Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts

Head to head

Super Bowl odds4.1%1.4%
Power rating9177
Contender tier

Preview

How it plays out

Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts is an inter-conference matchup: the NFC Lions hosting the AFC Colts. On paper this is about as lopsided as it gets: Detroit Lions at 92% to Indianapolis Colts's 8%, spread DET -8. The power-ranking gap backs it up (#5 vs #25), and the contender tiers agree.

Tactically, Detroit Lions will want to lean on balanced scoring to attack Indianapolis Colts, whose qB questions is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Indianapolis Colts's bell-cow back could punish Detroit Lions if pass rush health goes unaddressed. Expect both staffs, Dan Campbell and Shane Steichen, to script around exactly that battle.

Keep an eye on Jared Goff (QB) and Michael Pittman Jr. (WR): the two most likely to decide it with a single play. With Lions at home, the model already bakes in roughly a field-goal's worth of home-field edge.

Key players

DET Lions

JGJared Goff
Jared Goff
QB · Pro Bowl
ASAmon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown
WR · All-Pro
PSPenei Sewell
Penei Sewell
OT · All-Pro

IND Colts

JTJonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor
RB · All-Pro
MPMichael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr.
WR · Possession
DBDeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner
DT · All-Pro

Frequently asked

Who is favored in Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts?

Our model favors the Detroit Lions, with a 92% win probability over the Indianapolis Colts (8%). The projected spread is DET -8.

What is the prediction for Lions vs Colts?

Our model favors Detroit Lions (92%) over Indianapolis Colts (8%), spread DET -8: a clear mismatch on paper.

What are the moneyline odds for Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts?

Implied from our model's win probabilities, the Detroit Lions are -1150 and the Indianapolis Colts are +1150 on the moneyline.

Who are the key players to watch in Lions vs Colts?

Watch Jared Goff (QB) for the Lions and Jonathan Taylor (RB) for the Colts.

Is Lions vs Colts a divisional game?

No. It is an inter-conference matchup between the NFC Lions and the AFC Colts.