Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons visit the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 1:00 PM ET. Atlanta is 0-1 in the preseason after a 27-7 loss to Denver last Friday. Indianapolis is 0-0-1 after playing New England to a 13-13 tie Thursday. Atlanta used Tua Tagovailoa for only two series in its opener, while Indianapolis rested Daniel Jones and several other starters. Both teams continue to evaluate quarterbacks, depth, and position battles in their second preseason game. Cash in a big winner with our free NFL picks.

Atlanta Falcons Need More From Their Offense

Atlanta managed only 192 total yards against Denver and did not score until the third quarter. Tagovailoa completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards across nine snaps, while Cooper Rush struggled behind him with two interceptions. Rookie Jack Strand scored Atlanta’s only touchdown on a one-yard quarterback sneak. Bijan Robinson and Drake London dressed but did not play. With Michael Penix Jr. still working back from ACL surgery, the preseason continues to give Atlanta opportunities to evaluate Tagovailoa and the other quarterbacks.

Atlanta also has several roster decisions beyond quarterback. The right tackle position remains important after Kaleb McGary retired, with Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris and Michael Jerrell among the options discussed during the offseason. Nickel cornerback is another area under evaluation, while rookie Zachariah Branch gives the coaching staff a versatile offensive player to examine. Defensively, James Pearce Jr. remains available during the preseason before his eight-game suspension begins, and the Falcons need answers along the pass rush after Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL injury.

Indianapolis Colts Continue Evaluating Their Depth

Indianapolis produced 13 points against New England while turning the ball over four times. Anthony Richardson started with Jones resting and completed 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards. Richardson also scored on a one-yard run but committed two turnovers with an interception and a lost fumble. The former first-round pick is trying to secure the backup quarterback role after appearing in only two games last season. Indianapolis eventually tied New England when Spencer Shrader connected on a 61-yard field goal with 1:16 remaining.

The Colts rested many important players in their opener, including Jones, Quenton Nelson, Bernhard Raimann, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Sauce Gardner and Laiatu Latu. That created extended opportunities for reserves fighting for roster positions. Indianapolis continues to evaluate its second edge position opposite Latu, while the No. 3 receiver role is another area worth monitoring following Michael Pittman Jr.’s offseason departure. Ashton Dulin is among the candidates for a larger receiving role, while Alec Pierce’s ankle issue has also affected the receiving group during camp.

What to Watch

Atlanta’s quarterback usage remains important with Penix not yet fully cleared. Tagovailoa received only two series against Denver, so any additional work would give the new coaching staff another chance to evaluate him. Rush also needs a better showing after throwing two interceptions in the opener.

Indianapolis has a different quarterback question. Richardson played extensively against New England while Jones rested following his return from a torn Achilles. The Colts can use this second preseason game to continue examining Richardson’s development while deciding how much work established starters need before the regular season.

Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts Game Pick

• Atlanta Falcons +3.5

Atlanta +3.5 is the game pick despite the Falcons’ difficult preseason opener. Atlanta lost 27-7, but Tagovailoa played only nine snaps and several major offensive starters were held out. The Falcons have plenty to evaluate after producing just 192 yards, which should create meaningful opportunities for players fighting for roles. Indianapolis committed four turnovers against New England and managed only 13 points. With more than a field goal available, Atlanta +3.5 is the play in a preseason matchup centered heavily on evaluating reserves.

Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts Over/Under Pick

• Under 37.5

Under 37.5 is the total pick after both offenses struggled to produce points in their preseason openers. Atlanta scored seven against Denver and finished with only 192 yards, while Indianapolis scored 13 despite Richardson throwing for 145 yards. The Colts also committed four turnovers, and Atlanta’s quarterback rotation remains uncertain beyond Tagovailoa’s limited opening-game work. Neither team needs to push established offensive players for extended snaps. With both coaching staffs focused on roster evaluation, another game with long stretches of reserve play will help the total cash under.