The Detroit Lions will travel to Indianapolis this weekend to play the Colts in what could be a very fun game. The Detroit Lions are coming off a dominant win against the Jaguars, where they put up a franchise-high 645 yards on offense while allowing 0 tds on defense. They played their most complete game of the year, showing that they are one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.
The Colts are coming off a close win against the Jets, where their offense played well with Anthony Richardson back as the starting QB. He will be starting again this Sunday and will look to improve yet again. This game could end up being much closer than expected, and here are three things the Detroit Lions need to do to come out with a win.
Contain Anthony Richardson
Richardson’s strength is his legs, as he is one of the best QBs when it comes to running the ball. He has 247 rushing yards and 3 TDs in 7 games this year and will be very tough to stop on Sunday. The Lions have struggled against running QBs in the past, so they will need to try to change that this weekend. They will be without linebacker Alex Anzalone this weekend, so they will need to look for big plays from Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez. If the Lions want to win this game, they will need to stop Anthony Richardson from escaping the pocket.
Get Off to a Quick Start on Offense
The offense has been very successful recently, and that will need to start early again this Sunday. The Lions are currently leading the NFL in points per game, averaging 33.6 points per game, and scored 50 points twice this year. Jared Goff has been playing the best football in his career, and he is a big reason the Lions are having the offensive success they’re having. The Colts defense is allowing the 5th most passing yards and 3rd most rushing yards, so they will definitely have their hands full. If the Lions want to win this game, they will need to get out to an early start on offense and put pressure on the Colts early.
Contain their Big Play Wide Receivers
The Colts have some big-play receivers in Josh Downs and Alec Pierce, and it will be crucial to contain them. Both of them have over 500 yards and 4 TDs this year and have been a struggle for defenses to contain. Pierce currently leads the league in yards per catch with 22.7, so it will be crucial for the Lions’ secondary to limit big plays.
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will play a big part in stopping the Colts’ deep balls, and they will likely have a few balls that they will have a chance to pick. If the Lions want to win this game, they will need to make sure they don’t allow the Colts to have many big plays.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Detroit Lions are the much better team and should come away with a win. Their offense should be able to thrive and their defense should be able to get a turnover or two. The Colts will need to stop the Lions offense and establish a lead early if they want to have a chance, but that’s easier said than done. This game could be closer than most expect, especially being in Indianapolis, but at the end of the day, the Lions should improve to 10-1.
