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Writer's pictureConnor Gioffreda

Jared Goff and the Lions Hope to Keep the Good Times Rolling vs. Anthony Richardson and the Colts

In an exciting matchup on the NFL schedule, the Detroit Lions will face off against the Indianapolis Colts, with both teams looking to make their mark in the playoff race. The Lions, known for their high-powered offense and resilient defense, are eager to build on an exceptionally strong season. Meanwhile, the Colts, led by their young quarterback Anthony Richardson and a solid rushing attack led by Jonathan Taylor, are hoping to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. With both teams possessing the talent to light up the scoreboard, this game promises to be a thrilling contest filled with hard-hitting action and pivotal moments.


Both sides of the football for the Lions are near perfect. The offense came out and proved once again that nobody should doubt them, even if they do have some bad games. Jared Goff's last outing put him right back in the MVP conversation, and Amon Ra St. Brown is ranked 2nd among all wide receivers in touchdowns. Defense has played lights out, and with the acquisition of veteran Zadarius Smith, of whom the latter picked up his first sack as a Lion in his first game as one against the Jaguars last Sunday, it is still more dangerous than ever.


Game Information

Time: 1:00 pm EST

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium

Broadcasters: FOX

Lions injury report:  Carlton Davis III CB (QUESTIONABLE), Sam LaPorta TE (QUESTIONABLE), Allen Robinson WR (QUESTIONABLE, GAMEDAY DECISION), Alex Anzalone, LB (OUT, IR).

Colts injury report: Bernhard Raimann LT (QUESTIONABLE), Braden Smith RT (QUESTIONABLE), Michael Pittman WR (QUESTIONABLE)


Betting Odds

Spread: Lions (-7.5)

Moneyline: Lions (-375); Colts (+300)

Over/under: 50.5


Detroit Lions

Offense

The Lions' offense had a resurgence last week against the Jaguars, most notably Jared Goff. In Goff's previous game against the Texans, he threw a brutal five picks and 240 yards through the air. Not a good showing for an MVP candidate. Against the Jaguars, he pushed himself right back into those conversations with 420 yards passing, four touchdowns, and even 24 yards rushing. It was a much better showing for Goff, one that we hope to see him capitalize on for Sunday's game.


Amon Ra St. Brown also made history last week. He had his eighth straight game with a touchdown reception, setting a new franchise record for the Lions, and it was only Week 10. St. Brown has been Goff's top target, and that will never change so long as they play on the same team together. There are still a lot of games left to play, so expect St. Brown to extend that record even more as the season rolls on.

Defense

Last Sunday, the defense locked it down against the Jags last week, only letting up field goals. Safety Kerby Joseph picked off Mac Jones, and newcomer Zadarius Smith had his first sack as a Lion. The defense has just been an iron wall, not giving in to anything. It has gotten to a point where when the game is over, the defense has this particular phrase on everyone's mind: "Are you not entertained!?". It has just been a spectacular season for them, and they have genuinely solidified themselves as the No. 1 defense in the NFL after last week's Jaguars matchup.

Indianapolis Colts

Offense

The Colts have had an up-and-down season, especially with their offense. Ranking 21st in their passing offense is most likely because of the changes made at QB as of late, throwing the offense's rhythm off. With Anthony Richardson now permanently the starter (unless he taps out again, which I wouldn't be surprised if that happens against this Lions defense), here is hoping the Colts can get a connection going and have better reliance on their young, talented QB.

Then there's running back Jonathan Taylor. Once considered a top-three running back in the league, Taylor's career has been dwindled by injuries and lack of production. Leading the Colts' 16th-ranked rushing offense, Taylor currently has 673 rushing yards and five touchdowns, which isn't bad. Still, it's not where his production has been compared to recent seasons. But he is still a dangerous weapon for the Colts, one that the Lions need to be aware of when he is in the backfield.

Defense

Currently ranked 26th in passing defense, the Colts are going up against the Lions' high-powered passing game, so this game might be a complete disaster for them when Goff throws the football, which he loves to do. Here's hoping they can get a game plan to minimize the passing yards. The rushing defense isn't any better. It ranks 28th and is now going up against Montgomery and Gibbs, one of the best running back combos in the league. This game is a setup for disaster on both ends of the defense for the Colts, so they may have to rely on their offense to bail them out. The Colts' defense is one of the league leaders in turnovers, so that could be something to capitalize on.


My Verdict

This will be another 50+ game for the Lions. The Lions are more disciplined and have way better symmetry than the teams the Colts have faced. The offense should use the Jaguars' momentum and keep adding up the points. There's a slight chance a Colts upset could happen, but we've seen some wild ones before. This one, though, is doubtful.


Final Score: 52-17 Lions



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