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NFL · Final

Lions Triumph Over Colts in Close Contest

Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Lucas Oil Stadium

Detroit Lions 25, Indianapolis Colts 16, final. Our NFL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts?

Detroit Lions beat Indianapolis Colts 25-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026.

Who was favored in Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts?

Indianapolis Colts were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.

The Detroit Lions secured a 25-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking a significant win for the Lions as they continue to build momentum in the NFL season. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with the Colts struggling to find their footing while the Lions have shown resilience in recent outings.

The Colts entered this matchup with a home record of 0-2-1, struggling to find success at Lucas Oil Stadium. Their recent form has been disappointing, with a last ten record of 1-8-1, averaging 19.5 points scored and 27.8 points allowed per game. Their last five games have been particularly challenging, resulting in an 0-4 record, with an average of 18.6 points scored and 31.2 points allowed. The Colts' most recent game ended in a heavy loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where they were defeated 34-6.

In contrast, the Lions have been performing better, boasting an away record of 2-1 and a last ten record of 4-6. They have averaged 22.9 points scored and 24.2 points allowed during this stretch, and they entered this game on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Washington Commanders 17-13 in their last outing. The Lions' ability to score and keep games competitive has been evident, though they have also faced their share of challenges.

Historically, the Colts and Lions have met on several occasions, but this game was particularly crucial for both teams as they sought to establish their identities moving forward. The Colts faced injury concerns, with several key players listed as questionable, including A.J. Haulcy (ankle), Tyler Warren (groin), and Josh Downs (calf). Additionally, Coleman Owen (concussion) and D.J. Montgomery (abdomen) were on injured reserve, impacting the Colts' depth and overall performance.

The Lions also had their injury challenges, with Isiah Pacheco (back) and Michael Niese (leg) on injured reserve, and Giovanni Manu (knee) and Kerby Joseph (knee) ruled out for the game. These absences added an element of unpredictability to the matchup, as both teams had to adapt to the absence of key contributors.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the game, with DraftKings setting the odds with the Colts favored by 1.5 points, a spread that indicated a closely matched contest. The total was set at 36.5, suggesting expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair. The moneyline odds indicated the Colts at -130 and the Lions at 107, further illustrating the tight nature of the matchup.

Conditions at Lucas Oil Stadium were conducive to football, with no significant weather issues reported that would affect play. This allowed both teams to execute their game plans without external hindrances.

As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of strategic plays and competitive spirit. The Colts aimed to leverage their home advantage, but the Lions' recent form and ability to score proved decisive. The final score of 25-16 in favor of the Lions emphasized their capability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain control throughout the contest.

In conclusion, the Lions' victory over the Colts not only highlights their current form but also raises questions about the Colts' ability to turn their season around. With both teams facing injury challenges and fluctuating performances, the outcome of this game could serve as a pivotal moment for either side as they navigate the remainder of the NFL season.

What we said beforehand

The Indianapolis Colts will face the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026, in a matchup that is intriguing for both teams. The Colts enter the game with a home record of 0-1-1, while the Lions have a slightly better away record of 1-1. This game is particularly significant as both teams look to improve their standings early in the season.

The Colts have struggled recently, with a record of 0-4 in their last five games. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where they were defeated 34-6. Over their last ten games, they have managed only one win, with an overall record of 1-8-1. The Colts have averaged 19.5 points scored per game while allowing 27.8 points. Their last five games have seen them average 18.6 points scored and 31.2 points allowed, indicating defensive struggles that will need to be addressed.

In contrast, the Lions come into this game with a record of 2-3 in their last five games, including a win against the Washington Commanders, where they won 17-13. Over their last ten games, the Lions have a record of 4-6, averaging 22.9 points scored and 24.2 points allowed. Their recent form suggests they are finding some rhythm, particularly after their latest victory.

At home, the Colts have a record of 1-4 in their last ten games, while the Lions have fared better on the road with a 1-4 record as well. The Colts' home games have seen them struggle to score, with an average of 18.6 points in their last five home games, while the Lions have averaged 16.8 points in their last five away games.

In terms of previous meetings, there is no specific data provided in the block, but the current form of both teams suggests that this matchup could be competitive. The Colts will be looking to leverage their home advantage, while the Lions will aim to build on their recent success.

Injury concerns could also play a significant role in the outcome of this game. The Colts have several players listed as questionable, including Alec Pierce (ankle), Josh Downs (calf), Charvarius Ward (back), Tyler Warren (groin), and Will Mallory (thumb). For the Lions, Derrick Moore (groin) and Isiah Pacheco (back) are also questionable, while Payton Turner (back) and Damone Clark (undisclosed) are on injured reserve. The status of these players could impact both teams' strategies and effectiveness on the field.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Colts favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 36.5. The odds reflect a competitive matchup, with the home money line for the Colts at -139.0 and the away money line for the Lions at 113.0. This suggests that the Colts are expected to win, but the close spread indicates that the game could be tightly contested.

