Going for 6th road win

On November 25, 2024By Littum

How long can we keep spitting “It is the first time since 1960/1950/1930 that Detroit Lions hair…”-type stats on you? Don’t worry, we still have plenty…

For example, in Sunday’s game against the Colts in Indianapolis (1 p.m., Fox), the Lions will not only be going for their first nine-game winning streak and first 10-1 start since 1934 (the team’s first season in Detroit, when they won 10 straight to to open the year and then dropped their last four), they will go for their sixth straight win on the road this season. The Lions have NEVER won six straight on the road in a single campaign, and they have only won six straight on the road once in franchise history spanning the late 2010 and early 2011 seasons.

(And we know you were wondering: Since the NFL went to a 16-team schedule in 1978 (and a 17-player one in 2021), 47 teams have won at least six straight on the road in a single season — including the New England Patriots doing it six times – but never the lions.

So can they make history for another week with a win at Lucas Oil Stadium? Four Free Press sportswriters have some thoughts on that. Just for fun, of course they all say yes. But read on to find out why…

Dave Birkett

The Lions have feasted at the bottom of the AFC South this season, beating the Jaguars and Tennessee Titans by a combined score of 104-20, and were fortunate to escape a road game against the division-leading Texans. The Colts aren’t nearly as bad as the Jaguars or Titans, but they’ve lost twice to the Texans and aren’t in the same league as the Lions.

They’ll need to control the clock with their rushing attack and have Richardson at his best on Sunday to have a chance to win, but I don’t see Aaron Glenn allowing that. The Lions will have a variety of pressures prepared to confuse Richardson and have the offensive firepower to force the Colts to play from behind. In a stadium that will be packed with Lions fans, there’s no reason this team shouldn’t win its ninth straight game. The choice: Lions 31, Colts 17.

Carlos Monarrez

The Colts have plenty to play for as they sit on the bubble of AFC playoff contenders at 5-6. Anthony Richardson is a young, mobile, strong second-year quarterback who Dan Campbell would have you believe could stiff-arm the entire 1985 Bears defense. Nice try, but Richardson has also thrown five TDs and seven picks. Lions win this one in a walk. The choice: Lions 40, Colts 17

Jeff Seidel

The Colts can’t stop the run, which is a recipe for disaster against the Lions. Oh, and the Colts can’t stop the pass. They give up 374.5 yards a game — before playing the lions. The game is over. This is going to be another one of those runaways. The only thing that gives me pause is QB Anthony Richardson, who was significantly better against the Jets. But it was only one match. He completes less than half of his passes and has more interceptions (seven) than TD passes (five). The choice: Lions 37, Colts 14.

Shawn Windsor

Who should we pick against the Lions these days? Or ever again? Indianapolis is home, yes. But what does it mean when Lions fans take over stadiums and force the “home team” to use a silent count like they did in Houston two weeks ago. Indianapolis also has a mobile quarterback. So of course he can pick up a first down or two with his feet. But is Anthony Richardson are you going to beat the lions? The choice: Lions 31, Colts 16.