It has been a great year in the NFL. Following 2025, even a little, you have seen how some of your teams have turned the tide. All of a sudden, the teams that were easy opponents in 2024 have to fight with more aggressive rivals. Of all the franchises on the move, the tale of Indianapolis and Detroit is the most compelling. The Colts and Lions have both been performing better, advancing their performance, achieving better records, larger point margins, and improved team chemistry. This season marks a significant shift in direction, and people are already speculating about what these motivated teams have in store for the rest of the league.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
The Indianapolis Colts have managed a turnaround that’s got opponents on notice. Shane Steichen’s group is now sitting at seven wins and just one loss at the close of October, holding the league’s best point differential, plus 116 through eight games, which is jaw-dropping if you’re into complex numbers. They’re not only outscoring opponents, but it’s happening week after week. This kind of swing from middle-of-the-pack to looking like Super Bowl material is scarce. What’s helping? Sure, Steichen’s coaching is enormous, but so is the Colts’ ability to balance an efficient offense with a lockdown defense. It’s not just the numbers, it’s the way they’ve changed how games feel every Sunday. That point differential says it all: they’re dominating, not squeaking by.
And Detroit? The Lions have a strong record of 5-2, with a high point difference of +67, which has placed the team on the same level as New England, despite the Patriots having an extra game. Detroit is not merely riding the bandwagon; they have been astute enough in making roster decisions, and they have discovered their stride with coach Dan Campbell. The difference is night and day compared to last year. The defense can actually keep leads safe, while the offense puts stress on defenses with quick drives and creative play calling. Being this competitive inside the NFC isn’t a fluke. Campbell’s vision, combined with some strategic player acquisitions, has yielded tangible results on the field. Fans are right to wonder how far this mix of grit and skill might take them now that playoffs seem well within reach.
In truth, what separates the Colts and Lions from other “improved” teams is not just a string of wins, but the way they’ve built from the ground up. Both clubs have made smarter front-office decisions, steadier hands at the coaching helm, and genuine growth from young talent. Yes, the Patriots are also having a much better run this year, but Indy and Detroit have that combination of tangible results and rising expectations. Right now, their improvement isn’t just about having more wins; it’s about having changed their reputation overnight. That’s what a real leap looks like in professional football.
So with half the season behind us, all eyes are on these two. Whether the Colts and Lions can continue to move toward the playoffs and possibly even surprise us historically remains uncertain.