Two of the most prolific offenses in the NFL meet up Sunday when the Detroit Lions (3-2) take on the New Orleans Saints (2-2) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The game will be brought to you by the people at FOX at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (-4)
O/U: 51.0
The History
The Lions and Saints have played 25 games since 1968, with a dead even record of 12-12-1.
Detroit has met up with New Orleans once in the playoffs on January 7, 2012. The Saints won 48-28 at the Superdome with Drew Brees passing for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Matthew Stafford had a decent game himself, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns, but his two interceptions were the difference.
They met last year on December 4, with the Lions winning 28-13, again at the Superdome in New Orleans. This time Stafford protected the ball to the tune of 341 yards and two touchdowns. Brees threw for 326, no touchdowns and three picks.
DETROIT LIONS (3-2)
The Lions roll into New Orleans after dropping a heartbreaker to the Carolina Panthers. Detroit fought back in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns to pull within three points of the Panthers before running out of time. Quarterback Matthew Stafford finished 23 of 25 for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Detroit’s losses this season have been by four points or less.
The Lions’ defense was stout against the run last week, surrendering just 28 total yards to the Panthers. The only defender they’ll be missing this week is linebacker Paul Worrilow who is dealing with a knee issue. Ezekiel Ansah is listed as questionable, but he practiced all week and should play. The defense sacked Cam Newton three times and got 14 stops in the backfield. Drew Brees doesn’t give up a lot of sacks because of his quick release, but that kind of consistent pressure can disrupt New Orleans’ running game and make Brees rush his reads.
Stafford likes to spread the ball around. Last week he tossed it to eight different receivers, with Marvin Jones Jr. hauling in six for 54 yards. They’ll have plenty more opportunities to catch passes against a weak Saints defense. I expect Golden Tate to have a much bigger day and third down back Theo Riddick to really make a dent in the turf.
The downfield offense should benefit from the return of rookie wideout Kenny Golladay. Golladay has practiced all week and should suit up Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2)
After an 0-2 start, the Saints have back to back convincing wins, with solid defensive performances in each. Three weeks ago they held the Panthers to 13 points and two weeks ago they shut out the Miami Dolphins. Does that mean they’ve fixed the problems on the defensive side of the ball or have they faced off against offenses dealing with problems of their own? This game will tell the tale.
New Orleans should have its full compliment of receivers for this game. Willie Snead has practiced all week and should slide right back into the slot. Michael Thomas continues to be Brees’ favorite target. Against the Dolphins, he caught eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Brees’ most dangerous weapon may be rookie running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara’s emergence made trading away Adrian Peterson almost a necessity. Kamara rushed five times for 25 yards and caught 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He’s the perfect running back for this offense and don’t be surprised to see him push Mark Ingram to the bench too.
Against Jay Cutler, the Saints defense got four sacks and five stops in the backfield. Stafford and Cutler are completely different monsters and if this game is close in the fourth, it might come down to which quarterback has the ball last.
The Pick
This game has all the ingredients for a shootout. The Lions have a solid defense, but few teams are able to shut down Brees. Stafford is teeing off against what looked like the worst defensive unit in the league until the New England Patriots asked them to hold their Guinness. I like Detrtoit and Stafford pulling it out in the fourth. Lions 34, Saints 31
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 6-8
Against the spread: 6-8
Season
Straight up: 43-34
Against the spread: 38-39
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