Last season the Colts began 1-5 before Andrew Luck returned to form and inspired a 9-1 run that took them all the way to the playoffs, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
This year, the Colts are a 14/1 shot to win the Super Bowl and many have identified them as a potential dark horse. Their preseason, however, did not get off to a promising start, as they lost 24-16 against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.
The Colts looked toothless against the Bills as Luck was out with a calf injury, but the franchise expects him to be available for the regular-season opener.
Cleveland’s fortunes also largely hinge on its quarterback. Last season, Baker Mayfield helped the Browns to a 7-8-1 record after making his NFL debut in Week 3, their most wins in a season since 2014.
In the offseason, the Browns have provided the number one overall pick of the 2018 draft with a new arsenal of weapons, adding star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and running back Kareem Hunt to their roster.
After years of being the NFL whipping boys, Cleveland has its sights firmly set on a playoff berth.
The early signs are promising, with the Browns beating the Washington Redskins 30-10 in their first preseason game even without Beckham Jr. and fellow star receiver Jarvis Landry.
Mayfield played just one series for the Browns on Thursday night, but took Cleveland 89 yards down the field in just over two minutes. The second-year quarterback completed five of six passes and threw a touchdown pass to Rashard Higgins.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday.
When and where is the game?
The Indianapolis Colts host the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 17.
TV coverage
The game will be nationally broadcast by NFL Network, while ABC affiliate WEWS will provide local coverage across Ohio.
Live stream
A live stream will be available via NFL Network online and on connected devices as well as via fuboTV.
Form
With Luck sidelined, the Colts started Jacoby Brissett against the Bills—but their offense struggled.
Indianapolis recorded just one touchdown and 22 total yards while Brissett was in the game, before the 26-year-old ended with a meager 2-for-5 for 21 yards.
Chad Kelly fared much better, throwing for 121 yards and adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown it wouldn’t be surprising to see him involved again on Saturday.
Aside from Mayfield, the Browns rotated three quarterbacks, with David Blough arguably the pick of the crop after throwing one touchdown and completing four of seven passes for 59 yards.
Cleveland had a solid contribution from its receivers, with Rashard Higgins racking up 98 yards over five receptions, while D.J. Montgomery and Antonio Callaway combined for 89 yards across five receptions.
Odds
According to Oddschecker, the Colts are a three-point favorite and are 93/100 to win and cover the spread. The Browns are 137/100 to win, while the over/under bar for total points is set at 43.
