From his studio in Los Angeles, Colin Cowherd made headlines by predicting the Indianapolis Colts would upset the Detroit Lions in Week 12.
His choice surprised many given the teams’ contrasting records, but Cowherd explained his reasoning.
“Anthony Richardson has won 4 of his last 5 starts and had his best game as a pro against the Jets,” Cowherd said on The Herd.
While Cowherd is bullish on Richardson, the Lions are formidable. Sitting at 9-1, Detroit boasts a top-five offense and defense, with the league’s highest-scoring offense averaging 33.6 points per game. They’ve surpassed 40 points in four games, including a dominant 52-6 win over the Jaguars.
Meanwhile, the Colts edged out a 28-27 victory against the Jets in Richardson’s return as starter. He appeared confident, reminiscent of his Florida Gators days. Even a teammate credited his earlier benching for sparking his improved play.
That said, the Colts haven’t faced a team as balanced as the Lions this season. Still, Richardson’s knack for big plays could make the matchup intriguing.
Why Cowherd Thinks the Colts Could Win
While Richardson is key, other factors bolster Cowherd’s faith in the Colts. Though Richardson’s numbers are down from his rookie year, he has delivered explosive moments.
In Week 1, Richardson threw a career-long 69-yard touchdown to Josh Downs against the Texans, showcasing his potential. However, turnovers and inconsistencies led to Joe Flacco stepping in temporarily.
After regaining the starting job, Richardson orchestrated his first fourth-quarter comeback against the Jets, thriving under pressure against a tough defense. However, Detroit’s defense is even more physical and aggressive, presenting a new challenge.
Richardson isn’t facing it alone. Former starter Flacco has praised his resilience and fully supported his return to QB1. That determination will be tested in Week 12.
The game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium, where Richardson aims to deliver a season-defining performance. A victory would not only shock the league but also boost the Colts’ chances in the AFC Wild Card race.
