Lions Top Colts 25-16 Behind Joshua Dobbs

The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts 25-16 on Saturday, with Joshua Dobbs delivering an efficient two-touchdown passing performance to lead Detroit in its 2026 preseason finale at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Detroit finished the preseason with a 2-1 record, using a strong first half and a steady closing effort to leave Indianapolis with the win. The Lions and Colts traded six-point opening quarters, but Detroit created separation before halftime by outscoring Indianapolis 13-7 in the second period. The Colts trimmed the margin with the only points of the third quarter, a field goal that made it a one-possession game entering the fourth, but the Lions answered by posting the final six points and holding Indianapolis scoreless over the final 15 minutes.

For a preseason game, the result offered Detroit plenty to like from its offensive depth. Dobbs completed 15 of 19 passes for 128 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, consistently keeping the offense on schedule. His 78.9 percent completion rate reflected the kind of controlled quarterback play teams want to see in August: quick decisions, accurate throws and no costly turnovers. Detroit did not need a frantic two-minute drill or an overtime finish; instead, it built its lead through sustained execution across the afternoon.

Key Performers

Joshua Dobbs: Dobbs went 15/19 for 128 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT. The veteran quarterback was the passing leader of the game and gave Detroit a composed presence in the pocket. Two touchdown passes on only 19 attempts made his afternoon especially productive, while the clean interception column helped the Lions avoid giving Indianapolis short fields.

Jacob Saylors: Saylors paced Detroit’s ground game with 17 carries for 100 yards. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry, providing a consistent answer whenever the Lions needed to keep the offense moving. Reaching the century mark in a preseason road game is a meaningful final audition, particularly for a back trying to demonstrate he can handle volume as well as create efficient gains.

Lucky Jackson: Jackson led all receivers with five receptions for 94 yards. His 18.8 yards per catch gave Detroit an explosive element, and his production paired effectively with Dobbs’ accurate afternoon. On a day when the Lions generated only 128 passing yards from their top passer, Jackson accounted for nearly three-quarters of that output.

NerdSports Stat: Detroit scored 19 of its 25 points before halftime, then allowed only three Colts points over the entire second half while preserving the lead.

The quarter-by-quarter flow was pivotal. Indianapolis stayed level through the first quarter and remained within striking distance after its third-quarter field goal, but Detroit’s 6-0 fourth quarter prevented the Colts from finding a late equalizer. The Lions did not allow the game to turn into a final-possession scramble, and that closing defensive stand gave their preseason finale a confident finish.

Indianapolis falls to 0-2-1 after showing enough early resistance to keep the contest competitive, but its scoreless fourth quarter proved costly. The Colts will now turn from preseason evaluation toward preparing their roster for the games that count, while Detroit can carry a 2-1 exhibition mark and several strong depth performances into the regular-season ramp-up.

Next, the Lions host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 13, while the Colts welcome the Baltimore Ravens that same day. With the preseason complete, both teams will shift their focus to the regular-season playoff picture and the early division race.

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