The Lions are looking to complete a 10-win season against a team that has been inconsistent all season, the Indianapolis Colts. Detroit has a record of 9-1 while the Colts are 5-6.
Similar to last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the two teams appear to have drastic differences, but what do the stats say?
Rush
Last week, the Lions continued their historic rushing season, scoring three rushing touchdowns, two by David Montgomery and one by Jahmyr Gibbs. However, the Colts failed to run the ball particularly well against the Jets, as their lead rusher Jonathan Taylor only ran for 57 yards. Still, quarterback Anthony Richardson found a way to score two touchdowns.
Detroit should have the upper hand in rushing, but Indianapolis and Shane Steichen should have an answer.
Lions
3rd in rushing attempts per game: 32.3
3rd in rushing yards per game: 152.2
8th in yards per attempt: 4.7
2nd in rushing touchdowns per game: 1.8
Colts
20th in rushing attempts per game: 26.5
16th in rushing yards per game: 118.5
13th in yards per attempt: 4.5
12th in rushing touchdowns per game: 1
Passing by
Although they don't pass often, the Lions are one of the most successful teams when they do, ranking in the top ten in every passing category. Last week against Jacksonville was one of their most successful air games to date, scoring four passing touchdowns, two of which came from star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
As for the Colts, they rank near the bottom of the league in passing offense and are last in completion percentage. Detroit should have the upper hand again.
Lions
29. Pass attempts per game: 28.2
1st in yards per attempt: 9.2
6th in yards per game: 242.5
1. Completion rate: 73.05%
4. Passing touchdowns per game: 2.2
Colts
22. Pass attempts per game: 30.4
18th in yards per attempt: 7.2
21st in yards per game: 202.2
32nd in completion rate: 57.78%
17. Passing touchdowns per game: 1.3
Rushing defense
Compared to last week, the Lions rush defense has improved drastically. Indianapolis, on the other hand, struggled, which could be fatal against the league's best one-two punch.
Lions
5th in opposing yards per game: 94.8
11th in opponent yards per attempt: 4.3
3rd in opponent first downs per game: 5
12th in opposing touchdowns per game: 0.9
Colts
28th in opponent yards per game: 143.1
11th in opponent yards per attempt: 4.3
26th in opponent rushing first downs per game: 7.9
14th in opposing touchdowns per game: 0.9
Appropriate defense
Although Detroit is improving their pass defense every week, this is definitely their current weakness. Luckily for them, the Colts couldn't keep up with theirs and found themselves at the bottom of the league.
Lions
9th in percentage of opponent completions: 63.32%
27th in opponent yards per game: 232.7
10th in opponent yards per attempt: 6.3
23rd in opponent first downs per game: 11.7
1st in opposing touchdowns per game: 0.7
Colts
29th in percentage of opponent completions: 69.47%
26th in opponent yards per game: 231.5
25th in opponent yards per attempt: 7.1
20th in opposing first downs per game: 11.5
16th in opposing passing touchdowns per game: 1.5
Other statistics
Takeaways
Lions: 1.9
Colt: 1.5
Promotional gifts
Lions: 1.0
Colt: 1.6
Penalties per game
Lions: 6.3
Colt: 5.5
