Lions vs Colts: Tale of the Tape for the Week 12 matchup

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The Lions are looking to complete a ten win season against a team that has been inconsistent all season, the Indianapolis Colts. Detroit sits at a 9-1 record, while the Colts sit at 5-6.

Much like last week’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the two teams seem to have drastic differences between them, but what do the stats say?

Rushing​

Last week, the Lions continued their historic rushing season, scoring three rushing touchdowns, two from David Montgomery and one from Jahmyr Gibbs. That being said, the Colts failed to run the ball very much against the Jets, as their lead rusher, Jonathan Taylor only ran for 57 yards. That being said, quarterback Anthony Richardson found a way to rush in for two touchdowns.

Detroit should have the upper hand when it comes to rushing, but Indianapolis and Shane Steichen should have a response.

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​

Although they don’t pass a lot, the Lions are one of the most successful teams when they do, ranking top ten in every passing category. Last week against Jacksonville was one of their most successful air games yet, scoring 4 passing touchdowns, 2 of which were scored by star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

As for the Colts, they rank in the bottom of the league in passing offense and are dead last in completion percentage. Detroit should again have the upper hand.

Lions

29th in pass attempts per game: 28.2

1st in yards per attempt: 9.2

6th in yards per game: 242.5

1st in completion percentage: 73.05%

4th in passing touchdowns per game: 2.2

Colts

22nd in pass attempts per game: 30.4

18th in yards per attempt: 7.2

21st in yards per game: 202.2

32nd in completion percentage: 57.78%

17th in passing touchdowns per game: 1.3

Rushing Defense​

Compared to last week, the Lions rush defense has improved drastically. Indianapolis on the other hand has been struggling, which could be lethal against the best one two punch in the league.

Lions

5th in opponent yards per game: 94.8

11th in opponent yards per attempt: 4.3

3rd in opponent rushing first downs per game: 5

12th in opponent 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 opponent touchdowns per game: 0.9

Passing Defense ​

While Detroit is improving their pass defense every week, it is definitely their current weak spot. Lucky for them, the Colts have not been consistent with theirs, and rank at the bottom of the league.

Lions

9th in opponent completions percentage: 63.32%

27th in opponent yards per game: 232.7

10th in opponent yards per attempt: 6.3

23rd in opponent passing first downs per game: 11.7

1st in opponent passing touchdowns per game: 0.7

Colts

29th in opponent completions percentage: 69.47%

26th in opponent yards per game: 231.5

25th in opponent yards per attempt: 7.1

20th in opponent passing first downs per game: 11.5

16th in opponent passing touchdowns per game: 1.5

Other Stats​

Takeaways

Lions: 1.9

Colts: 1.5

Giveaways

Lions: 1.0

Colts: 1.6

Penalties per game

Lions: 6.3

Colts: 5.5

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