The Detroit Lions’ quarterback competition looks as if it’s headed to their final preseason game. Daunte Culpepper threw for a touchdown and Matthew Stafford passed for 160 yards to help the Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 18-17 yesterday in an exhibition game. Culpepper started and completed seven of 12 passes for 67 yards. Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, was 13 of 19 but also threw an interception.

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander. Northcutt gives rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the top pick in April’s NFL draft who could replace Daunte Culpepper in the starting lineup, a veteran receiver opposite Calvin Johnson. Alexander, a second-round pick in 2007, gives Jacksonville depth in the secondary. He started 16 games as a rookie, but missed most of last year following a neck injury.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Detroit Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew said yesterday the chances are very good Detroit will have a deal done with the No. 1 pick before the NFL draft begins Saturday. Mayhew declined to say much else during a news conference. Mayhew said the list of candidates to take first overall has narrowed, but he wouldn’t talk about specific players when he was asked about Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford.