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Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts: DJC Writer Predictions

By Zac Snyder

Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in a huddle with teammates during the first quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in a huddle with teammates during the first quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2016 season opener at the Indianapolis Colts.

The Detroit Lions are set to kick off their 2016 season with a week one road trip to play the Indianapolis Colts. Here is what the Detroit Jock City writers see for the game ahead.

Matt Pelc – I’m not sure anyone fully knows the type of season the Lions will have in 2016. The national media largely has them dead and buried before the Week 1 kickoff, while many of our fellow bloggers see them in the playoffs. The truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.

This uncertainty carries into the first game in Indianapolis. Certainly with the Colts’ terrible offensive line and banged up secondary, the Lions seem to have a good chance at winning. On the other hand, you have to believe that the Colts are also looking at this home game against Detroit, with their uncertain offense in the post-Calvin Johnson age and shaky defense, as very winnable.

Its really a toss-up, but in games like these, especially on the road, the Lions usually find ways to lose. I’m not saying SOL just yet, but the Colts will use a revved up Opening Day crowd, along with a reportedly injury-free Andrew Luck, to eek out a victory. Colts, 27, Lions 24

Erik Schlitt – The strength of the Detroit Lions is their interior defensive linemen. The Colts are starting a rookie at center (Ryan Kelly) and have a replacement left guard starting for injured Jack Mewhort. The Lions should have no problem collapsing the pocket on a recently banged up (shoulder) Andrew Luck.

The strength of the Lions offense is in their wide receiver corps. The Colts top three cornerbacks are injured and will miss the game. Whichever receiver draws coverage from Antonio Cromartie, should have a field day. Lions 27, Colts 20

Colton Wesley – This will be an important test for Nevin Lawson and Quandre Diggs as they take on a bigger role while going up against a good group of receivers. Both of these teams have prolific passing offenses and the Colts are missing half of their starting secondary. I think Matthew Stafford has a great game despite not having Calvin Johnson and the Lions win on the road. Lions 34, Colts 31

Matt Snyder – A week one win would put the Lions on a positive trajectory. Sites like FiveThirtyEight project the Lions at 8+ wins. A victory over the Colts would put 9+ in play with a playoff berth a reasonable possibility. As a Lions fan, however, I’m not prepared for those types of expectations. I expect only doom. Colts 24, Lions 21

Zac Snyder – I see the Lions and Colts as very similar teams. Neither runs the ball well, both invested heavily in the 2016 NFL Draft in hopes of helping their offensive line to improve the running game and protect their quarterback. Generally home field advantage is enough to sway an even matchup for the home team, but the Colts are dealing with far more injury questions than the Lions, making this an extra juicy matchup for the Lions offense. Lions 30, Colts 20

Next: Lions 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions

What’s your prediction for this week’s Lions game? Leave us a comment below or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

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