Colts at Bills 8/8/19 - NFL Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 08/13/2019 at 10:43 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts visit upstate New York on Thursday to play the Buffalo Bills in a NFL preseason Week 1 matchup at New Era Field in Orchard Park.

The Colts will have Andrew Luck under center this season but do not expect to see much if any of the talented signal caller. T.Y Hilton and Devin Funchess are the top receivers, but expect to see others playing as they fight for roster spots. The running game is led by Marlon Mack, but much interest will be on Jonathan Williams and Nyheim Hines. Spencer Ware joins the mix as the veteran was signed during the offseason. All five linemen from last season but the five will see limited action in order for backups to play and secure backup spots.

Defensively the Colts have several open spots to fill and will use the preseason to see who will join free agent signing Justin Houston, and returnees Jabaal Sheard and Al-Qaudin Muhammad. The linebacker corps returns plenty of talent from last season but rookies and free agent signings will battle for a place on the roster. The secondary has both safeties back but cornerback is a toss amongst a host of player who will see plenty of action during the preseason.
Buffalo reached the postseason in 2017 but regressed in 2018 and changes during the offseason came early and often. Frank Gore is the new top rusher and will see limited actions in Week 1. Quarterback Josh Allen continues to improve and should become a solid NFL signal caller this season but will not see more than a series or two in this game. Five receivers will battle for playing time including John Brown, Cole Beasley, Robert Foster, Zay Jones and Andre Roberts.

Defense is what makes the Bills go. The defense was No. 2 in yards allowed in 2018 and 10 of the 11 starters from last season return and backup prospects will see plenty of action to determine who stays and who doesn’t. Defensive tackle Kyle Williams is the key to the defenses’ success but he will see limited action early. The Bills are on solid footing defensively from the line, to the linebackers and the secondary.

Preseason is difficult to predict, especially Week 1. However, the Bills have one of the league’s best defenses and although the regulars will not see much time, the backups are equally talented and will keep the score low and produce turnovers for the Buffalo offense. Indianapolis will play few of its offensive regulars such as Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton, which will lend to the game being low scoring and in Buffalo’s favor. Final Score Prediction, Buffalo Bills win and cover ATS 21-13.

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