Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts: Week 8 game preview

The Detroit Lions will look to go over .500 and extend their winning streak this Sunday

The Detroit Lions won last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at the dying seconds which pushed them to an even record at 3-3. After not having played at home since Week 4, the Lions finally head back to Ford Field to face the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.

Let’s take a look at the matchup history between the Colts and Lions, what happened in their previous meeting, what to look out for, what the Lions need to do to win, and as everyone loves, a prediction.

Matchup history

The Lions and Colts have played each other a grand total of 43 times with the Colts having a slight advantage with a 21-20-2 record. The first tie came in 1965 while the second one came four years later in 1969.

Last matchup

The last time these two teams played each other was in 2016 with the Lions taking the high scoring affair by a score of 39-35. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed all but eight passes while throwing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

Wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr caught four passes for 85 yards. No Lions wide receiver got a touchdown this game as running backs Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick and tight end Eric Ebron all were found in the end zone by Stafford. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead led all Lions players with 10 tackles (six solo).

For the Colts, quarterback Andrew Luck threw four touchdown passes for 385 yards. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett caught four passes for 94 yards. Despite only catching three passes, tight end Jack Doyle got two touchdowns. Linebacker Sio Moore led all defensive players in tackles this game with 13 (10 solo).

What to watch for

How will the defensive line pressure Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers? The Colts have arguably the greatest offensive line in football as they’ve only allowed six sacks this season. Also with a good offensive line, comes good run protection. How will the Lions prevent running back Jonathan Taylor from moving up the field. Stopping the run is something the Lions have struggled with this season.

How will the Lions decide coverage assignments? None of the Colts receiving options have done well this season and they lack a clear number one option in the passing game.

Is Jones Jr gaining traction or did he just have one good game? Against the Falcons, he caught five passes for 80 yards but got only 17 yards in the two games prior.

Keys to the game/What the Lions need to do to win the game

The Lions need to play like they did against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They need to get an early lead and sustain it. While they were able to pull off a last second win against the Falcons, that simply won’t happen against a team like the Colts who may not be the strongest offensive team but are one of the top defensive teams in the league.

Prediction

Originally, I had the Lions failing to record a sack as the Lions are outmatched compared to the Colts offensive line. As I was writing this, the Lions just acquired defensive end Everson Griffen. While he’s a welcoming addition to the team, the Lions will still not get a sack on Sunday.

While the defense has struggled all season long, they will have their best game against Rivers and the Colts as the quarterback tends to throw a lot of interceptions (he’s already thrown six this season).

Matthew Stafford’s experience will prevail over the Indianapolis Colts’ defense. That which will lead to a whole team effort win for the Detroit Lions. Final score prediction: Lions 23, Colts 17