Bengals at Colts 9/9/18 - NFL Picks & Predictions

On Sunday September 9, the Cincinnati Bengals visit Lucas Oil Stadium to play the host Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 of the NFL regular season.

Cincinnati’s head coach Marvin Lewis is on the proverbial hot seat as he returns after missing the postseason the last two seasons. Cincinnati returns the same skills players from last season with Andy Dalton under center, Joe Mixon at running back, Tyler Eifert at tight end and A.J. Green at wide receiver. The Bengals have improved defensively with the addition of linebacker Preston Brown, to go along with linemen Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.

The Colts have a new head coach in Frank Reich and look to return to the postseason after three straight seasons of missing out. Andrew Luck appears 100% healthy and the Colts hope he returns to being one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the offensive line has three new starters and the Colts running game is suspect with just Marlon Mack and Robert Turbin as the top rushers, which together could put pressure on Luck when it comes to the passing game. T.Y. Hilton is the go-to-guy through the air, but there is no other proven receiver on the roster. During the preseason, Andy Dalton threw for 324 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Joe Mixon rushed for just 24 yards, while Giovani Bernard added 28 on the ground. Tra Carson could be a surprise in the backfield if he sees playing time. A.J. Green caught 7 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown, while Tyler Eifert caught just one pass for 11 yards.

Andrew Luck threw for 204 yards, one touchdown and one interception during the preseason. His backup Jacoby Brissett passed for 395 yards and one touchdown. Marlon Mack rushed for 9 yards while Robert Turbin rushed for 39 during the preseason. Top receiver T.Y. Hilton caught 3 passed for 25 yards but will be the focus of Luck’s passing game.