SLR Predictions: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys

Matt: This one has all the makings of a bad Lions loss. There’s the former-Lion backup quarterback angle. How many times have we seen a former QB fade into obscurity but then lead his team to victory over Detroit while having a career day? (Joey Harrington, I’m looking at you).

And then there’s the exchange of words this week between Roy Williams and Dominic Raiola. It just seems like that’s the type of thing that will light a fire under a guy who has unquestioned physical abilities, but very much questioned work ethic and attitude.

Finally there’s the fact that the Cowboys are now at the bottom of their division with the same 2-7 record as the Lions. As we saw in Buffalo, bad teams beat the Lions just as often as good teams do. Cowboys 34, Lions 17

Latif: I think this week’s matchup is between two teams that are actually mirror images of themselves.

On offense, both teams can’t run the ball, but have exceptional passing attacks led by backup quarterbacks. The offensive lines, while good at certain phases of the game, are mediocre overall. The question for the Lions is whether or not Shaun Hill can effectively get the ball to the tight ends and Calvin Johnson. It will be interesting to see how Jahvid Best fares against a 23rd ranked Dallas rush defense and how Felix Jones does against the Lions 26th ranked rush defense.

On defense, the problems for both teams are similar. The Lions are a little better on pass defense, but Dallas has one of the most talented corp of wideouts in the NFL. Both are suffering from weak linebacker play, and the team with the better LB unit out there should have the better defense. I think an interesting matchup will be to see how much of an impact DeMarcus Ware and Ndamukong Suh for their respective teams.

Overall, this is a tough one. Lions are coming off a tough road loss and Dallas coming off a great win against the Giants. The “momentum” it seems is in Dallas’s favor, but I’m going to pick my Lions to win 28-23 simply because I think the Lions tight ends matchup way too well with the Dallas linebackers.

Ross: These two teams are very similar statistically. As you know, both the ‘Boys and the Lions have a 2-7 record. They have excellent passing games, both rank in the top 10. Detroit ranks 30th in total yards rushing, Dallas is 31st. Also, both will have their backup quarterbacks starting this Sunday.

I think a key to the game will be establishing a running game with Jahvid Best to take pressure off Shaun Hill and the passing attack. Best has only broke 70 yards rushing one time this year. That combined with the absence of Kevin Smith means that Jahvid Best is going to need to have his best game of the season.

I think it will be a very close game, I have had trouble deciding on who to pick. However, with Jason Garrett winning over the team and Dallas coming off a big win against the Giants (compared to the Lions embarrassing loss at Buffalo), I will give them the edge. Cowboys 24, Lions 20

Brian: The battle of the 2-7’s: Detroit looks to go in to Dallas this week and snap their dreadful NFL record 25 game road losing skid. Although it would typically be seen as a plus that Dallas is stuck with backup Jon Kitna, Detroit unfortunately finds their selves in the same scenario with Shaun Hill. Detroit continues their woes in the ground game, as well as flip-flopping between QBs leaving little room for the wide outs to get used to the different passing habits. Will Detroit snap its 25 game streak of losses on the road? I just don’t see it happening. I believe the Cowboys will carry on with their momentum from last week and Lions will hand America’s team their first back to back win of the season. ‘Boys 31 Lions 21

Zac: The Lions defense is underrated, they will need to keep the Lions in the game since their running game has been so anemic. I like Calvin Johnson matched up with just about anyone and I think this game will present some good opportunities for the tight ends. Shaun Hill needs to show he can throw the ball down the field throughout the game, not just in two-minute mode.

Ultimately, the Lions have too many issues for me to be able to count on them for a win. I gave them the benefit of the doubt last week going into Buffalo and they let me down. If they came out with that kind of performance for a 25th straight road loss, why would this road game end any differently? Cowboys 23, Lions 16

You’ve heard what we are thinking, what do you say?

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