NFL picks, predictions for Week 12: Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Detroit Lions remain the hottest — and arguably the best — team in the NFL entering Week 12, which is bad news for their upcoming opponent, the Indianapolis Colts.

Detroit had another blowout victory in Week 11, with head coach Dan Campbell's squad crushing the Jacksonville Jaguars, 52-6, to win its eight consecutive game. With that win and a Kansas City Chiefs loss, the Lions now have a share of the best record in the NFL.

The Colts finally snapped their three-game skid in Week 11, defeating the New York Jets, 28-27. More importantly for Indianapolis, second-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson had a bounce-back performance in his first game back following his benching a few weeks ago.

The Lions have had a ton of success against the AFC South in 2024, with Detroit sporting a 3-0 mark against the division. Will Detroit make it 4-0 with a victory over the Colts this Sunday? Let's see what experts think.

NFL picks, predictions Week 12: Lions vs. Colts

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Lions 38, Colts 24

Iyer: "Don't count out Detroit from scoring more than 50 points for a record-tying third time at some point this season. The Colts' defense is bad enough vs. the strengths of the Lions (rushing attack, downfield passing shots) to think there's a chance for the Lions to get there in Indy. The Colts should be more game on offense with Anthony Richardson, but not enough Jonathan Taylor costs the hosts."

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Lions 34, Colts 21

Bender: "The Lions have defeated three AFC South teams by a combined total of 130-49, and Detroit is 2-1 ATS when favored by more than seven points. Anthony Richardson, who totaled 304 yards and three TDs against the Jets, is a different challenge for Detroit, and the Colts are 5-2 ATS as an underdog. Still, Detroit has allowed just 48.5 rushing yards per game the past two weeks. That will be a difference in this game."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Lions 31, Colts 20

Cluff: "Anthony Richardson impressed us with his performance Sunday, but the Lions are a lot better team than the Jets."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Lions 30, Colts 17

Prisco: "The Colts looked good winning on the road at the Jets last week, but this is a major step up in competition. The Lions offense is clicking again and should have success against the Colts defense. The question is whether Anthony Richardson can do it two weeks in a row. I will take the Lions in this one."

ESPN

Matt Bowen: Lions

Mike Clay: Lions

Dan Graziano: Lions

Eric Moody: Lions

Lindsey Thiry: Lions

Seth Wickersham: Lions

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