| The Detroit News
Justin Rogers, Rod Beard, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Sunday’s Colts at Lions game (1 p.m., CBS, 760).
►Justin Rogers: This one has defensive struggle written all over it, in part because neither offense is particularly efficient. The Bengals managed to score 21 quick points against the Colts before being shut down the rest of the way. Detroit has more firepower than Cincinnati and should be able to do enough to squeak by. Lions 23, Colts 20
►Rod Beard: With a win, the Lions will have a three-game streak for the first time since 2017. They’ve done it with improved defense and improved play from Matthew Stafford and D’Andre Swift — and they’ll need more of it against a sturdy Colts defense, one of the best they will face this season. The Lions figured out a way to get it done last week, and they’ll do it again against Indianapolis. Lions 21, Colts 17
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►John Niyo: The Colts probably aren’t as good as their record indicates, with wins over the Jets, Vikings, Bengals and Bears. The same can be said for the Lions, obviously. But if both defenses manage to stop the run — a fair assumption, at this point — it’s hard not to give the edge to Matthew Stafford over Philip Rivers at this stage of his career. The Lions haven’t won three in a row yet under Matt Patricia, but now is as good a time as any. Lions 27, Colts 24
►Bob Wojnowski: This one is hard to figure (shocker, I know). The Colts have a terrific defense, first in the NFL against the pass and third against the run, bolstered by big DeForest Buckner. But they’re last in rushing, and 38-year-old Philip Rivers has been give-and-take, with seven TDs and six interceptions. That said, the Lions’ defense still needs to confirm its revival. They’re going for three straight wins for the first time under Matt Patricia and this would be as big as any, sitting at 3-3 on the fringe of playoff contention. It’ll come down to the final possession again, and Matthew Stafford will spin a bit more magic. Lions 23, Colts 21
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