Coming off of an important win this past Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts were able to keep themselves in the AFC playoff mix.
However, awaiting them in Week 12 is a matchup with the 9-1 Detroit Lions, a team that is considered by many to be the best in football.
The offensive side of the ball is perhaps what jumps out most about this Lions team, as they possess a potent rushing and passing game that has them averaging over 33 points per game–the most in football.
But when discussing this Lions team, it doesn’t much matter what side of the ball you’re focused, basically pick out a metric, and there’s a good chance you’ll see Detroit in the top 10.
Historically, with Detroit being in the NFC North division, this is about as uncommon of an opponent that the Colts will see. In fact, since the year 2000, this upcoming game will only be the seventh time that these two teams have met.
For a closer look at this 2024 Lions team, you can preview the matchup here.
To state the obvious, of course, previous matchups, especially ones that have taken place a number of years ago, have zero bearing on Sunday’s outcome. But nonetheless, let’s take a look back at the somewhat recent matchup history between these two teams.
Nov. 1, 2020: Colts 41, Lions 21
Sept. 11, 2016: Lions 39, Colts 35
Dec. 2, 2012: Colts 35, Lions 33
Dec. 14, 2008: Lions 21, Colts 31
Nov. 25, 2004: Colts 41, Lions 9
Oct. 29, 2000: Lions 18, Colts 30
The Colts lead the all-time series between these two organizations 22-20-2.