pre-season then winless during the regular season. This year I thought they would try to be a little more impressive in August to give some confidence to their fans, but that hasn’t really happened. Last year I guess it kind of backfired on them.

It was kind of shameful how they allowed Cleveland, a team that otherwise can’t score, jump to a 20-0 first quarter lead. Detroit was held to less than 300 yards of offense and put the ball on the ground five times. Matthew Stafford looked less than ordinary, throwing for 34 yards (good for just 2.6 yards an attempt) and tossing an interception. It would appear that if there was doubt about who was going to win the starting job, Daunte Culpepper has the lead, after his 10-for-16 showing. Against the Colts, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, the other first-round pick Detroit had (aside from Stafford) will finally get on the field in a game. Dane Looker came into camp last Monday and he contributed with 39 receiving yards. So you can’t say there isn’t a little help.

Indianapolis has clearly shown up the last three years to play the third pre-season game, defeating Atlanta 18-9, Detroit 37-10 and New Orleans 27-14. They can handle an inferior Lions team. We’ll lay the points with the Colts, the three-point favorite in the BetUS NFL pre-season football betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: INDIANAPOLIS -3 ***
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)