The Indianapolis Colts (7-4) will try to get their third road win of the season on Sunday, as they travel to meet up with the Detroit Lions (4-7). The Lions are on the ropes as far as the NFC playoff picture is concerned, but that doesn’t make them any less deadly. The Indianapolis Colts are in the driver’s seat for an AFC wildcard playoff spot, but face a difficult task in Detroit.
This game will be a match-up of two of the top passing offenses in the NFL. The Colts are 7th in passing yardage per game, but will be facing the top-listed passing offense in the NFL on Sunday. The Lions are doing major damage through the air, putting up over 312 yards per game this season. The passing game will be key to whomever ends up winning this battle.
Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has already thrown for over 3,400 yards this season, and completed just shy of 300 passes. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson has caught 73 of Stafford’s passes, and has racked up over 1,200 yards. The Colts will have their hands full trying to slow down these two top-notch players who are on pace for a record-breaking season.
The Colts have a dynamic passing combo of their own, which will have to be reckoned with on Sunday. Andrew Luck, with 3,205 passing yards after 12 weeks, is on pace to break the all-time rookie record for passing yardage. Reggie Wayne is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season with Luck. Wayne’s 84 receptions are tops in the league, and he will be called upon early and often, if the Colts get into a shootout with the Lions.
The Lions don’t have much to play for, other than hope and pride. The Lions have a 2-9 record against teams with a winning record, over the last two seasons. The Lions have lost three games in a row, but still prove to be a big obstacle for the Colts, if they hope to stay in the AFC playoff picture.
Prediction – Colts 33, Lions 30