SLR Predictions: Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders
By Zac Snyder
Mike Olsen: The Detroit Lions are on the verge of a wildcard, and a won on Oakland would all but solidify their post-season hopes. Oakland has fallen behind in their division race with Denver after consecutive beat downs at the hands of the Dolphins and Packers. I am never confident when the Lions travel to the west coast, regardless of their opponent, but as the week progressed the Lions got good news. Several defensive starters should be returning for this contest, including Suh and Houston, with several others listed as questionable. When combined with the absence of Darren McFadden, my confidence has grown. Matt Stafford has picked up his game over the last two weeks, and this should continue on Oakland. Carson Palmer has had two horrendous games n a row, and the Lions are amongst the league leaders in interceptions. This game will be close, and will likely come down to one crucial mistake. I believe the Raiders are the ones who make that mistake this week. Detroit Lions 27, Oakland Raiders 24
Chris Czar: Oakland’s downward spiral has been more profound than the Lions’ recent struggles, and that trend will continue this week. Kevin Smith has been a major difference maker for the offense lately, and if he’s healthy the offense should cruise against an iffy Raider defense. Carson Palmer has struggled and he can’t like this week’s prospects against a returning Ndamukong Suh and a suddenly healthy defense. The Lions get up early and hold on. Lions 34, Raiders 27
Matt Snyder: Lions will win the toss and receive the ball. Stefan Logan will return the ball to the 22 yard line. On 1st down, they’ll run a reverse to Burleson for three yards. On second down, Stafford will hit Pettigrew for eight yards and a first down. Next, they’ll run twice for a total of five yards, and then an incomplete pass to Titus Young. They’ll have to punt. More to come…
Lions 27, Raiders 24
Ross Husson: This may be the most important game of the weekend in the NFL as both teams are fighting for the playoffs. Experts around the country have been saying that this game will turn in to a penalty fest. It may be, but the Lions can’t afford to beat themselves on the road against a desperate Oakland team. I think the Lions will come out of California with a win. The main reason I believe this is due to the fact that Oakland is awful defending the run. They rank 29th overall, giving up 141 yards per game. I know the Lions struggle running the ball, but if they can establish a rushing attack, it will keep Oakland’s defense off balance. Lions win, 30-21
Marty Medvedik: The Detroit Lions are trying NOT to be the leading offenders in the league with stupid penalties. Despite coach Schwartz’s new zero tolerance policy, they still had 10 penalties last week. The Lions are new at this over the top aggression stuff. The Oakland Raiders however have been doing this for decades. Bill Parcells brought up a good point last week. Add up the penalty yards and if they total 100 yards, that equals 7 points. It might be a blizzard of yellow flags Sunday. Whoever has the least turnovers and least penalty yards wins. Lions 34, Raiders 14
Zac Snyder: Can Matthew Stafford avoid making mistakes? Can the Lions defense slow down Michael Bush and make Carson Palmer beat them through the air? I think the answer to both questions is “yes”. Anyone that saw the Raiders play the Packers last week knows the Raiders defense has plenty of problems and the Lions have the offensive playmakers to take advantage it. Lions 30, Raiders 20
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