The Detroit Lions have been one of the single most dominant teams this season. They and the Chiefs are the only sides to have suffered only 1 defeat so far. A massive part of their success lies in the strength of their defense. As of this week, the Detroit Lions have the single strongest defense on third down. They have also conceded the fifth-fewest points per game this season. Center back Terrion Arnold’s had a good part to play in this success too.

In his 10 games starting, Arnold’s had a combined 38 tackles. Not bad for a rookie cornerback. Sadly though, a groin injury he suffered during practice has put him out of commission for the Colts game. Terrion Arnold will not be traveling to Indianapolis with the team, unfortunately.

The Lions depth chart shows 26-year-old Kindle Vildor as next in line to fill in. He’s been with the Lions since last year, and though he had no starts this year, he has had appearances in all 10 games. He’s only had 5 combined tackles in that time, but we haven’t really seen him in proper action. It remains to be seen how he fares.

Terrion Arnold’s not too bothered about being left out in the meanwhile though. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Arnold talked about feeling more and more confident in his position. Specifically when dealing with the question of interceptions (he’s not had any), Arnold said, “When my picks come, they’re going to come in bunches.” That’s the kind of confidence you love to see from a youngster, we hope to see him deliver.

How do the odds look for the Arnold-less Lions against the Colts?

Let’s be honest, the Detroit Lions are the furthest thing from a one-dimensional team. You don’t have 3 wins with a more than 30-point margin if you’re over-reliant on just offense or defense. Both guns have clicked nearly every time, and even an Arnold-less defense is no joke. And while you can’t call the Colts season an unqualified disaster, their 5-6 record doesn’t carry quite the same gravitas.

Then there’s the whole mess with the Colts quarterback dance. Richardon to Flacco to Richardson, it’s like Shane Steichen can’t make his mind up. In the past, the Colts and the Lions have been pretty evenly matched. Colts have won 22 of their games, and the Lions 20, with 2 ties. It has to be said though, the Lions are the clear favorites coming into this matchup. Place your bets early.