Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts live score updates, highlights

The Detroit Lions (9-1) face off against the Indianapolis Colts (5-6) for a big Week 12 matchup.

The Lions need to continue to win if they want to lock up the No. 1 seed and earn a first-round bye. Both the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) are on their heels, so Detroit cannot afford a step back.

That said, they’re going to be a bit shorthanded on defense. On top of the season-long injuries to Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes, the Lions will be without both Alex Anzalone and Terrion Arnold this week. That said, their high-powered offense is all available and ready to go.

The Colts are clinging to playoff hopes in a weak AFC South. At 5-6, they’re still second in the division and just a couple games behind the Texans (although Houston swept the season series). With Anthony Richardson back in the lineup, there’s some renewed hope in Indy. Last week, he looked much more comfortable and productive against the New York Jets. But can he keep it up against a strong Lions defense and a beat-up offensive line?

We’ll be providing live updates from Lucas Oil Stadium after the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. That includes live score updates, highlights, injury news, and drive-by-drive analysis. Just stay on this page and occasionally hit the refresh button once the game begins.

Come join us as the Lions try to win their ninth game in a row and hold onto the best record in football.

REMINDER: If you want to hang out with our Lions community in a live event, we’re doing a live PODcast recording on Wednesday, December 4 in downtown Detroit. Get your tickets here.

First quarter

The Colts won the toss and opted to receive, giving Anthony Richardson an opportunity to build on his strong performance last week. Richardson completed a couple passes and had a designed run that quickly moved Indy into Lions territory. On a third-and-1, a QB power run went for 17 yards down to the Lions’ 12-yard line. Then on third-and-7, the Colts failed to connect on a pass and had to settle for a field goal. 3-0 Colts.

The Lions responded with a balanced drive into Colts territory, but on third-and-3, Jared Goff tried to escape pressure and slipped. A 9-yard loss dropped them out of field goal range, and Detroit punted for the first time since Week 10.

The Colts nearly connected on a huge play to start the next drive, but a QB hit by DJ Reader forced Richardson to just outshoot Alec Pierce on a bomb. After a holding penalty, the drive stalled for the Colts, and they punted back to Detroit. With a 16-yard return from Kalif Raymond, the Lions started at their own 40-yard line.

Detroit got back into field goal position with a nice scramble play from Goff, who found Tim Patrick across his body for a 27-yard gain. That was the final play of the first quarter.

Second quarter

The Lions found themselves in a third-and-8, but they found the Colts sleeping on a draw play, and Jahmyr Gibbs took it for 17 yards into the red zone. A few plays later, Gibbs took it in for a 2-yard touchdown. 7-3 Lions.

The Colts answered back. On a third-and-3, Richardson found Adonai Mitchell for 10. Then he connected deep with Alec Pierce for a 40-yard gain.

But Detroit clamped down in the red zone (with an assist from a bad Colts drop), and forced another short field goal. 7-6 Lions.

The Lions offense went about their business with a long, methodical drive. David Montgomery picked up a big first down on a third-and-6 run for 13 yards. Two plays later, Montgomery was in the end zone 14-6 Lions.

With 3:34 left in the half, the Colts tried to cut into the Lions’ lead. Richardson connected with Michael Pittman for a 30-yard gain to kick off the drive.

But that’s was all for the Colts’ drive. As quick pressure from DJ Reader and company forced two straight incompletions from Richardson.

With 1:55 left and all three timeouts, Detroit started from their own 10-yard line in a quest to add to their lead before halftime. But the Lions focused on bleeding clock, and a third-and-6 pass to Kalif Raymond was behind the receiver and nearly intercepted. Detroit punted and that was the end of the half.

Third quarter

The Lions hoped to add to their lead, but a big play from the Colts prevented it. Detroit marched down the field thanks to a third-and-7 a swing pass to Gibbs got just enough to move the chains. Then a checkdown to Montgomery earned 16 into Colts territory. On a key third-and-4, Goff found Tim Patrick for 14 yards, resetting the downs just outside of the red zone.

Eventually the Lions found themselves in a fourth-and-1 deep in Colts territory and went for it. Indianapolis was all over it, and the Colts took over on downs.