Falcons vs. Colts Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Preseason Odds for Saturday, August 22nd
The Atlanta Falcons will visit the Indianapolis Colts at 1 PM ET on Saturday, August 22, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis is favored by 3.5 points with a 36.5 total as both teams sit most of their regular starters and turn the afternoon over to backup quarterback evaluations. Check out this Falcons vs. Colts prediction and best bet for August 22.
Peter Alexis - August 22, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
4 Minute ReadFalcons vs. Colts Prediction: Will Falcons Struggle Offensively Again?
Indianapolis is a 3.5-point favorite at -108, with Atlanta +3.5 (-112). The Colts are -170 on the moneyline, the Falcons are +142 and the total sits at 36.5.
Both teams finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs last season. Indianapolis' collapse was particularly painful after a strong start turned into seven consecutive losses to finish the year, while Atlanta closed with four straight wins but had already eliminated itself from serious contention.
The Falcons were hammered 27-7 by Denver in their opener and are again protecting virtually every established starter. Tua Tagovailoa will not play, while Michael Penix Jr. is still being carefully managed during his return and has been limited to controlled practice work. Jack Strand and Cooper Rush are expected to split the quarterback duties.
Falcons vs. Colts Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN Unlimited
Falcons vs. Colts Odds
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Falcons vs. Colts Prediction
That leaves Atlanta playing almost entirely with reserve personnel. The Falcons have significant competitions at receiver, running back and along the offensive line, but their most important regular-season players already received more useful work during two joint practices with Indianapolis.
The Colts are also sitting the vast majority of their starters, including Daniel Jones, who will not play in either of Indianapolis' first two preseason games. The major difference comes at quarterback. Riley Leonard will start and play the entire first half before Anthony Richardson Sr. takes over for the entire second half.
Indianapolis tied New England 13-13 in its opener. Leonard completed 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards with an interception during his half, while Richardson received the first-half assignment. Reversing those roles gives the Colts two quarterbacks with meaningful NFL roster stakes handling every offensive snap Saturday.
Neither team has a starter advantage because both are sitting almost everyone. The Colts do have the much more defined and talented quarterback rotation, while Atlanta is essentially evaluating its QB3 options for four quarters.
Falcons vs. Colts Pick
- Pick: Colts -3.5 (-110) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
That difference is enough to lay the modest number at home. Leonard gets a full half to settle in, and Richardson should be the most physically gifted player on the field against third-string defenders after halftime.
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