INDIANAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions showed again why they're one of the NFL's best teams, beating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-6, at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The win was the Lions' ninth straight as they improved to 4-0 against AFC South teams this season.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson continued the strong play he displayed in last week's game-winning drive against the Jets on the Colts' first possession, leading the team to the Lions' 4-yard line before the drive stalled, and they settled for a Matt Gay 27-yard field goal.
After the Colts' opening drive, Detroit and Indianapolis exchanged punts. Then, the league-leading Detroit offense found a rhythm. The Lions drove 60 yards in nine plays with running back Jahmyr Gibbs giving them the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Colts answered with another productive drive, but tight end Drew Ogletree dropped a pass in the end zone. Gay kicked a 29-yard field goal to cut Indy's deficit to 7-6.
Detroit extended their lead on a David Montgomery 6-yard touchdown with three and a half minutes to play in the second quarter. The Lions led 14-6 at halftime.
The Colts' defense appeared to provide a spark early in the third quarter, stopping the Lions on fourth-and-1 from the Indianapolis 14-yard line. Indy's offense, however, went three-and-out on the ensuing possession.
Detroit then marched 79 yards down the field in 10 plays with Gibbs scoring on a 5-yard run to put the Lions up 21-6. Jake Bates tacked on a 56-yard field goal to provide the final margin.
Richardson finished 11-of-28 for 172 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Penalties plagued the Colts as they finished with 10 for 75 yards.
The Colts are now 5-7 on the season and are back on the road next week at New England. That contest will air on CBS4 at 1 p.m.