A matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots harkens back to the days of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady; however, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET (NFL+) it will be Anthony Richardson Sr. and Tommy DeVito leading the offenses at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
With neither team expected to play key players, Indianapolis is a 2.5-point road favorite due to its depth, and my Colts vs. Patriots predictions and NFL picks project Richardson and Co. to win decisively.
Colts vs Patriots predictions
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Who will win Colts vs Patriots: Colts moneyline
The New England Patriots have a serious depth issue at QB, and with Mike Vrabel announcing that Drake Maye won't be suiting up in the preseason opener, it could be a long night in Foxborough.
The Patriots are set to start Tommy DeVito with rookie seventh-round pick Behren Morton backing him up, and the running back situation is just as dire. Without Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson out there, undrafted second-year running back Lan Larison is expected to start.
The Indianapolis Colts have much stronger depth on offense with the QB combo of Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard, both of whom add a wrinkle with their mobility (12 combined rushing touchdowns). And Indianapolis has better offensive line and running back depth.
Since Shane Steichen became the Colts' head coach, they've outscored opponents 224 to 175 in the preseason.
Colts vs Patriots Over/Under pick: Over 37.5
Steichen's offenses have frequently shined in the preseason, especially when he has a mobile QB behind center. Across nine preseason games, the Colts have scored 24.8 PPG since Steichen took over, including putting up 27+ points four times.
Against a New England defense that will likely play few proven veterans and is expected to play as many as nine rookies, Richardson and Leonard should take advantage.
With that said, the Colts' defense hasn't been a steal trap in the preseason. Indianapolis has allowed at least 23 points in four of nine preseason games under Steichen and will also be heavily relying on unproven players.
DeVito has had strong preseason performances for the New York Giants in the past (he threw three touchdowns against the Patriots in a 42-10 win against them in last year's preseason), and could utilize New England's wide receiver depth against the Colts.
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Colts vs Patriots weather
Though scattered thunderstorms are forecasted for the morning and early afternoon, by kickoff the weather should have no impact on the game.
How to watch Colts vs Patriots
| Location | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA |
| Date | Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL+ |
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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