Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts 2018: Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For NFL Week 1

After 19 months of recovery from a right shoulder injury, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck returns to action when the Colts host the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The 28-year-old last played on Jan. 1, 2017, and the Colts' offense proceeded to struggle in his absence. Backup Jacoby Brissett finished with just an 81.7 passer rating last season as the Colts went on to finish 4-12.

Luck had sat out practice last week because of a foot injury but should be at full strength Sunday. He completed six of his 13 pass attempts in a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 20.

Protecting the three-time Pro Bowler will be first-round draft pick Quenton Nelson, a left guard that is expected to bolster a line that has been plagued by inconsistency over the years. With some other returning starters, as well as some added youth, the offensive line is expected to be a key component to the Colts' success.

The Colts also bring back receiver T.Y. Hilton and Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle.

The Bengals bring back many familiar faces to the offense, including quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A.J. Green and last year's leading rusher Joe Mixon. The Bengals also have versatile running back Giovani Bernard, who rushed for 458 yards to go along with 389 receiving yards. Meanwhile, tight end Tyler Eifert returns after missing most of 2017 with a back injury.

But Cincinnati enters the season with a somewhat inexperienced offensive line. Rookie center Billy Price is joined on the right side by newcomer Bobby Hart and Alex Redmond, who has only played in five games.

Forcing more turnovers could be crucial to the Bengals' season. In 2017, Cincinnati was among the worst teams in takeaways, something experienced defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is hoping to change.

Both the Colts and Bengals are looking to end short playoff droughts. The Colts last reached the playoffs in the 2014 season, while the Bengals haven't reached the playoffs since 2015 season. According to oddsmakers, the Colts have the worst shot of winning the AFC South at 5/1, while the Bengals are tied with the Cleveland Browns for the AFC North's third-best odds at 10/1.

Betting Odds: Colts by 2.5 points; over/under is 48 points.

Prediction: Colts over Bengals, 31-21