CBS Sports: The Lions Issue a Serious Warning to the Colts Before Their Historic NFL Matchup
With a 9-1 record, the Lions are tied with the Chiefs for the best football record. They also lead the NFC conference and the NFC North division by one game. It has a one-game advantage over the 8-2 Eagles and Vikings, setting them up for a first-round playoff bye.
After defeating the Titans, Texans, and Jaguars last week, a victory would mark a perfect sweep of the AFC South. The Colts, on the other hand, are 5-6 and recently defeated the Jets.
Every game, the Lions score more than two touchdowns more than their opponents. Their three victories by 38 points or more demonstrate their supremacy, as they have a league-best +159 point differential. In NFL history, no team has more.
How to watch the Lions
FOX 2 broadcasts the Lions vs. Colts game from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 1:00 p.m.
Prepare with FOX 2’s Lions Gameday Live at 10 a.m.
Detroit is 7.5 points up going into the match.
The current season
Simply put, the Lions have been playing well lately. They come into the game fresh off a 52-point offensive surge against the Jags, which was fueled by Jared Goff’s 433 yards and four touchdowns.
Goff’s effort solidified his reputation as one of this season’s MVP contenders and was a delightful comeback after his four-interception performance against the Texans one week prior.
However, the Colts’ 29th-ranked rush defense, which is good for third-worst, gives the red-hot offense the opportunity to feast on the ground.
The league’s finest 1-2 punch is made up of running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who rank fifth in rushing (796, 8 touchdowns) and twenty-first in yards (595, 10 touchdowns).
The Lions will be playing their first game without linebacker Alex Anzalone on defense due to a fractured arm. In many respects, Anzalone was the defense’s quarterback and was in control of making calls.
But according to coach Dan Campbell, Jack Campbell will fill the position with ease.
“This isn’t the first time he’s had to take a little bit of a role like that and he’s going to be fine, he’ll step right into that,” added the coach. “He’ll embrace it and I think you’ll see him thrive.”
The Texans, who lead the AFC South, are two games ahead of the Colts, who are 5-6. Anthony Richardson, who was called up last week and played a key role in their 28-27 victory over the Jets, has given Indianapolis new hope at quarterback.
Although running back Jonathan Taylor will be the major target for Detroit’s fifth-ranked rushing defense, Richardson, who rushed for two touchdowns last week and is a consistent running threat, cannot be overlooked.
“Richardson is a running quarterback and they are using him a lot more in that regard,” Campbell stated.
