DETROIT, MICHIGAN – The Detroit Lions find themselves in a favorable position at 9-1, sitting atop the NFC standings. However, competition is fierce with the Vikings and Eagles closely trailing at 8-2 each, making it crucial for the Lions to maintain their winning momentum.
In Week 12, the Lions face the Indianapolis Colts, a team with a 5-6 record that the Lions are considered to be superior to. The matchup between the Lions’ potent passing offense, ranked ninth in DVOA, and the Colts’ pass defense, ranked 19th, will be a key focus.
Quarterback Jared Goff has been performing exceptionally well for the Lions, rebounding from an initial rough start to the season. The team’s passing attack has been relentless, boasting impressive statistics like a 113.8 passer rating, a 73.0 completion percentage, and a 9.2 yards per attempt average.
On the defensive end, the Lions face the Colts’ struggling pass defense, allowing opposing teams to surpass their averages consistently. Despite notable players like Kenny Moore II in their secondary, the Colts rank poorly in several key pass defense metrics.
In terms of the running game, the Lions have been dominant, consistently rushing for over 100 yards in every game. Their strong offensive line contributes to their success, ranking highly in run blocking grades and adjusted line yards.
The Colts’ run defense, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, showing glimpses of improvement with the return of DeForest Buckner but still struggling with certain aspects. With key players on the Colts’ offensive line expected to be sidelined, the Lions have an advantage in this area.
When it comes to the passing game, the Colts have been inconsistent, with quarterback Joe Flacco’s performance being a significant factor. The Lions’ pass defense, on the other hand, has been solid, excelling in areas like passer rating allowed and success rate.
In predicting the outcome of the Lions vs. Colts game, the Lions are favored with a +7.5 advantage. The Lions’ multi-faceted strengths make them a formidable opponent for the Colts, with a potential final score prediction of Lions 34, Colts 20.