Colin Cowherd has stirred up some controversy with his bold pick for the Week 12 showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions.
Cowherd believes the Colts will pull off an upset over the Lions, a choice that seems surprising given the teams’ current records. However, Cowherd has a rationale behind his prediction.
Cowherd highlighted the recent performance of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, noting that he’s won four of his last five starts and played his best game as a pro in a victory over the New York Jets.
Richardson has shown promise in his second season, and Cowherd is confident in his potential to lead the Colts to victory.
Despite Cowherd’s optimism, the Lions are not to be underestimated.
The 9-1 Lions are a powerhouse, with a top-five offense and defense, including the highest-scoring offense in the league.
Detroit averages a staggering 33.6 points per game and has scored over 40 points in four games this season.
Their most recent performance was a dominant 52-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
The Colts, on the other hand, have had their ups and downs. In their most recent game, they squeaked by the New York Jets, winning 28-27 in Richardson’s first start after returning from injury.
Richardson showed poise and confidence, similar to the swagger he displayed in his college days at Florida.
Even one of his teammates credited his brief benching with helping to spark his recent improvement.
However, Indianapolis hasn’t yet faced a team as well-rounded as the Lions.
Detroit presents a unique challenge with their aggressive defense and potent offense.
Still, Richardson’s ability to make big plays could help the Colts stay competitive in the game.
While Richardson remains the focal point of Indianapolis’ offense, the Colts have had other playmakers step up as well.
His numbers have fluctuated compared to his rookie season, but he has delivered some impressive plays, including a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs in Week 1.
There have also been issues with turnovers, which at one point led the team to turn to veteran Joe Flacco.
Flacco performed admirably when called upon, but the Colts ultimately decided Richardson was ready to return as the starting quarterback.
In his most recent start against the Jets, Richardson led the Colts to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, proving his resilience and clutch ability.
Now, he’ll need to summon that same resilience against one of the toughest teams in the league.
The game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where Richardson will look to continue his growth and lead the Colts to an unexpected victory.
A win would not only be a major upset but could also put Indianapolis back into contention for an AFC Wild Card spot.