Weather conditions for the game are favorable, with a temperature of 80°F, light winds at 7 mph, and no precipitation expected. Such conditions should allow both teams to execute their game plans effectively without weather-related disruptions.

Viewers should watch for the performance of the Colts' quarterback Riley Leonard, who has thrown for 62 yards in his last outing, and running back Anderson Castle, who rushed for 41 yards. For the Lions, quarterback Luke Altmyer has shown promise with 86 passing yards in his last game, while Joshua Dobbs contributed significantly with 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. The effectiveness of these players could be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsIND -1.5 36.5 o -108 / u -112 Detroit Lions +107 · Indianapolis Colts -130

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • A.J. HaulcyQuestionableAnkleIndianapolis Colts
  • Tyler WarrenQuestionableGroinIndianapolis Colts
  • Josh DownsQuestionableCalfIndianapolis Colts
  • Coleman OwenInjured ReserveConcussionIndianapolis Colts
  • D.J. MontgomeryInjured ReserveAbdomenIndianapolis Colts
  • Isiah PachecoInjured ReserveBackDetroit Lions
  • Michael NieseInjured ReserveLegDetroit Lions
  • Giovanni ManuOutKneeDetroit Lions
  • Cade MaysInjured ReserveWristDetroit Lions
  • Kerby JosephOutKneeDetroit Lions

Leaders

  • Passing yardsAnthony Richardson Sr.7/10, 80 YDSIndianapolis Colts
  • Rushing yardsSeth McGowan4 CAR, 20 YDSIndianapolis Colts
  • Receiving yardsAnthony Gould4 REC, 51 YDSIndianapolis Colts
  • Passing yardsJoshua Dobbs15/19, 128 YDS, 2 TDDetroit Lions
  • Rushing yardsJacob Saylors17 CAR, 100 YDSDetroit Lions
  • Receiving yardsLucky Jackson5 REC, 94 YDSDetroit Lions

Recent form

Indianapolis Colts

Last 10: 1-8-1Streak L119.5 scored · 27.8 allowed per game1-4 at home

  • L6-34vs Atlanta FalconsAug 22
  • D13-13at New England PatriotsAug 13
  • L30-38at Houston TexansJan 4
  • L17-23vs Jacksonville JaguarsDec 28
  • L27-48vs San Francisco 49ersDec 23
  • L16-18at Seattle SeahawksDec 14
  • L19-36at Jacksonville JaguarsDec 7
  • L16-20vs Houston TexansNov 30
  • L20-23at Kansas City ChiefsNov 23
  • W31-25vs Atlanta FalconsNov 9

Detroit Lions

Last 10: 4-6Streak W122.9 scored · 24.2 allowed per game1-4 away

  • W17-13vs Washington CommandersAug 22
  • L14-16at Cincinnati BengalsAug 13
  • W19-16at Chicago BearsJan 4
  • L10-23at Minnesota VikingsDec 25
  • L24-29vs Pittsburgh SteelersDec 21
  • L34-41at Los Angeles RamsDec 14
  • W44-30vs Dallas CowboysDec 5
  • L24-31vs Green Bay PackersNov 27
  • W34-27vs New York GiantsNov 23
  • L9-16at Philadelphia EaglesNov 17

Standings

TeamLostPoints againstPoints forTiedWin %WonOverall
Green Bay179840.66722-1
Detroit145560.66722-1
Chicago152670.66722-1
Minnesota257220.33311-2
Jacksonville154600.66722-1
Tennessee153530.66722-1
Indianapolis272351.16700-2-1
Houston365400.00000-3

Box score

StatDetroit LionsIndianapolis Colts
First downs2512
First downs passing149
First downs rushing103
First downs by penalty10
Third downs13-191-10
Fourth downs2-21-3
Offensive plays7548
Total yards356229
Yards per play4.74.8
Drives1010
Net passing yards170195
Completions22/3018/32
Yards per pass5.35.7
Interceptions thrown11
Sacks allowed2-132-11
Rushing yards18634
Rushing attempts4314
Yards per rush4.32.4
Red zone trips4-41-2
Penalties1-05-35
Turnovers41
Fumbles lost30
Defensive touchdowns00
Time of possession37:3222:28

Win probability

Above the line favours Indianapolis Colts, below favours Detroit Lions.

Venue

  • Lucas Oil StadiumIndianapolis, IN
  • Attendance64377
  • OfficialsRusty Baynes, Sean Petty, Scott Helverson, Jim Quirk, Alex Kemp, Mike Carr, Brandon Ellison

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.