Hot takes are coming in fast from Colin Cowherd’s studio in Los Angeles, as he has predicted that the Indianapolis Colts will pull off an upset against the Detroit Lions in Week 12. This choice is surprising given both teams’ records, but Cowherd backed up his bold forecast.
“Anthony Richardson has won 4 of his last 5 starts and played his best game as a pro against the Jets,” Cowherd said on The Herd.
While Cowherd is optimistic about Richardson’s performance, the Lions are a formidable opponent. With a record of 9-1, they boast both a top-five offense and defense, leading the league in scoring at an average of 33.6 points per game, including four outings where they scored over 40 points. Most recently, they dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars, winning 52-6.
In contrast, the Colts narrowly defeated the New York Jets 28-27 in Richardson’s first start back. He showcased poise and confidence, reminiscent of his time in Florida, with even a teammate suggesting that his time on the bench helped him elevate his game.
However, Indianapolis has yet to face a well-rounded team like Detroit this season. Still, Richardson’s ability to make big plays could add an exciting twist to the matchup.
Why does Colin Cowherd believe the Colts will beat the Lions?
While there are other key players involved, Richardson is the central figure in their offensive scheme. Although his statistics have declined compared to his rookie year, he’s still delivered numerous big plays.
In Week 1 against the Houston Texans, Richardson threw the longest pass of his career, a 69-yard touchdown to Josh Downs that sparked excitement among fans. However, his turnovers and inconsistency led the team to switch to Joe Flacco.
Although Flacco performed admirably, the Colts believed Richardson was prepared to reclaim the starting position. When he faced the New York Jets, Richardson achieved the first fourth-quarter comeback of his career.
In a challenging atmosphere and against a formidable defense, Richardson delivered all the right plays. However, he has yet to encounter a defense as tough and aggressive as the Lions. Fortunately, he has support from various sources, including the Colts’ former starting quarterback.
Flacco openly backed Richardson’s return as QB1 and praised his resilience. As they head into Week 12, Richardson will need to draw on that resilience even more.
The two teams will meet at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where Richardson will aim to find that big-game spark if they hope to secure an upset. A victory could also significantly boost their chances in the AFC Wild Card race.
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