Colts (4-2) at Lions (3-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Colts by 2 1⁄
2
Colts’ keys to victory: Coming off their bye week, the Colts are hoping for the return of several injured players, including LB Darius Leonard. Stopping the Lions’ passing attack is an every-week focus for defenses, and DT DeForest Buckner’s pass-rushing dominance will be a huge factor. Detroit’s run defense has been a problem, and with the Colts’ offensive line dominating opponents, rookie RB Jonathan Taylor should get a lot of opportunities to be a difference-maker. With two weeks to prepare for this game, Indianapolis’ offense should also have some tricks up its sleeve.
Lions’ keys to victory: The Lions want to control the pace of the game, and with the Colts being strong up the middle on defense, Detroit is going to want to test the edges. Expect the Lions to lean on impressive rookie RB D’Andre Swift to establish the run game, allowing them to set up play-action. On defense, the Lions need to continue their recent trend of being unpredictable in coverage schemes and try to keep QB Philip Rivers on his toes. LB Jamie Collins has been the catalyst for Detroit’s defensive success.
Matchup to watch: Lions WRs Kenny Golladay/Marvin Jones vs Colts CB Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes is having a wonderful comeback year, but during his time in Minnesota, Golladay and Jones routinely got the better of him.
Who wins? Expect both teams to try to control the clock by running the ball, but the Colts’ balance on both sides of the ball gives them an edge in a likely low-scoring affair.
Colts 24-20