The Colts Remain NFL's Best Preseason Underdog Bet in Week 2 vs Lions

The Indianapolis Colts are a trendy pick to exceed expectations this season. They've got one of the NFL's best offensive lines, rising stars in Johnathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, but most importantly, they've upgraded the quarterback position in a mammoth way by bringing in Matt Ryan and ridding the organization of Carson Wentz's stench.

Despite all of this, the Colts are underdogs at home to the Detroit Lions, who have lost nine consecutive preseason games.

I wrote up the Colts earlier this week, but they're even larger underdogs now. I'm a bit puzzled, but I'll happily return to the well and take advantage of sportsbooks' clear mistake.

Let's check out those updated odds, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook:

Lions vs Colts Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Lions -3.0 (-110)
• Colts +3.0 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Lions: -155
• Colts: +127

Total: 

• 38.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Lions vs Colts Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Preseason Week 2

Over the last four days, the Lions moved from 1.5-point favorites to 3.0-point favorites, and their moneyline odds moved from -130 to -155. Indianapolis' odds rose from +110 to +127, and the total fell from 41.0 to 38.5.

It's clear oddsmakers are expecting a weaker offensive performance from the Colts. I can't help but disagree.

Lions vs Colts Best Bet and Prediction

I know that everyone fell in love with Dan Campbell and the Lions seem lovable on Hard Knocks, but come on people! This is the DETROIT LIONS we're talking about here!

Detroit is 1-13 in its last 14 preseason games and on a pathetic 3-10 stretch against the spread. They're terrible! We can think a thing is likeable but recognize it's bad for us, like the McRib from McDonalds, for example.

The Colts have advantages everywhere and nearly beat Buffalo last week, who is one of the NFL's premier preseason teams. Indianapolis is still 3-1-1 against the spread in its last five preseason contests, and covered the spread in each of its last 10 preseason games as underdogs.

Look at the swagger from future breakout wide receiver Michael Pittman. That's a guy who knows his team is going to dominate the Lions this week.

Back the Colts to improve to 9-2 outright in their last 11 preseason games as Detroit stumbles once again. McRibs are enjoyable from time to time, but I'm not over here trying to live off of them. Neither should you.

Pick: Colts (+127)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.