The 9-1 Detroit Lions are the most consistent and formidable team in the NFL right now. The 5-6 Indianapolis Colts are among the most capricious and volatile. Sunday's matchup makes for a convincing style clash, with Dan Campbell's group favored by more than a touchdown.
The Lions are looking like world-beaters in 2024. They are first in points scored, third in net yards per game, second in passing yards per play and eighth in yards per carry. David Montgomery has 10 total touchdowns in 10 games -- an impressive feat, but downright loopy considering that backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs has nine of his own. In last weekend's 52-6 home rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit generated 645 yards of offense and allowed just 170. The Lions have scored 40 or more points four times since Week 4.
The Jared Goff-led automated scoring machine has already earned praise, and now Detroit's defense is coming into its own. Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone grade out as top-tier linebackers, and the safety tandem of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph has 11 interceptions.
Indianapolis must be "speed blue" -- yes, that's the official Pantone color code -- with envy. Consistency has eluded the Colts. They benched their quarterback, former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson, only to reinstall him under center two games later. Four of their six losses were by one score -- with two losses by a total of five points to the division-leading Houston Texans. Defensive captain DeForest Buckner suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Yet they enter Sunday's home contest still active in the AFC playoff picture.
In a do-or-die road win over the New York Jets, Richardson threw for 272 yards and had three total touchdowns. He looked good and will need to be that or better if the Colts are to pull off a colossal upset.
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