Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 24th 2024

Preview and Prediction

It is the responsibility of Shane Steichen and his coaching staff at Indianapolis Colts to devise strategies to counter the dominant Detroit Lions this week.

The Lions will enter Indiana on Sunday with an impressive eight-game winning streak, their longest since their inaugural season in Detroit in 1934. They demolished Jacksonville 52-6 last week, scoring touchdowns on all seven of their first possessions.

"They are a formidable force in all three phases of the game, and it is evident in their performance," Steichen remarked. "They are all playing with great energy and making big plays. It is clear that they are having fun while doing it."

Led by quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions (9-1) lead the NFL in points scored (33.6 per game) and point differential (plus-159) this season. Goff bounced back from a five-interception game against Houston by throwing for 412 yards and four touchdowns against the hapless Jaguars.

Their top receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, had a season-high 161 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. St. Brown has scored a receiving touchdown in eight consecutive games.

The running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has combined for almost 1,400 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The powerful Montgomery has found the end zone 10 times, including twice against Jacksonville.

"He is a throwback player, and I mean that with the utmost respect," head coach Dan Campbell said of Montgomery. "His running style is rare. David is just different. He runs downhill, refuses to be tackled by the first defender, keeps his legs moving, and is relentless. He is a violent, never-say-die player."

The speedy Gibbs is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and has eight rushing touchdowns. He also had a 54-yard reception last week.

"To me, they are the perfect combination," Campbell stated.

Indianapolis has only been able to score an average of 21.5 points per game and has reached the 30-point mark only once, in a 37-34 loss to Jacksonville. The Colts managed to come back and beat the New York Jets last week with the return of their quarterback, Anthony Richardson.

However, the Lions are not just any opponent. Last week, they set a new franchise record for points scored in a six-game stretch with 232.

"Their offense is incredibly powerful, and we have to do our part. We are excited for the challenge," said receiver Michael Pittman.

The Colts (5-6) welcomed Richardson back into the lineup and ended a three-game losing streak. In their 28-27 victory, Richardson threw for one touchdown and ran for two more, including the game-winning score with 46 seconds remaining.

"I am very encouraged," Steichen said of Richardson's performance. "After going through a three-game stretch like we did and then getting a win on the road, especially with a two-minute drive, we have gained some momentum and confidence. Now that we are back at home, we have to maintain that momentum and confidence going into this week. We are looking forward to it."

Richardson did not throw any interceptions in 30 attempts, but he did fumble twice, with the Jets recovering one of them. He has fumbled eight times this season, losing three of them.

However, they will be facing a much tougher opponent this week. One of the Lions' top defenders, linebacker Alex Anzalone, suffered a broken forearm on Sunday and was placed on injured reserve.

"I am impressed by the toughness of our team. We are trying to carry that over because we know we are going up against a physical team," Richardson said. "They will bring it to us, and we have to bring it to them. I trust my teammates on every play, just like I did in the fourth quarter, and I have faith in my abilities. I believe I am a decent football player, and I like to make plays out there."

Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta missed last week's game due to a shoulder injury but could return this week. He was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through.

The Colts only had one player, offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee), listed as a non-participant in their walk-through on Wednesday.

PREDICTION

Detroit Lions

29

22

Indianapolis Colts