Colts, Bengals happy with starters' showing so far, will mostly rest them

In this Aug. 23, 2014, photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Indianapolis. The Colts are giving Andrew Luck a new option -- running the no-huddle offense. And it could be just what Indianapolis needs to finally fulfill its Super Bowl aspirations(AP Photo/AJ Mast, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2014, file photo, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano calls a play during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Pagano came to the Colts with a power-running plan. Three years into his tenure, Indianapolis is still trying to find a combination that works.(AP Photo/AJ Mast, File) (The Associated Press)

CINCINNATI – There's no incentive for the Colts and the Bengals to play their starters much in the final preseason game. They've done so well that both teams are feeling good about the regular season.

The Colts (0-3) and the Bengals (1-2) will be looking mostly at competition for backup spots on Thursday night at Paul Brown Stadium.

It'll be the final time that Indianapolis linebacker Robert Mathis can be with the team. He'll start serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He claims he used a fertility drug to help his wife get pregnant.

Cincinnati Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who signed a three-year contract extension on Wednesday, is expected to sit out with a hamstring injury.

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