This Colts vs Lions matchup features two teams with very different rest-of-season aspirations. With the undefeated Chiefs losing against Buffalo last week, Detroit now has a legitimate claim to the title “Best Team in Football.”
Their offense is an embarrassment of riches, featuring game-changers like Jared Goff, David Montgomery Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. The offense is truly special, as evidenced by their mauling of Jacksonville last week. Additionally, their defense, which ranks 13th in total yards allowed, also has the playmakers and talent to give the franchise a boost.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis surprisingly finds themselves in a position to push for a playoff berth. Despite early-season struggles that led to the benching of sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, and mid-season struggles that led to veteran Joe Flacco’s benching in favor of a returning Richardson, the roller-coaster Colts sit just two games out in a winnable AFC South.
An upset victory over the Lions would give a massive boost to their chances. However, beating Detroit will prove most difficult.
Can Indianapolis’ run game lead them to an upset victory over the juggernaut Detroit roster in this Colts vs Lions battle?
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Colts vs Lions Odds
- Moneyline: Lions (-380) vs Colts (+300)
- Spread: Lions -7.5 (-100) vs Colts +7.5 (-120)
- Over/Under: Over 50.0 (-110) / Under 50.0 (-110)
Colts vs Lions Prediction
DET Lions 28, IND Colts 18
Unfortunately for the Colts, it would take a miracle to dismantle this Lions team. Detroit is one of the very few clubs in football that feature a combination of plus passing (they rank eighth in total passing yards), rushing (they rank fourth in total yards on the ground), scoring (their offense leads the NFL with 336 points scored), and defense (this rush defense is fifth-best in the league).
Detroit’s pass defense, which ranks 27th in the NFL, could be a weak spot. However, Anthony Richardson’s poor passing numbers indicate that the Colts are one of the least equipped teams to take advantage of the Lions secondary.
Richardson and Jonathan Taylor will try to keep their team in contention. But Indianapolis feels woefully out-gunned in this matchup. Expect the Lions to cruise to another victory.
Colts vs Lions Best Bets
Jameson Williams Over 39.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
All signs point of a big day for Williams. While the Lions’ 27th ranked pass defense is their biggest weakness, Indy’s secondary is equally poor, ranking 26th. Unfortunately for the Colts, the Lions have more than enough firepower to take advantage.
Williams, Detroit’s big-play threat, is averaging 67.3 yards per game so far this season. Their offense is red-hot. The matchup is stellar. And Williams is a proven playmaker. The stars seem to be aligning for Williams to push for at least one long catch. Bet the over with confidence.
Anthony Richardson Over 40.5 Rushing Yards (-110)
Everyone was aware of Richardson’s profile when he declared for the NFL Draft. The scouting report clearly showed his flaws as a precision passer, while also showing his potential as a Cam-Newton-like playmaker as a rusher.
Early this season, the Colts seemed determined to use Richardson as more of a pocket-passer. This crushed his upside and limited his potential to thrive in his best skillset.
However, in his first game back as a starter, Indy gave their quarterback 10 rushing attempts (his second most of the season), including several designed rushes.
It seems as though the Colts are wisely prioritizing Richardsons skills and putting him in a better position to thrive. Detroit’s defense is tough. But if Indianapolis gives their quarterback 10+ carries again this week, he should have no trouble passing the 40 yard mark.
Main Photo Courtesy of Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images
