Detroit Lions (9-1) will face off against the Indianapolis Colts (5-6) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, with the game being broadcast on Fox. The current betting line from BetMGM has the Lions favored by 7.5 points. Both teams have shown strong performances against the spread this season, with the Lions holding an 8-2 record and the Colts at 8-3. Historically, the Colts lead the series with a record of 22 wins, 19 losses, and 2 ties. The last meeting between these two teams took place on November 1, 2020, when the Colts secured a 41-21 victory in Detroit. Last week, the Lions put on an impressive show by defeating the Jaguars 52-6, while the Colts managed to edge past the Jets with a 28-27 win.
When analyzing the statistics, the Lions’ offense ranks overall at third place, with a strong showing in rushing (3rd), passing (6th), and scoring (1st). Conversely, their defense is 13th overall, being more formidable against the run (5th) but less so against the pass (27th) and scoring, where they rank 5th. In contrast, the Colts’ offense is positioned 21st overall, with a rush rank of 16th, passing rank of 21st, and scoring rank of 19th. Their defense, however, struggles at the 28th position overall, with a poor ranking against both the run (28th) and pass (26th), though they hold a scoring rank of 17th. The turnover differential shows the Lions at a favorable plus-9, while the Colts are at minus-1.
For the Lions, one standout player is wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. As an All-Pro receiver, he has been on an impressive scoring streak, with a touchdown catch in eight consecutive games, setting a franchise record. He was flawless in last week’s game, catching all 11 passes directed at him and 24 of 26 over the past three weeks. Facing a struggling pass defense, he could significantly contribute to the Lions’ scoring efforts this week. On the Colts’ side, quarterback Anthony Richardson has returned to the starting role after a two-week hiatus and showcased his potential by delivering his best performance to date against the Jets. This upcoming matchup presents a greater challenge, and Richardson must prove that his previous performance is indicative of continued improvement.
A key matchup to highlight will be between the Lions’ running backs and the Colts’ run defense. The absence of Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner during a part of the season left the Colts vulnerable, but his return has improved their defensive performance. The big question is whether they can contain the Lions’ powerful rushing tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who benefit from one of the league’s strongest offensive lines.
In terms of injuries, the Lions may see tight end Sam LaPorta return after sidelining a game due to a shoulder injury. However, linebacker Alex Anzalone has been placed on IR with a broken forearm, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is also out with an ankle injury. The Colts, on the other hand, are in relatively good health, although left tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee) missed practice recently and right tackle Braden Smith (foot) had limited participation. If either is unable to play, the Colts could face a challenge, potentially finishing their third consecutive game with a rookie-laden offensive line.
Looking back at the series history, the Colts have been dominant lately, winning five of the last six encounters, with the only Lions victory during this stretch being a narrow 39-35 win in Indianapolis in 2018. Notably, both teams participated in joint practices during August 2022, and former Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, who also coached the Lions, led the Colts to a Super Bowl while being dismissed by Detroit after achieving a 9-7 record in 2017. Additionally, Peyton Manning memorably threw six touchdown passes in a Thanksgiving game against the Lions back in 2004.
In statistical highlights, the Lions have won an impressive eight straight games, boasting the best record in the NFC, which ties them with Kansas City for the overall best record in the league. This is their first time starting a season with nine wins in ten games since 1934. They are aiming to sweep all four teams in the AFC South, having already achieved an overwhelming combined score of 130-43 against the other three teams, including two games where they exceeded 50 points. Both Montgomery, Gibbs, and St. Brown have set an NFL record by scoring a touchdown together in the same game eight times this season. Quarterback Jared Goff has completed 30 of his passes with 15 touchdowns over the last five games, although five of those incompletions were interceptions against Houston. Furthermore, the Lions’ defense allows only about 94.8 rushing yards per game and have a formidable scoring efficiency.
As for the Colts, they managed to break a three-game losing streak last week and currently stand one game behind the Denver Broncos for the final playoff spot in the AFC. They have struggled against NFC North teams this season, losing both away games against Green Bay and Minnesota but securing a win against Chicago at home. The Colts will don their “Indiana Nights” uniforms for this matchup, adding a unique flair to the game. Richardson’s recent performance included a touchdown pass along with two rushing touchdowns, leading to a dramatic game-winning play in the closing moments against the Jets. Running back Jonathan Taylor continues to impress, ranking third in rushing yards since entering the NFL in 2021. Michael Pittman Jr. is on the verge of breaking a franchise record for receptions in his first five seasons.
As a fantasy tip, while players like Goff, Gibbs, Montgomery, and St. Brown are solid picks for your lineup, it might also be worth considering the Lions’ defense. With Richardson’s unpredictable performance in his early career paired with Detroit’s aggressive defense, utilizing them could yield good results as well.