Following their second 52-point outing of the season in win over the Jaguars filled with records and milestones, the Detroit Lions (9-1) make the short trip to Indianapolis to face the Colts (5-6) in Detroit's final AFC South matchup of the year.
After a bounce back offensive performance vs. Jacksonville, the Lions look to carry their momentum into Lucas Oil Stadium, riding an eight-game win streak and their first 9-1 start since 1934.
Colts report: Following three straight defeats to Houston, Minnesota and Buffalo, the Colts bounced back last week with a 28-27 win on the road against the Jets. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who had previously been benched the last two games in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, had his best game in his career, completing 20-of-30 passes for 272 yards. He also rushed for the game-winning touchdown.
On the offensive side of the ball, Indianapolis has a variety of skill players to utilize, including running back Jonathan Taylor, who has 673 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the year. Taylor is 66 rushing yards away from passing Marshall Faulk (5,320) for the third-most rushing yards in franchise history. The Colts also have a couple weapons in their receiving corps in Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., who have combined for more than 1,000 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Zaire Franklin leads the league with 110 tackles and has recorded one interception and two forced fumbles. Collectively, Indianapolis has 17 takeaways on the year, though they've given the ball away 18 times which is third-most in the in the NFL.
The Colts have a Week 14 bye and currently sit two games behind Houston for first place in the AFC South. Indianapolis sits just one game back of Denver for the final wild card spot in the playoffs.
Last meeting: The Colts visited Ford Field in 2020 and left with a 41-21 win over the Lions. Quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. to build a 7-0 lead, but Indianapolis countered with 20 unanswered points in the second quarter behind three Philip Rivers touchdown passes. Though Detroit trimmed the lead to 20-14 in the third quarter, the Colts added three more touchdowns to seal the victory.
Quick hits:
1. Indianapolis' defense ranks first in tackles (794) and solo tackles (494).
2. With one rushing touchdown, Taylor will pass Tom Matte (45) for the third-most rushing touchdowns in team history.
3. The Colts have 12 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries, both of which lead the league.
Data dive:
Stats are based on Weeks 1-11 followed by the rank.
| Team | Total Offense | Total Defense | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Defense | Passing Defense | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 394.7 (3) | 327.5 (13) | 152.2 (3) | 242.5 (6) | 94.8 (5) | 232.7 (27) | 19 (T-4) |
| Colts | 320.7 (21) | 374.5 (28) | 118.5 (16) | 202.2 (21) | 143.1 (28) | 231.5 (26) | 17 (T-7) |
Next on the schedule:
- Indianapolis: at New England, Dec. 1, 1:00 p.m.
- Detroit: vs. Chicago, Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m. (Thanksgiving)
Here are five Colts storylines to follow into Sunday afternoon's matchup:
1. Practice notebook: Colts QB Anthony Richardson focusing on ball security, physicality ahead of Week 12 showdown vs. Lions
Following a career day against the New York Jets, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson looks to focus on reducing turnovers and building on momentum against the Detroit Lions. READ MORE
2. In starting Anthony Richardson again, Shane Steichen said every quarterback has a 'different journey.' Just ask the Lions' Jared Goff
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson's NFL career had a brief hiccup this season when he was benched in favor of Joe Flacco, but now back in the starting position, he hopes to continue his strong play against Detroit. READ MORE
3. Jonathan Taylor staying disciplined, physical regardless of results as Colts offense looks to establish the run
Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor averaged just 2.4 yards per carry vs. the Jets last week, but the Colts are looking to integrate the run game more to fuel their offense. READ MORE
4. Official podcast: Colts-Lions preview & Kwity Paye joins the show
Indianapolis' Manager of Radio Production Matt Taylor, Coordinator of Radio Production Casey Vallier and Colts Ambassador Bill Brooks preview Sunday's Week 12 showdown and welcome defensive end Kwity Paye to the show. LISTEN
5. Week 12 locker talk: Zaire Franklin, Tyler Goodson, Kenny Moore, Josh Downs and Mo Alie-Cox
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, running back Tyler Goodson, nickel Kenny Moore, wide receiver Josh Downs and tight end Mo Alie-Cox address the media about preparations for the 9-1 Detroit Lions. WATCH
